Chapter 13: Chapter Thirteen

The two handmaidens guided her along. They gripped her arms, not giving a chance to escape. She glanced between the women, searching their faces for sympathy. Neutral expressions didn't offer hope.

She was led along a hallway of mirrors, past an indoor pool and through a landscaped courtyard. The palace became less ornate afterward. Her three silent escorts didn't seem to be leading her to Darius' bedchambers. Confusion and fear sickened her stomach as the foursome walked into a series of dingy hallways.

“Where are you taking me?” she asked, resisting the tight grip on her upper arms. “Please, tell me what you are going to do to me...”

“Do not speak,” hissed the woman on her right. “Your fate will be explained soon.”

The soldier placed a menacing hand on her back, pushing her faster. Legs burning, she struggled to keep up with their brisk pace. They walked for what felt like miles and stepped down five twisting staircases. The temperature dropped as if she was being taken underground.

Several turns through damp, stone passageways led to a locked, rusting metal door. Behind this, the gravel floor was rough and puddles soaked Elaine's shoes. She stumbled often but was kept upright and dragged onward.

Terror shot through her; she was sure sunlight would never be seen again.

A dead end appeared before them. The soldier took out a small, white card from inside his breastplate. He waved the card across the dead end wall. Almost waist high, a rock popped out and another control panel slid outward. A blue light flashed into his right eye and then he pushed buttons, inputting six unique numbers.

Astonished, Elaine watched the stone wall slide left, revealing a tiny, lit room. She blinked painfully at the sudden light. They took her into this wooden box. The soldier pressed a button and the stone wall slid back into place.

Elaine gasped as the room shuddered and groaned. Her stomach rose, a strange force pulling at her body. The room jolted softly. The wooden door slid aside and she couldn't believe her eyes.

“My lady, this will be your new home for a time,” the woman said on her left, smiling for the first time. “Everything is here to provide comfort until we can smuggle you out of the city.”

Elaine stepped into a spacious, decorated room. Colorful tapestries lined the walls. A plush, green couch sat before a cold fireplace. Three doorways led off to more rooms beyond. Candelabra and bowls of fresh fruit graced a rectangular kitchen table with four chairs.

“I don't understand,” Elaine said, wrapping her arms around herself. “Aren't I going to Darius' bed?”

The youngest of the two women shook her head and smiled. “No, you are safe. These secret tunnels were carved hundreds of years ago before the palace was built. Darius and those evil ones who support him do not possess this knowledge. We've spent months making sure.”

“What about Gavin? He was dragged away to be tortured and executed, even at this moment.”

The soldier rubbed his neck, a frown furrowing his brow. “A plan is in motion but these times are dangerous. His Majesty may be dead before we can intervene.”

Elaine's knees gave way. The soldier jumped forward, catching her. She was lifted and placed on a soft bed. Hands raised her head and a crystal tumbler was brought to her lips. A sweet, alcoholic liquid poured into her mouth.

She drank gratefully, receiving worried stares.

“My lady, you require food and rest. You have had a horrible time.” The first woman took away the empty glass.

She struggled to sit up. “Gavin is being tortured...we need to save him...”

The second handmaiden held her down. “Everything is being done, my lady. Rest yourself and gain strength for the trial ahead.”

“But he needs help...”

Tears slid down Elaine's cheeks as three faces faded into blackness. Unconsciousness provided temporary relief. Nightmares of torture plagued her mind. Gavin's screams woke her with a sweaty jolt.

When her eyes opened, she found one of the women sitting by her bedside. “My lady, at last you are awake. How do you feel?”

“Could I have a drink of w...water?” she whispered, swallowing to moisten her dry throat.

The woman nodded, retrieving a glass from the side table. “Here, drink slowly or you will choke. That's it, my lady.”

Elaine obeyed, drinking down the contents. Then she sat up and leaned against the headboard. The woman handed her a plate of toast and fruit jam. A kind smile was sent her direction.

