They Will Take, Until Nothing of You Is Left. SL02 - A tale by Cinder and Kaito - Part 1
I was lying on a burning pyre, hot coals beneath my back. Flames, Smoke. Blisters burbling across my skin. My Leg and hand were gone, leaving stumps where the surgeons had attached my prostheses. Dead wires dangled from them. I tried to crawl, but it was as useless as an upended turtle. I reached out with my one hand, trying to drag my body from the fire, but the bed of coals starched off into the horizon.
The heat was the hottest beneath my neck, trickling down my spine. The unrelenting pain. like hot coal had gotten beneath my skin.
My eyes flew open from the jolt of heat creeping its way up my human hand, which then turned cold. The pin prickling chill under my skin wasnโt something I had felt in a long while, to the point that I wonder if I am imagining it all right now. I had to have been dreaming. Of course, the nightmares had been coming back to me over the years. When I felt lost, incomplete, or even uncertain on where I would end up, they became more frequent.
However, as the stars before me started to turn into shapes and colours, as the warning messages telling me that I have been in an involuntary shut down and a reboot was taking place. Gradually the odours of cleaning chemicals started to make their way to my senses. I knew something was out of place.
โHello sleepy head. You are finally coming back to us.โ an unrecognised male voice, with a thick European accent asked, but when I tried to move my head to see him. I could not. ย
โDonโt move, you are still connected. Med-droid disengage Linh Cinder now.โ And now fear began to make a home in me.
โWhere am I? How did I get here? Who are you?โ All the questions came out in one string of words.
โYou are at the Letumosis labs at the Palace. You were brought here after you volunteered your services to the cyborg draftโโ I cut him off, because what was he talking about? Why would I be here? In the Palace? In a lab? Noโฆ Noโฆ I must still be dreaming.
โWhat are you talking about? I didnโt volunteer, let me go! I am not meant to be here.โ Panic captured my muscles, or so I thought. I realised that I was restrained. โWhy am I tied up like a prisoner!โ I demanded pulling at my arms and legs, however with no luck.
โHey, you need to stop moving, otherwise I will have no choice but to shut you down again.โ Only then did it occur to me.
โYou have me connected? Without my permission?โ I felt violated, I feltโฆ abused. I had been stripped down to a thin knee length shirt, with no pants. All of my scars, my human and cyborgness on full display for this man who I couldnโt see and did not know.
The pressure was building behind the retina displays that were my eyes, telling me that if I were still human and untouched by the hands of scientists. I would be in tears right now.
โLetโฆ Meโฆ GO!โ I screamed pulling at my arms once again.
Sleep hadnโt come easily but I had managed to drift off until my light sleep was broken by a swift, quiet exchange in the living area of my chambers. A man and a woman... #Hiro had insisted on spending the night here. After our encounter with ย #SybilMira I was happy to keep him close.
ย "Kai?" The familiar voice sounded at my door followed by two light taps. I was already shrugging into a silk robe which I hadn't yet tied when light flooded in through the crack in the door as it ย opened. It was not sunlight; it was still the small hours of the night then.
A woman I remembered from the labs was stood several feet behind my friend; she averted her eyes at the sight of her Crown Prince bare-chested in his undergarments and an open black ย and gold robe. I hastily tied it. "What's happened?" I moved towards the door so fast that I lurched forwards and startled the middle-aged woman.
"I'm sorry, Kai." #Hiro's eyes brimmed with unshed tears. "Your Father has entered the third ย stage of letumosis." The woman behind him shuffled uneasily.
The blow landed like a kick to the centre of my chest, I waited for it to physically knock me backwards... But nothing came as I stood there for seconds with my throat slowly ย closing up. I would lose the ability to speak in moments. I moved forwards to the woman again, slower this time so as not to spook her. "Thank you, for bringing this news." I said; the shake in my voice was acceptable...considering I had just learned that my father was one step closer to death.
"I... I am so very sorry, Your Imperial Highness." A tear slipped down her cheek. I reached up and tilted her chin with a crooked finger.
"We will all remain strong, as Emperor Rikan has ย taught us to be." I gave her a nod and she straightened proudly, righting her stance.
"Of course, Your Highness." She bowed low. "In his honour, long live the emperor." Her voice remained strengthened and lent its newfound potency to mine.
"Long live the emperor." #Hiro and I replied at once, and the woman left swiftly. Her composure was seemingly restored.
"Stars!" #Hiro gasped when the door clicked shut behind her. "How do you do that? A handful of words from you and ย people turn from a quivering mess into a beacon of confidence." He was dragging his hand through his hair as he became blurry around the edges. How strange... he was by no means a slim young man... but how does one become blurry in such a ย way?
The room tilted, rocking, and rolling from side to side, spinning. "Kai?" He asked and closed the space between us. He sounded far away... like he was speaking through a window. "Kaito!" His alarm was evident as he dropped to his knees and his arms came around me. I was falling with him... was he pulling me down? What on Earth was he thinking?
Then came the shrieking... I flung my head around searching for whoever was in distress. #Hiro struggled to restrain me. I had to ย find this person, my fingers scrambled at the thick rug, and I crawled forward but he pulled me back. Panic struck me, I needed to make it stop, my heart raced, fear and pain lancing through my body. Hiro continued clutching me to his chest, trying to stop me from moving away as he murmured words like. "It's okay, I've got you... Just let it out."
Why wasn't he looking for this wailing man? #Hiro may not have been the heroic type, but he wouldn't sit idly by while another suffered.
I wasn't sure how long I sat there with him. But over time the shrieking turned to muffled sobbing. There was a soft tapping on my chamber doors. "Wait!!" #Hiro shouted and scrambled to stand. "Wait!" He left me on the plush rug and rushed to the door. There was a muffled conversation as he opened the door narrowly. "The Crown Prince will get himself ready today." He said with an authority that made me sit up. "Send up a breakfast tray in twenty minutes, and ย ensure his schedule is clear for the morning so he may visit with his father, after last night's news."
