Cassandra's Challenge (66 page)

“Yes we are.” Reluctantly he releases her.

“Dad?” William is pulling on his jacket when he
hears his son’s voice.

“I’ll take care of it.”

“You’re late. You told Marat 1945, its
2000.”

“There was a problem with Victoria.”

“Victoria! Why wasn’t I told.” Lucas turns to
leave.

“Wait!” The authority in his father’s voice
stops him. “It wasn’t something you could help with. It involved
her mom and dad.”

“Oh.”

“Lucas. Victoria’s mom was going to have a baby,
a baby boy.”

“Oh shit.”

“She just needed her Aunt.”

“Okay.” He looks at his father. “How’s she
doing?”

“Bouncing back, she’s a tough little girl.” Both
turn as Cassandra enters the room.

Tonight she’s in black, from neck to toe. The
material clings to her curves until just below the top of her
thighs then it separates into panels that tease the eye. Making you
think you would see bare leg, instead black leggings. Her forearms
are wrapped in the same material with strings of colored crystals
connected to shoulder cuffs providing sparkle to the satiny
material. Her hair left down, just grazing those shoulders.

Cassandra looks at William. He’s in a different
uniform, the pants deep violet with a black strip down the leg. His
jacket snowy white making all his decorations stand out and
sparkle. He is a handsome sight.

“Crap Cassandra, you’re going to put Yakira to
shame.” It’s the first time Lucas has seen her in her ‘Royal’
clothes.

“What?” She pulls her gaze away from
William.

“He thinks you look beautiful.” William gives
his son a hard look.

“That’s exactly what I meant.”

“We need to go.” William holds out his arm, she
slips her hand into it.

“Victoria.” Cassandra looks at Lucas.

“Dad filled me in, I’ll head straight over it’ll
be fine.”

“She’ll want to go to bed early. It’s her way,
her bed.”

“I’ll keep her safe.”

“Cassandra.” William waits.

“Okay, let’s go.”

The arrival of the Challenger doesn’t go
unnoticed. Her escorts are all dressed in the formal white
Coalition jackets, the pants indicating their House. The violet
color a perfect foil for the black of the Challenger’s dress, the
crystal sleeves sparkling.

As Cassandra and the Admiral move into the room
Marat and Tar stay a step behind, eyes scanning the crowd. A
servant approaches offering tray of drinks in crystal glasses.

Taking a small sip, Cassandra finds it similar
to champagne as her eyes scan the gathering. Many faces are
familiar from yesterday’s gatherings, she nods to several. Others
she recognized from studying the comm today.

It appears the House of Knowledge brought their
entire Assembly. Across the room her eyes meet Queen Yakira’s.
She’s tall easily 6’8” without the extra foot her coil of black
hair adds. Her dress is brilliant sapphire, multi layered, each
billowing out further then the last. In her hair, around her neck,
and on her arms was what on Earth would have been called bling,
lots of bling. The entire effect reminded Cassandra of a giant
sparkling ball. Giving her a slight nod Cassandra turns her
attention to the man standing beside Yakira.

Prince Audric, Yakira’s husband. He’s shorter
than the Queen, dressed in the white uniform of the Coalition, his
pants the blue of the House of Knowledge. Across his chest were
medals Cassandra knew to be honorary, granted to him by the Queen.
He’d only served the minimum time required by Carinian Law. Audric
has no Royal ties, carries no birthmark. The marriage between he
and Yakira, arranged by her parents after the death of her intended
in an accident on Messene. While his expression is neutral she can
feel the anger in his stare. He is not happy with this Challenge.
Keeping eye contact Cassandra acts like she’s taking a sip from her
glass, Audric’s eyes narrow.

The music changes as King Jotham enters the
room. All turn for the entrance of their host. He too is wearing
Coalition white and Cassandra knows the medals on his chest are
earned. He looks distinguished and not at all concerned about
arriving thirty minutes late. Two of Deffand’s men are a step
behind the King. A servant offers him a glass. Picking it up, he
proceeds into the room.

“I was kind of hoping he would have already
started the Ball.” Cassandra says quietly to William.

“I believe he is looking forward to dancing with
you.” William replies. “You’ll be fine.” The Admiral raises his
head as the T
erwilligers approach.