“Thank you for helping me. What is your name?”

“Mara, my lady. I will be serving you.”

“Why is everyone calling me by that title? A primitive doesn't deserve such a name, do I?”

“You are His Majesty's mate. In respect to him, you have been given protection and an honorary term.”

“Oh...and the others? Can I ask who they are?”

“My sister, Gloria, is in the living room. Tribune Lucas has gone to join the effort to save Gavin's life.”

“Is there any news yet?”

Mara shook her head, a smile softening a matronly face. “If his rescue is possible, he should be brought here.”

“Why are you risking your lives for us?”

“Gavinicius is the last legitimate heir of a royal bloodline stretching back to the first emperor. While not the first to challenge the dynasty, Darius has nearly succeeded in overthrowing it.”

“A lot of people were outside the palace gates. They looked angry.”

“Public opinion is demanding Darius step down. He isn't popular but has enough supporters to put up a bloody fight. We are attempting a peaceful transition of power without war.”

Elaine nibbled on a piece of toast. “Has he discovered that I've vanished?”

“Yes, and he is furious.” Mara smiled rather gleefully. “The palace is being searched but we won't be found.”

“I'm grateful to you for saving me. Part of me wishes you hadn't though. I wanted to kill him and solve the problem.”

“That was a brave plan but also foolish. Once Darius was dead, you would be killed and a supporter of his would take power anyway.”

“So, nothing would really change?”

“Not without troops backing the move. Your blood would be spilled without reason and His Majesty would die before anyone could reach him.”

Elaine slumped back into the pillows. Her thoughts were consumed by what was happening to Gavin. With her out of sight, he would be tortured to death. She had wanted to soften Darius' sentiments and then kill him. Now, she couldn't do anything except imagine the worst.

Gloria entered the bedroom. “Would you like to bathe, my lady? A change of clothes would be refreshing.”

Looking down, Elaine realized that she was still wearing the soiled, farm dress from two days prior. “I suppose I should clean up. Thank you for the offer.”

“Very well. I'll prepare the tub for you and assemble an outfit.”

When her sister left the room, Mara leaned forward. “My lady, may I ask an impertinent question? Have you engaged in sexual relations yet with His Majesty?”

Elaine blinked, instantly uncomfortable. “Yes, we have several times. Why is that important?”

“Novian law doesn't take relations lightly. If you are pregnant, His Majesty has sired a legitimate heir.”

“I'm not pregnant.” She looked away. “In fact, he knows that I will never be able to have a child.”

“I apologize for pressing, my lady. You have been through enough stress without my questions.”

Despite the woman's apology, her disappointment was poorly hidden as she left the room.

Trapped and utterly alone, Elaine covered her mouth and cried. Her heart ached for her beloved's arms but he may be dead already. Once again, she longed to be pregnant with his child. That would never happen.

Younger and prettier than her sister, Gloria came back and smiled compassionately. “Your bath is ready, my lady. Let me help you.”

Numb and exhausted, she followed the handmaiden into the washroom. A black marble tub steamed with fragrant, warm water. Scented flowers and bubble clouds floated across its surface.

Gloria held up a red silk sheet so Elaine could undress and slip unseen into the tub. She slipped under the liquid warmth. Relaxation stole through her muscles. Closing her eyes, she emptied her mind for a few minutes at least.

Once the water became cold, she wrapped herself in a green towel. This bathroom was a strange, delightful experience. Sparkling clean, a large sink and a knee-high black seat occupied the space. She lifted the seat's hinged lid and realized it was a toilet. Desperate to go, she relieved herself. By itself, the toilet washed away the waste.

I could get used to this planet's innovation. She thought, washing her hands. I will never miss outhouses and chamberpots.

In her bedroom, the women awaited to dress her. Mara explained carefully that Novian females shaved their underarms and legs. This was surprising to Elaine but she allowed them to do so.

Feeling cleaner and smoother than a baby's bottom, she was dressed by Gloria.