Last night? I glanced around. Pale sunlight was indeed trickling through the drapes. Awareness crept in that I was lying on the floor... My throat was raw... from screaming. The screaming man had been me. I had crumbled, I had fallen to pieces. I was all the Commonwealth had... and I had broken beneath the crushing weight of it all.
Before I knew it #Hiro was back and ย hoisting me to my feet. "Come along, Kaito. Itโs time to be the man that can sway a nation with only a few words again." He tilted my face up. "Your Father needs you."
He told me his name was Dr. Dimitri Erland. He told me that he was the man in charge of finding the cure for the pandemic that was killing our people. He told me that #LihnAdri had signed my rights over to the palace and that I now was being used to test on.
The old man in his late fifties sat there as calm as he could be as he spoke to me. To ย him, my reactions, sarcasm, and outbursts did not matter. He would just sit there, wait for me to be done, and start where he left off.
When I finally stopped interrupting him, I started to take in his appearance as he spoke.
He wore a crisp white lab coat. His hair was balding even if he tried to cover it with a golfer cap with a herringbone pattern. Lines drawn into his face suggested he had spent many years thinking very hard over difficult problems. His eyesโฆ they were the colour of the seaโฆ Soโฆ ย blue. ( I had never been; however, I had seen images of it on the Netscreens. ) He had crow's-feet when he smiled which are covered by a pair of tiny, silver spectacles.
What this man had to smile about was me. I was a test monkey that had been handed over to the palace when my sisterโฆ. โPeony.โ My mind reeled. How had I forgotten about #Peony? Where was she? How was she? Was someone looking after her?
โSo, you see Linh Cinder, you are a medical marvel. Some may say a miracle. Who would have thought that today when I woke, that I would be sat here with you in a lab. After you had been infected with letumosis.โ
โWaitโฆ What?โ This caught my attention. Was the old man still speaking to me or about me? โWhat do you mean?โ The Med-droid wheeled away from me, I had been disconnected and my arms and legs were freed. As I slowly sat up, my head spun, and the ground came up to meet me.
โSlowly there, you will hurt yourself.โ He jumped up to help me back onto the cold metal bed. โI told you just now, werenโt you listening to a word I was saying? We injected the letumosis virus into you. However, Waitโฆ Let me show you.โ
He turned his attention to the screen behind him. Tapping on the keyboard he brought up the image of a girl, a cyborg. It was meโฆ Half of the image showing the outline of my body, and the other half showing dots flashing in and out of vision. โThese here are the letumosis virus, and if you watch you will see how your amazing body fought them off.โ
The man was crazy, or he was lying to me. But as I waited for the orange warning light to flash behind my vision. Nothing came.
ย โNo one fights off letumosis. Itโs a sure-fire way to deaths doorstep. And then it occurred to me. โYou have a cure?โ My eyes were on the back of his head. Only his cap and itโs patten visible to me.
โThatโs the thing, your body started to fight off by itself, we hadnโt had time to give you the injection.โ He still wasnโt facing me when my eyes darted to the door.
There was only and old man, and sure there was a med-droid in here, but I could take it. Butโฆ Why would I want to leave this place? I was safe here; Dr. Erland had been taking such good care of me. He would be my friend. And I would be safe here.
โStars!โ I rubbed my face, as the orange light to indicate that I was being lied to was flashing. And I knew no one here was talking to me. Something told meโฆ Those thoughts werenโt mine, But thenโฆ where had they come from?
My eyes were back on him, and I wanted to hit him over the head with the spanner I kept in my artificial leg. And thenโฆ I wanted to become his friend. I was so messed up. โDoes this mean I can go?โ I asked him.
โGo?โ He turned himself and the stool around to face me. โWhy in the name of the stars would you want to leave?โ
โOh, I donโt knowโฆ Spending extended amounts of time with old people puts a damper on my street cred?โ My words were filled with sarcasm to the fullest.
โFunny. But No. You cannot leave. We need you. We need your help. We need to find out why youโฆ Linh Cinder are the only cyborg who hasnโt reacted the way the others have. This is a gift for youโฆ Itโs a gift to help save the world.โ
โGirl!โ I jumped down from the bed. โI am a GIRL!โ I shouted. โI am not a pin cushion for you to test on.โ My eyes darted to the door again.
โYes, yes. But. My dear, there is no way out of here for you. I may have freed your hands and feet, but You are the key to unlock the greatest mystery the world is all working on right now.โ I didnโt want to be this miracle. I just wanted to be me. โOur Emperor Needs YOU, Cinder.โ
Those last words stilled my thoughts. I saw Kai at the press conference shown on the Netscreen, holding it together. Doing the right thing for his people. And now I could hold the answer to save his father? Could I push my fear and want to run aside? Could I do this for my friend and his father?
My father was weak; the Med Droids pushed his bed right against the glass and helped him turn to face me. I pressed as close to the window as I could; my hands against the glass. He lifted his hand to the window. His fingertips were pressed ย against it as though he could touch me. The inch-thick barrier between us made me want to rage. His face and neck were marred by the lesions of this awful disease. The blue, bruise-like rings had faded, and the angry red blisters had crusted ย and turned lighter.
But I wouldn't show my weakness in front of my Father. He deserved to pass in peace, believing that the Commonwealth was in the hands of a capable ruler. A ruler I had believed I could be, until last night. 'My beautiful ย boy.' He was hoarse from coughing. 'Be strong, lead our people your way, laugh... And Kaito, fall in love. Promise me?'
"Father... I can't... Iโm not even nineteen yet. To rule I might need to..." I couldn't make him a promise like that. There was a good chance I would need a marriage alliance to keep the Commonwealth safe and as long as it wasnโt the damned Lunar Queen... I would do it.
'No! Kaito...' His body lurched into a coughing fit. Blood splattered the glass and I struggled not to let tears overtake my eyes. 'Promise me, my son.' He tried to sit up and his body protested with another round of violent coughing.
"I promise, I promise. All of it. I promise." I pressed both hands to the glass. As soon as ย the words were out Father's body stopped shaking and the coughing ceased. Blood coated his lips; his breathing was quick and shallow. A Droid was injecting something into his IV and in a few seconds, he took his first deep breath, then his eyes fluttered closed. The machines he was connected to made no noise... it wasn't like the medical dramas that streamed on the net feeds. I knew it was for my fatherโs comfort that they were silent.
