Ristèard Unwilling Empress (8 page)

“They didn’t know about it,” Ricki replied, biting her lip. “At least the scientists on your world wouldn’t have known.”

“Why?” He asked tightly, staring at her with disbelief. “If you found this within hours, why could they have not found the same thing centuries ago when they first began realizing our world was dying?”

“Because, not all of the information was found on your world,” she explained. “I told you I enjoy learning about the history of other countries. I’ve been studying the history of Kassis. The archives are fascinating and after I figured out how to navigate through them, they were relatively easy to find the information I wanted thanks to Stan.”

She rolled her eyes at him when he gave her a sharp, disapproving look when she mentioned Stan’s name. That was another issue that he would need to resolve tonight. Whatever feelings she felt for the human male would need to be forgotten. Her place would be by his side after he announced it to the council.

“Go on,” he said in a tight voice. “You were explaining how you found the information.”

Ricki absently pushed her hair behind her ear and nodded. “I worked with Stan and Jazin to develop an algorithm to help me locate keywords. I used this type of system all the time back on Earth when I needed information. Jazin created a translation wand that when it passes over the words, it translates them for me. For any unknown words, it applies millions of different key symbols and tries to match a pattern that fits the best and makes sense. I always knew that Stan was a genius, but Jazin is pretty incredible himself,” she grinned.

Ristèard was all too familiar with Jazin Ja Kel Coradon and his brother, Manota’s, computer and weaponry expertise. While on Kassis, he had sent Emyr and Harald on a reconnaissance mission to gather as much information as they could find without alerting Ajaska and Torak Ja Kel Coradon. Commander Mena Rue had been right in her assessment of the advanced technology. Unfortunately, it would appear that Ajaska Ja Kel Coradon’s attentions were focused on a human female now and he would not be able to use Mena Rue’s previous relationship with Ajaska to find out more.

“Is it possible for anyone else to know this?” He asked, his mind swirling with what this information could mean.

If there is a treasure of Blood Stones on Elipdios, it might be enough to save it. The Blood Stones replicated quickly under the radiation of their world. The problem was, there weren’t enough of them to reproduce fast enough. If there were a large stash of them, it could give them enough time for the natural process to start again.

“No, not unless they knew exactly where to look in the Kassisan archives,” Ricki replied, biting her lip. “Even then, I doubt they would be able to piece it together without knowing exactly where to look. The information I found came from a collection of paintings, documents, and good, old fashioned detective work. Also, there were portions of the archives on Kassis that are not in the system and can only be accessed by the Master Librarian. The guy has been there since its inception from the look of him.”

Hope built inside Ristèard as he stared down at the map. If it was genuine, it could hold Elipdios’ salvation. His eyes scanned the ancient symbols. He would need someone he could trust to decipher them. He needed someone that understood how to locate information, was good at picking out the details, and could put the pieces of the puzzle together. Turning to face her, he placed his hands on Ricki’s shoulders and waited for her to look up at him.

“Will you….” For a moment, his throat tightened on the unusual request. He was used to ordering people to do what he wanted. This time he would ask. “Ricki, would you be willing to help me find this treasure?”

A strange sense of expectation and nervousness filled him as he waited for her to respond. Her lips curved up into a small smile, almost as if she could sense his unfamiliar uncertainty. A relieved sigh escaped him when her hand lifted to touch his chest.

“Just try and stop me,” she whispered in excitement. “Oh, Ristèard, I hope this helps your world.”

Emotion choked him when she suddenly wrapped her arms around his waist and gave him a quick hug before pulling back with a nervous laugh. She shyly tucked her hair back behind her ear again and looked back down at the tablet.

At that moment, Ristèard felt as if his heart had suddenly awoken from a long sleep as another emotion welled up inside him. He knew immediately what it was… Love. He was falling in love with his unwilling Empress.

He started when the comlink at his ear chimed. They must have arrived at the Spaceport and the transport was ready for their departure. Tapping it impatiently, he waited for Andras to respond.