A white garment was brought forth, made out of yards of thin, slinky material. Elaine raised her arms and let the garment slide over her head. Gold fastenings were secured and the remaining swathe of white fabric was draped over her left shoulder.

She was told this style of dress was called a stola.

“Do Novian women require corsets or any kind of breast support?” she asked.

“There are those practical garments available but it isn't necessary,” Gloria replied, “In fact, if I may say so, you don't require such support yet.”

A floor length mirror caught Elaine's attention. She didn't recognize the elegant, attractive woman gazing back at her. Her thick, amber hair had been brushed out, curled into waves and pinned loosely. Even still, her face was worn down by time and pain. Ten years of prostitution hadn't been easy upon her body.

Nineteenth-century Earth seemed so far away from this parallel planet.

“You are a beautiful vision, my lady,” Gloria said, smiling into the mirror. “His Majesty would be so proud.”

She sighed with frustration. “How I wish that news would come that Gavin is safe! This suspense is agonizing.”

“While we wait, the time may pass quicker by conversation,” Mara suggested, “Novus has many customs which will be different for you. Time and study will improve your comfort.”

“Yes, I would appreciate that. I'm used to working from dawn until dusk. Sitting around doing nothing would drive me crazy.”

For the next several hours, she learned a vast amount of information about Novus, its people and technology.

Human waste, trash and byproducts were recycled into pure energy which powered the electric civilization. The planet's sun provided any extra power required for clean factories and residential areas. Food was grown fresh and strictly controlled so that obesity didn't become a problem.

While this innovative technology was incredible, the planet was rooted in tradition and the past. Highly-trained horses were still used for transportation over short distances. Breach portals could be taken between six main continents: Southeast Atlas, Northeast Tropicae, Eastern Anatolia, Southern Poena and the last,Northwest Paradisum, home of the ruling emperor or empress.

This merging of rustic and modern created a balanced, lighthearted society.

Particularly amazing to Elaine was the equality between men and women and the complete absence of slavery. There was crime on the planet but severe punishments deterred all but the worst criminals. The continent state of Poena was used exclusively as a global prison.

Her attention span waning, Elaine's panic grew by the hour. Scores of textbooks and novels were available. However, while she spoke Italian fluently, text was much harder for her to translate. Sleep was peppered with chilling nightmares. Two digital clocks were the only way she could keep track of night or day.

The sisters tended to her every need and gave much appreciated companionship. The threesome played games, ate delicious meals and exchanged their histories. But Elaine's heart was a raw sore, throbbing for Gavin.

Two slow, torturous days and nights passed before any news was heard.

On the third morning, she woke out of a lovely dream. Her body tingled from Gavin's kisses and gentle touches. The smile faded from her lips when reality replaced dreamy peace. Tears sprang behind her eyes yet again. She was so tired of crying.

Pulling the covers back, she rose and tiptoed past Mara sleeping on a cot in the corner. She found Gloria sitting at the dining table which was covered in papers, folders and text books.

“Good morning, my lady. Were you able to sleep?”

“A few hours. What about you?”

Gloria shook her head, rubbing her eyes. “I went to bed but couldn't stop my brain.”

“Would you like a cup of coffee?” Elaine asked, shuffling into the kitchen area. “I was going to make a pot.”

“My lady, I should be doing such menial tasks for you.”

“Nonsense. I don't know why everyone is treating me like a dainty princess or something.”

Gloria turned around, disbelief crossing her face. “His Majesty chose you as his queen, my lady. He made this clear while being taken from the throne room.”

“But we haven't been married yet.”

“In our culture, a declared intention is the same as the actual deed. To Emperor Gavinicius' supporters and armies, you will be the new figurehead if he is killed at any point. That is why Mara inquired if you had fallen pregnant. Without a blood heir, you are all that is left of the Imperial succession.”