I waited until the numbers and lines stopped rapidly jumping. 'He is resting comfortably Your Imperial Highness.' The irritatingly soothing voice of the Med Droid said. 'He will sleep for several hours. Shall we notify you when he awakens?'
I pulled my hands from the glass. "Yes please." I nodded, standing up and adjusting my clothing. It was time to put on the mask again. To be the confident... almost cocky royal once more. I left the room, my shoulders back, head up and hair in my eyes despite my efforts to ย comb it back with my fingers.
When I stepped out, #Hiro was waiting. I had tried to convince him to stay in my rooms for the day, but he told me he would be just as safe from the Lunars with me; as he would be hiding in my rooms. I had of ย course pointed out that that was not true, or we wouldnโt have had that incident, to begin with.
He gave me a nod that told me I looked like I had it all together and I smiled. #KonnTorin appeared at the end of the hallway as we walked to ย the elevator bank. โWhere to now?โ #Hiro asked.
โThe medical wing. I want to speak with Dr Erlund. To see if there is any progress yet.โ I slowed preparing myself for whatever my fatherโs advisor had to say when we met halfway along the corridor.
โYour Highness.โ He dipped his chin respectfully, and his assistants bowed a little lower. โIโm glad to see youโve visited your father already. We have someโฆโ His eyes moved to #Hiro. โUrgent matters of state to discuss.โ
#Hiroโs ย throat bobbed and #Torin continued. โI was about to visit His Imperial Highness, but I received a comm stating he is resting, presently. So perhaps now would be a good time tโโ
I cut him off. โWe can discuss it later, Iโm on my way to the medical wing to speak with Dr Erlund.โ
โKaito, if there was anything new to reportโฆโ He tried to insist.
โLater, #Torin. Just allow me an hour or so and we can discuss whatever is on your agenda.โ I signalled to the droid attending the lifts ย to call for one. โFather is resting, but Iโm sure he will be comforted to have you by his side.โ We all knew that the emperor could have only moments left now. There was no telling when he could pass into stage four, and no one could guess how ย long a patient had after that.
When I stepped off the lifts o the level that housed the research facilities, I instructed my guards to wait there. They obeyed as this was the most heavily guarded wing in the palace right now. Probably even more than the royal familyโs living quarters. #Hiro stayed at my side, visibly more at ease now, his fear of reprisals for his so-called actions towards #SybilMira had him more worried than he was willing to admit.
โYou donโt ask for much do you?โ The old doctor called out from the other side of the divider; ย I had been redressing myself behind.
The doctor had spent the last hour asking me about my past, trying to paint an image in his mine with where I came from and how I came to be in New Beijing. Upon finding out that Linh Garan had adopted me from the European Federation after my family had died in a hover accident, leaving me fighting to live in the hands of scientist and doctors whoโd turned my body into what it was now. ย His excitement had toned down a few notches. That was until I continued my story to the point where Linh Garan was lost to us due to Letumosis.
โLike you said, Iโm the answer everyone is looking for. So, if you want me to stay and help without making your life difficult. I donโt think itโs much to ask for.โ
He went silent on the other side, and when I popped my head out from the side to make sure the man hadnโt left and locked me in the room, I saw him gazing out into nothingness. โDr Erlund?โ I called his name, stepping out fully dressed, and pulling my gloves back on over my animatronic hand. โAre you okay?โ
He didnโt answer until I was stood before him, clapping my hands to jerk him out of it. ( Whatever It ย was. )
โOh, Hello. Myโฆโ He clamped his mouth shut, as though he were stopping himself from saying whatever it was, he was about to share. โYou donโt know or understand how difficult it is to take someone out of the quarantines once they are processed.โ
Okay, he had a point. Iโd never heard of it being done. But that wasnโt my problem. โThat sounds like a problem you need to solve not me. From where I stand, I could have asked for more.โ And he knew it from the way he was looking at me.
โListen Doc, Iโm not asking for much.โ I started to list the things out on my fingers.
โOne, I want all payment for this lab testing to go to me and not Adri. She isnโt making a single univ from me as of today. She will not see any of it! Two, I want you to keep it to yourself that I am helping you. Three, I want you to get my sis out of the quarantines. Now. Today. That is not debatable. Four, I am going home. As much as I donโt want to. I know if I am not there Adri will do something to Iko, and Iโm not having thatโฆ.โ I wasnโt even stopping to breathe. โAnd Five, Peony is to be the first to get the cure. If I have to pump every drop of my blood out of me and into her for this to happen. We do it.โ
His overly grown eyebrows pulled together, as if he were holding the biggest secret in the world.
โJust spill it will you.โ I crossed my arms, popping my hip out. Impetuses growing by every passing moment. I could make this happen. I could help #Peony, she could survive this disease and then the three of us could leave this forsaken place.
โIโฆ I cannot make that promise.โ He finally crocked out; his voice thick with sorrow.
โWhat? Why? Which part of it?โ That tension at the bridge of my nose was back.
โNo. Listen.โ He held his hands up as he spoke to me. And I realised that he was trying to calm me. โJust the part where your sister is the first to have the cure.โ
My hands fisted up. โOh, I see. I am the one who is going to be the test pig in this place, and I canโt save my sister? Fat chance Docโฆ Iโm not helping any of you, not if she dies. Stars!โ Pacing back and forth, I wasnโt sure when I had picked up the spanner from the side.
โCinder, you arenโt listening to me. She wonโt be the first. She will be the second. I must give our Emperor the first you see.โ I came to a stop my eyes were on his again, the blue of them looked to have dulled a little now.
โThe emperorโฆ Rightโฆโ How was I forgetting about him?
โItโs hard to think of others when the ones you love, are hurting. Itโs understandable.โ He slowly placed a hand on my slumped shoulders.
โIโm such a bad friend. I knew he is sick, and of course I want to help to save him. But my little sisterโฆ She is so innocent. She didnโt deserve to get this. She shouldnโt be alone in the quarantines.โ I sat down on the chair as the door slid open, the both of us turned to stare at the med droid rolling in.