“Admiral Zafar. Princess Cassandra.” Evander
greets them.

“Assemblyman Terwilliger, Madame Terwilliger.”
Cassandra acknowledges them.

“Interesting evening last night.” Evander
fishes.

“Quite interesting.” Her tone tells William she
knows what Terwilliger is doing.

“That is another gorgeous gown, Juruas’
again?”

“Yes.”

“Assemblyman Terwilliger, Madame Terwilliger.”
King Jotham nods to the group.

“Majesty.”

“Princess Cassandra, would you honor me with the
first dance?” The King holds out his hand.

While William knows she’s nervous, none of it
shows as Cassandra places her hand in the King’s, a relaxed smile
on her face.

“The honor is mine, Majesty.” All eyes watch as
Jotham leads her to the dance floor. As the music starts the King
guides her around the room.

“You valsa quite well Princess.” Jotham makes
small talk.

“It is similar to a dance called the waltz on
Earth, Majesty.” She isn’t yet sure she trusts Jotham’s change of
heart.

“You danced it often there?”

“No only on formal occasions, mostly
weddings.”

“Weddings?”

“I believe you call them Unions here.”

“Ah, I see. You attended many.”

“No, the last was my brother’s. Eleven
years…cycles ago.” She corrects herself.

“You are adapting quickly to our world, learning
the similarities and differences.”

“There really wasn’t any choice in the matter.
Majesty.” Cassandra remembers at the last minute to tack on his
title.

“No I guess there wasn’t. How is your niece,
Victoria, handling it all?”

Cassandra’s eyes sharpen on his, trying to
decide if he was just making polite conversation or if he really
cared. William trusted him, she trusted William.

“She has her moments. Tonight was especially
hard for her. I feel I need to apologize to you for our lateness.”
She continues to look him in the eye.

“William said there was a situation. He didn’t
say it involved Victoria.” Jotham frowns slightly. Cassandra knows
what he’d thought.

“He knows I’m very protective of her. I’m what
you would call her Second Mother. I take her wellbeing
very
seriously. She takes priority over being on time.”

While her expression never changes Jotham can
see her honest commitment and love for the child in her eyes and
tone.

“A child should always be a priority.” He tells
her.

“On that, Majesty, we are in total
agreement.”

When the music ends Jotham steps back giving her
a slight bow before leading her back to his friend.

Audric watches King Jotham dance with the Earth
woman, his rage simmering. How dare he support her! Does he know
who he’s dealing with? Just because he’s a
real
Royal he
thinks he can do whatever he pleases. He will pay for this slight
once this Challenge is over.

Dadrian’s eyes follow Cassandra as she dances
with his father. While she’s a little thing she has all the right
curves. He wonders if she’s small everywhere, the thought causing
him to shift his stance. He’d have to find out, soon.

“Thank you for the dance, Majesty.” Cassandra
gives him a slight bow as he returns her to William.

“My pleasure. Admiral.” Nodding to William the
King walks away, making his way across the room to Queen Yakira,
time to do his Royal duty.

“That wasn’t so bad was it?” William leans down
as he hands her a fresh goblet of wine. He watched them dance, his
friend and life mate. She never faltered she confidently allowed
Jotham to guide her around the room, all the while carrying on a
conversation. He never doubted her ability, his eyes telling her
just that.

“You’re a better dancer.” Cassandra raises the
glass to her lips but doesn’t drink, her eyes saying she wished
she’d been dancing with him. His eyes flash as he straightens.

As the music starts again, Terwilligers move to
the dance floor, other couples following. Mingling, William subtly
leads her to those she needs to either speak to or meet. He has a
few contacts within the House of Knowledge, most from his Academy
days. He starts with them.

“Assemblyman Bevington, may I present Princess
Cassandra Qwes Chamberlain. Princess Cassandra, Assemblyman Nestor
Bevington.”

“Assemblyman Bevington, a pleasure.” She nods to
the man she knows is an old friend of William’s. They’d gone to the
Academy together. He’d been at the Battle of Fayal. He’d left the
service when his wife became ill.