Frozen to the spot, Elaine stared aghast at her new friend. “I...I don't understand...Darius would be better than me if this is so. I'm a primitive for God's sakes! I know very little of this planet or its people.”

“His Majesty knew what he was doing when he declared his love before the royal court, my lady. He was well aware what Novian laws dictated should he die without an heir.”

“Why didn't Darius kill me outright then? He had to know that I was a threat.”

Gloria snorted, taking the forgotten coffee pot from Elaine's hands. “His arrogance knows no bounds. He possesses endless hatred for His Majesty. The idea of bedding you appealed to him intensely. Perhaps he intended to kill you afterward.”

“Do you know why he hates Gavin so much?” she asked, taking a seat as Gloria prepared the coffee after all.

“From what I've heard, their mother doted upon His Majesty while ignoring and ridiculing Darius. The late Emperor Hadrian visited often and brought many lavish gifts for his young son.”

“That would surely build resentment. It's so sad because Gavin loved his brother intensely.”

Gloria poured steaming coffee into two cups and brought them to the table. “From what I've observed, Darius has no conscience. His death is an urgent matter and will be most satisfying.”

Dread swept through Elaine's soul as each hour was stacked upon the next. She longed to know where Gavin was being held or if he was even still alive. He could be dead already, his lifeless body growing cold. Patience was itself an agonizing torture.

In early afternoon, the elevator rumbled its way down.

Gloria shot up from her armchair, grabbing an energy gun which would discharge fatal neurotoxin darts. “Mara, someone is coming down. My lady, get into the bedroom!”

Elaine did what she was told but peered through a crack in the door. Both women were armed, ready for hostile intruders. A few seconds of breathless silence ticked by. The elevator door slid back.

Elaine released a long breath, feeling relief and heartbreaking disappointment at the same time.

Lucas stepped off the lift without her beloved. A grave expression wrinkled his brow as the three women surrounded him. He held up his hands against their peppered questions.

“I have good news but her ladyship should sit down first.”

In a breathless daze, Elaine was guided to the living room. She took a seat on the couch. Her handmaidens sat on either side of her, lending their support. Lucas leaned against the fireplace mantle and took a deep breath.

“His Majesty was being held under heavy guard. He is alive. Many of our good men died in the process but we have him.”

Elaine trembled, joy and relief washed over her. “Where is h...he now?”

“Taken through a breach portal to his military encampment. Darius has fled the palace and his whereabouts are currently unknown. The capital city is back under our control.”

Confused by his hesitant demeanor, Elaine rose and looked him in the eye. “Isn't this good news? What aren't you telling me?”

“Before we were able to free him, His Majesty was tortured psychologically. He has suffered severe trauma and injuries. The best physicians are tending him but the prognosis is uncertain, my lady.”

Elaine's worst fears had been confirmed but a new purpose had been born. “I need to be with him. Please, take me there.”

“My lady, His Majesty is in bad shape. The sight will upset you.”

“I don't care, Lucas. Take me to Gavin at once!”

“Very well, my lady, I am at your service.”

Once the sisters had gathered Elaine's new clothes, the party left the underground safe house. The lift took them upward, rising for several minutes. Instead of a dank passageway this time, Elaine was greeted by fresh air and sunlight.

She took a deep breath and looked around at the surroundings.

The lift had risen into the palace's front courtyard. The portal archway towered to her left. Soldiers poured through, marching in formation. Energy guns were rested on their right shoulders while swords flashed at their left hips. The palace was abuzz with tense activity.

A protective hand cupping her elbow, Lucas guided her through a maze of armed foot soldiers, jittery horses and winged guardsmen. Prisoners were herded past, clamped in chains. She searched the hopeless faces and felt a pang of sympathy. They had chosen the wrong side and were reaping the consequences.

A group of red-plumed officers stood inside the open gates, laughing and joking. One of them turned and Lucas signaled him. When the winged guardsman got closer, Elaine was shocked to recognize Antonius. Her jaw clenched in anger.