โLetโs get started. We need to take some more blood so I can continue with my testing. I know the answer will be in your plasma... And thenโฆ you can go home... And then come back tomorrow. He added the last part as though they werenโt going to be tracking my every move.
Eyeing up the Med droid, I could see that it was unbalanced. โWhat is it with droids in the Palace, do your mechanics not understand the meaning of a good service?โ He looked the droid over and shrugged his shoulders. Telling me to sit and give the droid my elbow.
โYour bedside manners need some work doc.โ I rolled up my sleeve and did as he asked until six vials of blood were taken.
#Hiro and I reached the labs... these corridors made me shudder. All the rooms along here had an exam room with a quarantine room attached. I hated to think of what went on in them... Human testing, even on a volunteer basis just made my skin ย crawl.
I reach Dr Erlund's office, I knocked politely but opened the door before I was invited in... I was still a Prince after all. When I stepped inside, I stopped dead in my tracks.
"Cinder!" I said... my voice too high... my smile far too wide and my chest far too light after everything I had seen today, and it wasn't even noon yet. The sensation was immediate, the lightening of the weight on my shoulders... Just from laying eyes on her.
'What!?' #Hiro had been in the hallway, waiting to be invited in like a polite person would. but now he shouldered past me into the room. 'Stars above! This is her?' He chuckled, beaming, and nudging me with his elbow. Dr Erlund seemed to cringe at the casual interaction between him and I... He never would have seen me with #Hiro before. He never normally accompanied me in my official duties. That was a recent development for my comfort when Father became ill.
My face and neck burned red hot. Dr Erlund bowed low. 'You two have met before?' He looked between Cinder and I, or I believe I caught a flick of his eye from my peripheral vision. my eyes had yet to leave Cinder.
She was on this side of the glass, she hadn't been caught in the outbreak... there were no marks on her skin. The doctor wasn't wearing a mask or protecting himself from infection... she was okay. She hadn't been carted to the quarantines... But then, why? Why was she here?
I cleared my throat. "Apologies... Um... Hiro This is Cin... Lihn Cinder. Cinder... meet Hiro."
He bounced forward and extended his hand. 'His best friend. Nice to meet you Lihn-mie. I have heard so much about you.'
I was staring again. Dumbfounded. 'You'll have to excuse him.' ย #Hiro spoke when I didn't. 'If he looks as though he's seen a ghost it's because... well, he has. He spent the night thinking you were dead... or as good as, at least.' He laughed and I was aghast. 'I can respect playing hard to get... but ย damn lady! That was harsh.'
"Stars! Hiro! Hush." I hissed through gritted teeth and stepped towards Cinder's, but not into her personal space. "Are you okay? Did you make it out of there? When you didn't..." I stopped myself from saying when you didnโt reply.
"I'm glad you made it out safely. But... why are you here? Is everything okay?"
โLinh Cinder!โ His voice chastising now. โI have told you four times already; I have nothing to do with the Luna delegation. And if you know what is good for you. You will stay well away from them or anything to do with them. Nothing good will come of you digging into that mess pot.โ #DrDimitriErland had his blue eyes cemented to the screen. The blood the droidย had taken from me had started its analysation process. And the doctor sat like an impatient child. Unwilling to miss a thing.
I moved to walk around the lab, taking in everything that he did here. More so to distract myself from the monitors and the outlined image of my body on full display. It was unnerving to see ones self in such a way. That was when ย I started to question the doctor about the visitors who didnโt seem to be leaving. โOkay fine. But is it true they are staying for the celebrations? Why would they even want to be here for that?โ
He huffed in frustration, however before he could tell me to shut up again, the sound of a knock on the door and it opening jolted us both to attention. I quickly turned away rolling my sleeves down and pulling my gloves up over my hands to cover myself. It was one thing for them all to have seen me stripped down, but now that I was on my own two feet ( well one foot was mine at least ). I wasnโt going to be seen in that way.
When I turned myself back around, my jaw fell open to the floor and I was frozen in place for a short while. Kai stood there before me. I wondered if I were imagining it, but why would he be here? Had he heard I was brought in? Fear transformed into a beast in my head. Because if he knew I was here, then he knew what I was. However, he was smiling? He looked happy to see me? ย
#DrErland took a low bow, reminding me where I stood, and how it was a must that the proper edicts where followed. I bowed my head towards our Crown Prince, but my eyes never lowered. I couldnโt pull them away from him. The last time I had seen him, I have vowed that I wouldnโt see him again. So, much had happened since then. And I wanted to tell him everything, and yet I knew I couldnโt.
โNoโฆโ I replied to the doctor as he asked if we knew one another. โI meanโฆ Yesโฆ Wellโฆ Just work...โ I couldnโt take my eyes away from his. He was okay. He had gotten out and he was, okay?
โAre you okay, I couldnโt believe you werโ?โ I bit my lips, before I couldnโt ask him outright as he was me. I was aware of the doctors eyes watching us. I wasnโt sure how would we explain his trip to the market and my booth?
The moment he called me by my formal name, I knew I was doing the right thing. Finally, I drew my eyes from him. With the other boy I would say the same age as Kaโฆ Prince Kaito. Handsome looking, with a kind smile. I reached my hand out to take his. Shaking it before letting go. My eyes kept moving back to him stood there lost. ย ย
โWell, best friend. Iโve not heard anything about you. I feel like I am at a disadvantage here.โ I cleared my throat and stepped back. Blinking at the fact that this boy was telling me nothing but the truth.
ย My gazeย moved right back to Kai, and I whispered. โIโm sorry. I didnโt mean to scare you. Itโsโฆ Well... justโฆ A lot happened.โ Was all I would tell him for now. He eyes drawing me back in again. โAre you okay? Is your fathโ I mean the emperor; long may he live. How is he doing?โ
I barely paid attention to anything #Hiro said. I was too stunned by Cinder's presence here, she was watching me closely too. She had been worried about me? I remembered the face of the staff last night when I revealed I had been at the market ย within hours of the outbreak. Was she worried for her Prince or her friend? Maybe both... I could settle for both.