“Is the transport ready?” He asked, staring at Ricki’s sun-kissed hair.

“Yes,” Andras responded in a clipped tone. “Be prepared for a welcoming committee. Manderlin informed the council that you had returned with the Empress of Elipdios.”

Ricki nodded as Ristèard, Emyr, and Sadao all gave her instructions. Her brow creased with concern. She had never been in such a dangerous situation before. One thing she wasn’t about to do was discount what they were telling her. She could tell from the intensity of their expressions and the worry in their eyes that they meant what they were saying.

“What should you do at all times?” Ristèard asked.

Ricki nervously smiled. “Always keep Sadao and Emyr on each side of me. Harald will protect my back. If anything should happen, I will follow Sadao. He will keep me safe until you and the others can come … or,” her throat tightened for a moment, making it difficult to speak. “Or until Ajaska or Torak are alerted. Did you talk to my father yet? Does he know that I’m safe? Well, sort of safe, only don’t tell him the ‘sort of’ part. Dad is very protective of me and mom.”

She saw the flash of unease cross Ristèard’s face. Worry gnawed at her when she saw him look away. Reaching out, she touched his arm.

“You didn’t tell them, did you?” She asked in a quiet voice.

Ristèard shifted in his seat. The transport was much smaller than she had imagined it would be. This one contained six passenger seats bolted at the floor and ceiling. Three of them were on one side and faced the three opposing ones on the other side. Sadao and Emyr each took a seat on either side of her while Ristèard sat directly across from her. Andras and Harald were piloting the transport down to the planet.

“Ajaska and I spoke,” he replied in a gruff tone. “He is aware that I took you.”

Ricki raised her eyebrow at him. From the way he squirmed a little in his seat, there were a few details that he had neglected to share with her. If he wanted her help, he was going to have to learn that she liked to have all the details, not just what he felt like sharing.

“And… What was his response? Did you tell him why you took me?” Ricki paused and frowned at that. “Why did you take me? I know you think I look like this Empress of Elipdios, but I can assure you that I’m not. I seriously doubt your people even knew about humans or Earth back then.”

Except for that one reference that still didn’t make any sense,
she thought.

Star had told her about a dream she had and it matched one of the stories in the archive. Ricki had dismissed it as just a dream, but now, she couldn’t help but wonder. What if it was true and somehow, someway, the people of Earth had once traveled the stars?

She blinked when Ristèard suddenly leaned forward as far as the straps across his chest and lap would let him. The fierce look in his gaze made her swallow nervously. She had a feeling she wasn’t going to like what he was about to tell her.

“It doesn’t matter what I believe or not,” he replied in a low, intense tone. “What matters is what my people think. If they believe you are the prophesied Empress of Elipdios that has returned to save their world, then you are. Time is running out for my world, Ricki. If the information you have found proves to be unsuccessful, hundreds of millions of Elipdiosians will perish. I took you because I needed you. That is the only reason you need to understand. You are a symbol of hope for my people. Ajaska is aware that you are here and I have given my word that I would keep you safe. He will inform your parents. There is nothing he or your father can do about that now.”

Ricki schooled her face to hide the hurt she felt at his words. He was right. Just because they had shared a few kisses didn’t mean anything. She needed to focus on her original plan, help Ristèard and his people if she could and return to Kassis and her own family. Once she returned, she would see if Stan was interested in trying a second date.

“Very well,” she replied coolly. “Once we are down on your planet, I would like to have full access to any information you might have pertaining to the history of your world. This should include both digital and hard copy materials.”

Ristèard leaned back with a nod. “We will meet with the council first. Afterwards, I will give you what access you don’t already have,” he stated dryly. “Once I am free, I will give you a tour of the palace.”

“Thank you,” Ricki said, sitting back in her seat when the transport bounced. “I look forward to learning more about the history of your world.”