Scowling, she intercepted him. “How did you escape without even a scratch? Why didn't you help Gavin?”

“Excuse me?” he asked smugly.

“You left us and disappeared. As I recall, Marco claimed that you had been captured too but I never saw you. Where were you?”

He sniffed, looking past her. “Tribune Lucas, what can I do for you?”

“Stand to attention when her ladyship addresses you, Centurion.” Lucas frowned, coming to Elaine's side. “Until further notice, she is to be respected as His Majesty himself. She asked you a question and should receive an answer immediately.”

Antonius' nose twitched but he followed orders. “I apologize for my brisk manner, my lady. I was captured after leaving His Majesty and yourself in the trees. I didn't know what happened to him until being liberated last evening.”

“You weren't tortured?”

“No, I'm not certain why I was spared. Aside from being denied food and water, I was unharmed.”

Lucas stepped forward. “Prepare an escort for her ladyship and myself. We are bound for the compound. That is all.”

Antonius saluted, turned on his heel and walked away. Elaine glared after him, her blood boiling. She suspected that Gavin had been far too lenient in his lifetime. His brother had betrayed him in the worst manner and now his supposed best friend hadn't protected him.

“Lucas, tell me something. Do you trust him?”

He looked after the man in question. “I have known Centurion Antonius for many years and he has always proven his loyalty.”

“That isn't what I asked.”

“Would you like for me to keep a closer eye upon him, my lady?”

She nodded. “I may be wrong but there is something off about him. Certainly, he doesn't like me and made that very clear.”

“Have no fear, my lady. I am in charge of your safety now and no harm will come to you or His Majesty.”

Elaine smiled, placing a hand upon his forearm. “Thank you for risking your life for us. Gavin deserves your loyalty but I am not sure that I do. You have been kind.”

“On the contrary, my lady. You seem to be a woman of great strength and insight. His Majesty has chosen a suitable queen to grace his side.”

Ten minutes or so later, four white horses pulled a gold carriage through the main gate. A formation of fifty cavalrymen surrounded the vehicle. Elaine was assisted inside along with her handmaidens. When the ladies were settled, Lucas mounted a white stallion.

“Company, move out!” Antonius commanded, flying past overhead.

The carriage jerked into motion. Anxious to see her beloved, Elaine sat back against the plush cushions. The portal archway rippled to life and the horses pranced through. The escort was transported to a flat landscape. White tents were spread across grasslands clear to the horizon.

Imperial flags waved above an intimidating fortress in the center. The mounted escort passed through its outer gates. Winged guards posted along the thick, concrete walls didn't interfere. Elaine's eyes grew wide, observing the terrifying power and strength of Gavin's forces.

The carriage halted before one of several bunker entrances. The open doorway led down two flights of concrete steps. Lucas kept close to Elaine's side as they walked into an endless complex of underground, white chambers.

The hallways were lined with glass doors on either side. Off-duty soldiers lounged behind each door, relaxing or sleeping. The living quarters gave way to a sterile, medical bay. Dozens of injured patients were being tended by industrious nurses and doctors.

Elaine expected to find her beloved among them but Lucas pivoted right down a wide hallway.

“Why isn't Gavin in the hospital being cared for?” she asked, searching his stoic face. “Where are we going?”

My lady, you need to prepare yourself,” he said, turning into her. “His Majesty has been put through severe psychological torment. The royal physician is certain that he was starved and not allowed to sleep for the past three days.”

Foreboding dread trickled forth as they walked into an empty cellblock. Banging and crashing could be heard near the end. Lucas grasped her arm, steadying her. Frightened voices were shouting back and forth. Then the noises ceased entirely.

Conveying rage and frustration, a male scream ricocheted off the stone walls.

Elaine's hand shot up to her mouth. That voice stabbed through her heart. Ripping her arm free from Lucas' grasp, she ran past the remaining cells. The sight which greeted her eyes was unimaginable.