"No, no..." I shook my head and took a step closer to her. "Don't apologize; I can't imagine what it was like there, after ย I... after everything started. I just couldn't help but worry about you." My eyes flickered to our observers a little self-consciously.
#Hiro cleared his throat. "Um... I'll um... Wait outside." He shifted awkwardly. "It was lovely to meet you, Cinder. Hopefully, we will meet again soon."
I rubbed my hand over my chin and willed my heart to still at the mention of my father. "Father is... He entered the third stage late last night." I didn't take my eyes from her; she was the only person that looked at me with the resolve instead of sympathy and pity. Like she knew what it was like to need to accept what couldn't be changed and keep moving forward, as I had to do. Maybe she had done so too. "He has been made comfortable."
"I was very sorry to hear the news, Your Highness. I have been monitoring your fatherโs progression closely and adjusting his medication." #DrErlund told me. "I believe he may have another day, possibly two with us."
I just nodded. "Thank you, Doctor. But I'm not here about Father today. I wanted to see what kind of progress you might have made in the search for a vaccine. Possibly a treatment?โ
The look on the Doctor's face was enough to answer in itself. "We are working as diligently as we can..." He started.
"I know, I didn't mean to imply you weren't." I tried to give him an encouraging smile.
"There's is one thing though..." The Doctor started and I looked eager to hear what he would have ย to say. "The blood work on some of the victims from yesterdayโs outbreak is... interesting." He continued in his heavy accent. "I would like to have one of the patients transferred here from the quarantines to be more closely examined. If you were to sign the transfer order, I could have the whole process expedited." He picked up a large portscreen and started tapping.
"Can we do that?" I asked pinching my brows together.
"YOU may do whatever you deem necessary in pursuit of a ย cure, Your Highness. We havenโt transferred patients from quarantine since the beginning, because there was nothing new to be learned... until -"
"Until now." I nodded, trying to appear confident as if I had known I had that power all along. I took the portscreen from him.
๐ป๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐พ๐๐๐๐
๐ต๐พ๐๐ผ ๐ธ๐ณ: ๐ธ๐ธ.๐ผ๐ท๐ถ
"There aren't any patient details here?" I scrolled through the form.
"Yes... I'm sorry. I wasn't expecting your ย visit. I haven't had time to review all the blood samples yet to choose a patient. However, if you arenโt comfortable, I can send it to your office once I get a chance to choose a candidate and perhaps, I could begin the examination tomorrow or the day after?" The doctor rubbed his brow impatiently and I began to feel foolish.
#DrErlund had been with us almost as long as I could remember. Of course, he only had the best of intentions. Every second wasted during this pandemic meant ย life lost. "No... Of course, I will sign it." I typed in my ID number. "But if the patient is being used for research purposes and testing, then I expect them to be treated no differently than a member of the court. They receive the same medicine and the same comfort measures. And their family is to be compensated." I pressed my thumb against the designated portion of the screen; an enlarged scan of my thumbprint appeared in the slot. "And make sure the palace covers funeral expenses also... if..." I trailed off... all this talk in front of Cinder. She was going to think me heartless.
"I apologize Cinder... sometimes these matters are unavoi...d-able..." I trailed off, my eyes moving to the hologram behind her.ย This person was thirty-six-point two eight percent cyborg? I didnโt even know that was possible. Her hand... most of her right leg, wires running almost everywhere, like veins. Her eyesโฆ parts of her brain... her... No... It couldn't be... her heart? I reached into the hologram, examining how it pulsed. How had this woman survived whatever had happened to her? I couldn't imagine the pain and suffering... my heart ached. Her family must have been desperate to make her endure the ย sheer number of procedures she must have undergone. The expense... She must have been so loved, so valued.
She must have suffered so much.
The image vanished before my fingers brushed against the projection of her heart. "Pardon me, Prince ย Kaito... Patient confidentiality." #DrErlund cleared his throat.
"Of course." I shook my head and turned back to Cinder, trying to remember what I had been saying. "I... eh...Didn't mean to intrude and talk business. I'm sure you had a ย purpose for being here." I smiled again, still feeling the ache for the young woman and all the pain she must have felt. "You were called in toโฆ fix something?" She had said something about work, right? My mind was a too full to cling to a single train of thought.
The two voices around us, made my feet step back away from Kai, with a stark reminder of there we where and who he was to me / to / us! The Prince. The next Emperor. The boy who is to become a man to rule over us. And here I stood acting as though I had a right to ask questions of him. The resolve I had in place from last night had faltered the moment he had stepped foot into this lab. Making me see just how weak I had become when it came to this new friend of mine. I straightened up, however keeping my neck bent slightly now that I knew that the doctor had me in his sights.
My technology crafted heart, stilled. Setting warning signs off in my retina about it, and I adjusted myself accordingly. ( I couldnโt even grieve for the loss Kai would be feeling without the inhuman side of me threatening to shut me down. However, my heart did go out to him. He had lost his mother, and now his father would be gone soon, to the same murdering affliction.
When #Hiro stepped out of the doors, my eyes shot over to the doctor when he began to speak about having someone from the quarantines moved to the labs here. This had to be #Peony he was speaking of. However, why was he lying to Kai? His crown prince? What reason was there for #DrErlund to keep my secret?
The lies didnโt stop there. First, he told Kai his father only had a day or two to live, then he played the innocent one saying he would delay the search for that same amount of time? He was playing with Kaiโs emotions? And I couldnโt do anything about it. If I told Kai, it was my friend, my sister who was being transferred here, he would surely question why it was the case.
I then just managed to hold myself together when Kai mentioned compensating the family, and then the palace covering the funeral expenses. โNo!โ I wanted to scream out. โNo, she will not die. I am not doing all of this so that the only human on his planet who loves me will die.โ However, those thoughts never turned to words.
My eyes fell to the ground when Kai began speaking with me again. โItโsโฆ itโฆ it is okayโฆโ It really wasnโt. I wanted to run out of here and I wanted to find and bring #Peony here myself. But I knew that wasnโt possible. And then he trailed off.