“Princess, may I present my daughter, Kira.”
Bevington touches the elbow of the young woman next to him.
Cassandra knew her to be at the head of her class in what on Carina
was university. She is twenty.

“This is Kira?” The Admiral allows the shock to
show in his voice. “Last I saw you, you were this tall.” He puts a
hand at his waist.

Kira gives him an open smile. “That was nearly
seven cycles ago Admiral. I’ve grown up.”

“Yes you have.”

“Kira is in her final year at Montreux.” The
pride in Nestor’s voice is unmistakable. Cassandra knew Montreux
was the top university on Carina, very excusive.

“What are you studying?” She asks knowing the
answer.

“I’m specializing in Ancient Carinian,
Princess.” While she speaks confidently, nerves are in her
voice.

“Really, I’ve also found it very interesting.
The Admiral’s son Kyle specializes in it. Have you met?”

“No Princess” There’s interest in the younger
woman’s eyes.

“We should make sure you’re introduced.”
Cassandra looks up at the Admiral.

“That can be arranged.” He agrees.

Bevington watches the interaction between the
Admiral and Princess. Rumors have been flying about the two of them
her unfounded claim to the throne, the Admiral’s loss of nerve, her
manipulation of the Admiral, the Admiral’s total captivation of the
woman. He’s known the Admiral longer then Queen Yakira has sat on
the throne, he’d withhold judgment.

“There has been a great deal of speculation at
your arrival Princess.” Bevington goes to the heart of the matter.
Looking at him with cool eyes Cassandra finds she likes that.

“How so?”

“You have taken refuge in the House of
Protection, while challenging the House of Knowledge.”

“I’ve taken refuge where the Admiral felt I
could be best protected. There have been several attempts by the
Regulians to stop my Challenge to Queen Yakira, innocent lives have
been lost. The Admiral thought it best not to give the assassin any
more opportunities. I trust the Admiral’s judgment.”

“The Regulians!?!” Bevington’s eyes shoot to his
friend.

“They attacked the Princess’ home world,
destroying it to try to stop her return. They killed all but one
member of her family.” The Admiral meets Bevington’s startled look.
“They continue to attack the fleet trying to stop the
Challenge.”

“That makes no sense Will…Admiral. The Regulians
have never shown an interest in the Houses.”

“Someone has given them cause.” Bevington sucks
in a quick breath his eyes shoot to Cassandra instantly understand
what the Admiral is implying.

“And you felt the House of Knowledge wouldn’t be
safe?”

“No.” The Admiral’s implication is clear.

Bevington knows exactly who benefits from Queen
Yakira staying on the throne. Looking at the Admiral he understood
that he does too.

“Admiral Zafar.” A guard dressed in House of
Knowledge colors, address the Admiral. Turning he gives him a cold
look.

“Captain.”

“Prince Audric requests your presence.”

“Really?” Raising his eyebrow he expresses his
opinion of Prince Audric’s request.

“Assemblyman Bevington, Kira, would you excuse
us?” Cassandra pauses looking at the Captain from the House of
Knowledge. “The Admiral owes me a valsa.” Turning she looks up to
him. Taking her hand William leads her to the floor, leaving the
Captain gasping.

“That was very smooth.” William holds her closer
than King Jotham had moving her around the floor. It is immediately
apparent they know each other well.

“I’ll be damned if I’ll be summoned.” She
politely smiles up at him.

“Totally agree.” William’s face is set.

“I liked Bevington.” Cassandra enjoys the
freedom dancing is giving her to talk to him.

“He’s a good man.” His fingers squeeze her
waist.

“You trust him.” Her fingertips graze his
neck.

“Yes.”

“Good to know.” When the music stops they
approach Queen Yakira.

Yakira watches the Admiral and small woman move
around the floor. They look as if they’ve danced together for
cycles. While their expressions never change they are obviously
carrying on a conversation. She knows Audric is fuming at what he
sees as a slight, what she sees is a confident couple who refuse to
be summoned.

When the music ends they approach, a guard steps
up to stop them. Audric has given them orders to search the
Challenger. The Admiral steps in front of Cassandra as the guard’s
hands move towards her.

“I wouldn’t if I was you.” The Admiral’s voice
is low but deadly. Marat and Tar enclose Cassandra.