He nodded his head in acknowledgement before turning his attention to the two men sitting on either side of her. She distractedly listened as Emyr, Sadao, and Ristèard discussed what they expected to happen at the council meeting. Her mind turned to the material she had found so far.

Glancing down, she opened the tablet in her hands back to the map. She studied it carefully, enlarging sections of it so that she could see the symbols marked on it better. Opening her purse, she pulled the thin scanner Jazin had given her out and ran it over the corner of map at some symbols that were very faint.

Frustration swept through her. She really wished she had the actual, physical map in her hands. If it was still in existence, she would find it. Her hand slid down the smooth glass when the transport turned as it began banking for landing. The scanner light flashed as it passed over a section of the map that looked blank.

Ricki glanced under her eyelashes at Ristèard. He was busy talking still. Lowering her eyes to the slate in her hand, she ran it carefully back over the screen. It took several tries before the scanner picked up the almost invisible symbols. Narrowing her eyes, she waited for the scanner to decipher the words.

Careful seeker for the treasure lies protected by the guardians of Elipdios. Only those true of heart led by one born with Blood of ice can pass through the crystal doors. Keep a wary eye, for dangers lurk to keep safe the treasure that will heal this world. Emera

“Who is Emera?” Ricki asked, looking up at Ristèard.

All three men stopped talking and only the sound of the engines of the transport could be heard for several long seconds. From the look of surprise in Ristèard’s eyes, it was a name that meant something to him. Pushing her glasses back up on her nose, she waited for his response.

“She was the first Empress,” he stated with a shrug. “It was said she was crazy, but she is the one who ordered the building of the underground cities that would later save the people of Elipdios. It is believed that she was not from our world, but that the First Emperor fell under the spell she cast and claimed her as his bride. Legend states she died during the birth of their second son.”

“Why are you called the Grand Ruler if the previous rulers were called Emperor?” Ricki asked, looking back and forth. “I apologize for not having more knowledge, but I wasn’t expecting to be kidnapped. If I had known, I would have brushed up on your history.”

Both Sadao and Emyr chuckled at her pointed reference. Ristèard shot both men a dark look before he returned his gaze to her. A frown creased his brow and he sat back in his seat and folded his arms across his chest.

“My father changed the name to Grand Ruler and redesigned the council appointments to elected positions,” he informed her.

“After we killed the others,” Emyr chuckled. “The former council was made up of warlords from the different zones that cared nothing for their people, just for the power and wealth they could amass on the backs of their subjects.”

“That power and wealth came from the Blood Crystals that they sold for weapons to off-worlders,” Sadao added quietly. “When Ristèard’s grandfather tried to stop them, they turned on him.”

Ristèard nodded. “My father was imprisoned,” he told her in a grim voice. “What they did not expect was that he would build a resistance among the prisoners.”

“That included our parents,” Emyr added. “Our bond is the fact that each of us was born in the bowels of an Elipdios prison.”

Ricki glanced at each of the men in horror. “Each of you… How?” She asked in shock.

Ristèard shook his head. “It doesn’t matter. Emera was the first Empress. She was considered crazy and banned to the deserts of Elipdios to live out her final days as an outcast,” he said. “We are landing, remember what we told you.”

Ricki nodded. She was too stunned by the information she had learned to ask any more questions at the moment. There was so much she didn’t understand, but wanted to know.

She silently studied the man across from her. He stared back at her in silence, daring her to feel pity for him. Pity was the last emotion she felt; Respect, confusion, and understanding, yes. Pity? Never. Ristèard Roald was a man used to violence, a life on the edge and he was perfectly capable of handling both.

Ricki pulled her gaze away from him to look out the front window. Her throat tightened as she caught her first glance at the capital city of Elipdios. A huge, black palace rose high above the city that surrounded it. It looked as if it had been carved into the mountain where it stood like a magnificent sentinel watching over the citizens far below.

“Welcome to my world, Ricki Bailey,” Ristèard murmured as the transport began its descent.