By the time my eyes found Kai, he already stepped around me to look at the outline of my body on the screen on the wall. Damn #DrErlund, he hadnโt removed the image from view when the Prince and his friend #Hiro had joined us.
I didnโt need to witness the look on Kaiโs face at what he was seeing on the screen. I knew what he would be thinking. But most of all, I was trying to process my own feelings. I felt violated, I felt rotten, I felt like he was seeing me naked when no person had.
My hand reached up to my chest when Kai reached his hand into the holographic imaging of me, it was like he was reaching into my chest and squeezing my heart. I wanted to shout at him to stop.
The point of no return for me was when he turned back and smiled at me. It felt like a slap to my face. I stumbled back into a tray. My clumsy hands try to stop things from falling to the ground. โNoโฆ Noโฆ Nothingโฆ Iโฆ Iโฆโ I couldnโt find my words and #DrErlund gave me a sympathy filled glance.
โI asked Lihn Mei here to help with a med droid no-one could seem to fix. The glitch just kept coming back. Did you know she is a well-known and sort after mechanic with a high star rating. I was lucky she had the time to come in to help me.โ I stopped looking and paying attention to the orange light that was flashing whenever #DrErlund spoke. The man really did know how to lie.
โI should get out of your hair. You both are busy men. You have so much you need to be doing. Iโฆ I .. Should leave.โ Starting back towards the door. However,ย #DrErlund cut me off.
โBefore you go Lihn Mei, let me take a look at that alinement issue you spoke about.โ He was pressing on my back.
โWhโโ before I could say the words a hot dagger like shooting pain exploded from my back and all the way up my spine. All the warnings came rushing over my retina display as I screamed out and then everything went black.
My heart still ached for the woman in the holograph and the suffering she must have endured. When I turned back to see Cinder stumbled back into a tray of tools that clattered and clinked as she fumbled the keep them from falling. I knew it ย was wrong, but I smiled to myself; because this... this was what I was used to. When I paid the kind of attention to girls that I paid her, they became flustered. They lost the ability to form whole sentences and lost touch with the world around them and occasionally their own limbs... or worse.
Over the years I had become an expert in identifying a true fainting spell from a faked swoon. The key was in how long it took for them to come around... when someone really fainted, they were out for only a matter of seconds. The fakers took it too far. I had seen far too many of both.
I had thought a lot about how Cinder seemed to be immune to my charms and position... and I couldn't deny that I had wondered if that ย was why I was so fascinated with her. What if she did react like everyone else did, would the enchantment be broken? But it hadn't been, I knew that this was an anomaly... and an endearing one that boosted my confidence. There was a chance to sway her, there was something here... and not just for me. Which was another thought that plagued me... the possibility that she truly wasn't interested in me. But no... there was something else there.
I tilted my head at Dr Erlund... Hadn't I said that I had met Cinder at her booth? Surely, he could have put it together that I did in fact know this since it sought her out myself. I shook the thought away, remembering my father explaining away the doctor's... eccentricities.
'The most brilliant among us are often... lacking in other areas like social awareness and people skills. This is why, as leaders, we must recognise genius and create an environment for those that have skills we don't, to thrive for the good of the people and The Commonwealth.' My heart twinged at the memory. There would be no more of those short but life-changing conversations.
"She is?" I smiled at him, winking at Cinder. "Perhaps we need to poach her for a position in the Royal Mechanics Suite."
When Cinder tried to take her leave, I stepped aside... but the next few seconds all passed in a blur. I was about to leave when the doctor mentioned some kind of treatment. I didn't want to intrude on medical ย treatment... that was private. But the good doctor didn't seem to mind at all and the next thing I knew Cinder's eyes (that normally gave away nothing) widened, clearly pained, then went so dark they were almost black, and she was crumbling to the floor. Dr Erlund was ill-equipped to keep her from falling.
Cinder's form drooped back onto the man as her legs slipped from beneath her on the polished floor. I caught her arms and hefted her away from the doctor before she too hit the ย floor, just in time to stop Cinder's torso and head from thumping to the ground. "Cinder!" I called out as soon as I was able to do anything other than react. #Hiro came rushing in too.
'Star above, Kai!' He huffed. 'What did you do to this one?'
I glared. "It wasn't... I didn't... I..." I looked wide-eyed at #Hiro. Realising that my heart was beating far too hard. He looked at me with confusion... I wasn't one to be deemed speechless.
I turned all my attention back to the ย unconscious girl. "Cinder." I said softly, forcing my body and mind to calm. I adjusted my arm beneath her shoulders, keeping her slightly raised above the cold floor and brush her hair away from her forehead, a fine layer of moisture clung to ย her skin. It hadn't been there before she collapsed, I smiled... No grease smudges... but I kind of missed it. It was... inappropriate. I schooled my features.
"What happened to her? What did you do?" The words were more accusatory than I had ย intended.
Red lights were piercing my eyelids, the first thing to sound the alarm were the warning messages over my vision, on the backdrop of my closed eyelids. ย Something had gone wrong, the doctor had tried to reboot me? But why? The messages told me I had gone into a soft boot. That systems checks were in progress and that I was still alive. Parts of my body where spasming and I couldnโt control it or stop it from happening.
โCalm yourself Linh Mei, you are alright. Just give yourself a moment to adjust.โ #DrErlund said in his odd accent. There was no sympathy in his tone, more matter of fact as he spoke.
โNext timeโฆ At least buy me a steamed bun if youโre going to knock me off my feet, Doc.โ I muttered out before opening my eyes.
โWhatโโ The smiling face of Prince Kaito the first thing to come into my eye line, his hair fallen forward, over his forehead, and worry plastered on his features. Followed by two faces over his shoulders leaning down from behind him. Worried expressions on #Hiroโs face, with a frown sunk into his brow, and the Doctorโฆ He looked pleased with himself. I closed my eyes again, hoping no one saw the green writing scrolling over my retina display. โWhat did you do to me?โ I demanded.
โStars, she is back in the world of the living.โ #Hiro smiled now straightening up. Tugging on his cuffs and then his collar.
โI hope itโs not a disappointment to you.โ I quipped before I could stop myself. I tried to straighten up a little, however when it took me too close to Kai, I stopped. Had he asked me a question? I wasnโt sure.
โIt was only a little something to help. You will be fine Linh mei, see you are waking up now, and could get up.โ I was scowling at him.
โWhy would I get up? Falling to the floor is my favs pass time.โ I started to move again, pulling my gloves up and my pants down. Thankful to the Stars that nothing had shown in the meantime.ย
โFeisty, I like it.โ #Hiro popped his head back into the mix before stepping back again.
โWhat did you do Erlund?โ I asked now again, freeing myself from Kai. Giving him a small smile as a โthank you.โ I was starting to feel like I had a fever, my skin felt muggy with moisture which had never before happened. It shouldnโt even be possible for me to feel this way. My body enhancements meant that I could never overheat.
โIt was nothing, just a little readjustment to your spine.โ I frowned wishing he would speak a little faster. Because right now the orange light in my eyes told me he was lying. ย
โWhy did you do that?โ #Hiro asked now.
โWhat he said.โ I asked too, started to slowly get back up onto my feet.
โLinh Mei was saying she has a pain in her neck and shoulders, said it was from hunching over and working. All those hours come at a price. I just gave her nerves a little space. So, they wonโt hurt her as much.โ I had said no such thing to him.
My eyes were on Kai, knowing any moment now the doctor would tell him and #Hiro what I am, and then I would never see this boy again. I was ready for Kai to have me walked out of his lab and palace and tell me he never wanted to see me again.
#DrErlund was still talking. โIt is an old practice; however, it is said to be very helpful, I just hadnโt thought her alignment would be so out that it would impact her in this way.โ The orange light never once giving up. The man spoke lies, like children ate custard dumplings. There was no stopping him.
However, the thing I was waiting for didnโt happen. #DrErlund didnโt turn and tell Kai what I was. Why?
โIโmโฆ Iโm going to go. Iโve wasted too much of all of your time here.โ I started to take a step back away from the hands holding me and towards the door. It was time for a sharp exit for now. ย
My eyes rounded at the Doctor's words. "A moment to adjust?" I almost hissed. "What in all the Stars did you do to her?"
Cinder stirred and I realised I was still cradling her a few inches from the floor, my hand became clammy at the closeness. I adjusted my features into a smile I hoped was comforting, her sarcasm helped. It seemed like she was returning to herself.
Unruly curls fell into my face... I knew better than to try and shake them out of my view... it just made ย me look like I belonged in a Second Era romance movie. Concern filled my eyes, but the closeness between us closed my thoughts.
Then Cinder mirrored my question with her own. #Hiro looked around wildly... 'What no... of course not.' He stammered and I gave him that look I do when he didn't understand someone's sarcasm.
It didn't escape my attention that Dr Demetri Erlund avoided the question yet again. I helped Cinder sit up a little more as she seemed to be recovering, slowly helping her to her feet while avoiding another fainting spell.
My eyes narrowed slightly at the doctor's explanation... In all of his years with us; I had never known him to be that careless... performing a procedure with consequences like this without first thoroughly explaining it to the patient?
"Wait, no... you can't go running around in this heat after a spell like that." I held out an encouraging hand to her and turned back the Doctor. "Should she.. stay.. and, uh, be observed for a while?" Really eloquent Kai!
'I think not, Your Majesty.' His accent seemed to get thicker. 'I believe our young mechanic is rather eager to return to her other work duties.'
I turned back to Cinder, wondering if there's ย any way to stretch out this encounter and maybe try one more time to convince her to attend the ball... alone if not with me. Just so I knew she would be there too. "We should at least make sure you have something to eat and drink after an ย episode like that."
'Oh yes! We should take her to the kitchens! Mama could whip us up something really nice.' #Hiro rocked playfully from his toes to his heels. 'Mama would just love to meet our sweet, young mechanical genius.'
The eighteen-year-old boy in me wanted to smack him in the arm... maybe the chest. But that wasn't a Princely move so squashed the impulse and opted to glare at him.
He snorted. 'Give it up Kaito... you're too pretty to be scary.' Then to Cinder... like she had accepted our invitation. 'This way to the kitchens Lihn-mie!' and waved dramatically to the door, despite the fact that:
A: she was closer to it than him and
B: it was literally the only way out of this room.
There were no windows in the lab and still I pointed to the wall as I spoke. โHeat? Nah. It is a mild day out today.โ I had no idea what the weather outside of these walls were. โPeople like me are used to high temperatures.โ I had been in here for how long now? I shook my head and took an additional step back away from them all and the concerned expressions.
For once since I met the man, I was bobbing my head in agreement with the Doctor. โPleaseโฆ Call me Cinderโฆโ I told #Hiro. โAndโฆ I really should be getting back toโฆ uhmโฆ work.โ I told them all, however #Hiro wasnโt taking no for an answer.
Witnessing the exchange between Kaito and #Hiro had me wondering just how deep their relationship went? There had to be more here than the boy working for the prince. And then I recalled how #Hiro had introduced himself to me. โHis best friendโ
Of course, there were best friends, now it was all falling into place. โPardon? Your Mama?โ
This time #Hiro did not wait, he stepped up to me, hooking his arm into mine and started to pull me out the lab doors and down the corridor as he spoke.
โYes, my Mama, she makes the best buns in all of New Beijing. If you donโt believe me, just ask Kaito.โ He half turned his head. โKaito! Donโt you agree? Wait... Where is he? Kai? Are you coming? Hurry.โ
I looked lost and confused, glancing back over my shoulder to the only face in this palace I truly knew, and then at this boy who walked and talked with me as though we were fast friends.
โYou like steamed buns, donโt you? Oh. Wait. I know you do. Kaito sent you some the other night. You know. The night you didnโt reply to his comms.โ He was talking a mile a minute. Without any stops for anyone to reply. โRude by the way. He was really worried about you.โ
My cheeks were burning hot, and I didnโt understand why? My body had never over heated as long as I could remember. Why was this happening now? What had the Doctor done to me? And why were #Hiroโs words bringing these reactions forth?
#Hiro did not stop talking, even when we came to a stand before the elevators waiting for the doors to open. I glanced back over my shoulder once again. However, this time he caught my eyes. โYou really donโt like talking, do you?โ He smiled as the doors opened and he tugged me into them. โKaito. We are waiting for you!โ the boy shouted, stepping one foot out and his head too.
I stood shocked at how comfortable this boy spoke to our Prince with. And now I saw how Kai didnโt mind my missteps when I first met him. ย
I had thought it would be great to try and get her to stay a while. But I didn't want to monopolise her time either. I knew she was the main earner in her household. It was a big responsibility at her age. At that age, I was making diplomatic visits and giving public addresses at large events. But I had an entire team travelling with me.
"His mom has worked in the kitchen here since before I was born." I tried to fill in that blank for her but I was pretty sure she didn't hear me of #Hiro's rambling.
"Do you have anything that would knock him out quickly?" I asked the doctor as he stole Cinder away. #DrErlund's bushy brows knitted together.
'That would be inadvisable, Your Highness.' He said in a confused tone.
Before I could explain that it was a joke I heard him calling for me in the hallway.
"Stars Above! That boy is meant to be keeping a low profile." I thanked the doctor and swiftly left.
When I reached them; #Hiro was basically letting everything I told him about her slip. "Hiro leave the woman be... it was a frightening night for the whole city. Cinder has a family to worry about too." Though the recollection of spending the night worrying tightened my throat a ย little. Then I noticed soft pink tinting in her cheeks and my smile was back...
Stars!! Wait... #Hiro could make her blush? Did she... Stars!
They were in the lift already and I turned to the android operator. "Hold the lift please." I stepped over the threshold. "Why don't we take the service lift?" My eyes were intense and glued on #Hiro. Hoping he would remember that he was smack in the middle of a potential political disaster. "It will take us right to the kitchens ย without all the crowds." I stressed the last word, and what I really meant was Lunars.
Realisation dawned in his eyes, and he walked, still linked with Cinder back out of the lift and across the hallway. I scanned my wrist across the concealed scanner hidden in a plaque beneath a hand painted portrait of my Great-grandmother. The panel gave a small hiss and popped open enough to slip my fingers into the gap and pull it open.
We stepped inside the almost empty, hidden hallway, a small number of staff members carrying bundles or maintenance staff carrying tools went about their business. I liked these hidden hallways, the staff that had been here long enough passed me with nothing more than a respectful nod. It made me ย feel like a normal person for a few rare moments.
The staff never worried about running into any members of the court or government, so they felt more at ease being casual with me.
"Welcome to the inner workings of New Beijing Palace, Cinder." The hallways were plain and functional, nothing like the Palace. But hopefully, I could show her all of that another time when my best friend wasn't at risk of being arrested or worse.
Was it crazy that I wanted to get as far away from this place and Kai, and then at the same time, I was so glad to see him coming into the small space of the elevator. The droid did as ordered, while the two friends exchanged words and looks. And my mind went to #Peony, my step sister needed me to come through with this plan of action. And I also knew the Doctor had the signed orders from Kaito. (That thought stung. I didnโt like lying to Kai, but more so, I didnโt like knowing my step sister would be in the quarantines all alone.
My eyes were doing something I couldnโt understand. There seemed to be a stinging coming from behind the lids and from the bridge of my nose. โStars?โ I looked confused at my reflection in the well-maintained mirrored panels ( which didnโt even have a finger mark on them. How the other side lived! ) ย
โThe Service Lifts are much more my style anyway.โ #Hiro said with a flourish of his wrist and then we were moving again. I had no time to think, to speak or to stop him. Every part of me working on making sure my pants didnโt rise up to revel my legs, and my cuffs remained low over my gloves.
One thing that had been becoming so clear to me as we walked the halls, and that was how different our worlds were. Kaiโ Prince Kaito belonged to a world of beauty, carelessness, and ease. Whereas I came from a world where I wasnโt even certain I would be fed after a full day of working in the heat of New Beijing. My Clothes hadnโt clung to my body from the humidity of the day once since I woke up and put them on, whereas in my world, the moment I stepped out of the shower some form of heat cohered my being.ย
I watched closely as Prince Kaito, used his wrist to open the secret panel under the portrait of a woman I never knew, however did at the same time. The family resemblance was uncanny. He shared the eyes and nose of his mom, however the shape of his face, his forehead and chinโฆ I could see where they came from.
When the door slid open. I stood looking at the clean hallway before me. โThis is the inner workings?โ I whispered.
This was the hidden world where I still looked out of place. These hidden walk ways were better them what I called life. My brows pinched together, why had I ever thought that Prince Kaito, the soon to be Emperor of New Beijing and a low-class Mechanicโฆ and Cyborg... could ever be friends? ย I needed to remember my place and his. They werenโt the same.
โWhy are you wearing these in doors?โ #Hiro asked tapping the back of my hand, bringing me out of my spiralling thoughts.
I glanced to the prince out of the side of my vision, thinking about what to say. โIโฆ Wellโฆ Iโฆ was working in the lab.โ I finally recalled the lie the Doctor told as to why I was here.
However, the true question I found myself askingโฆ. What was I even doing here now?
I turned and looked at Cinder once we were inside. She seemed troubled, and I hoped she hadn't decided to come with us out of a misplaced obligation. I may be her Prince... but I wouldn't dictate that sort of command. I couldn't give private citizens orders even if I was the type of person that would.
It was the worst thing about being royal... never knowing if the people spent time with were there because they wanted to be or because they believed they had no choice. Of if they wanted to be there for entirely selfish reasons.
"Yeah, this is where it all happens." I laughed. "Father doesn't think I should be back here... he thinks that the staff deserve a space where they don't have to stand on ceremony. I know that he is right... but I also grew up with these people. Played with their kids..." I shrugged. "I don't use them often, but sometimes I don't want to stand in ceremony either, you know."
I stiffened when #Hiro mentioned her gloves. I knew she ย always kept her hands covered and I wonder if maybe she had scars or something she wanted to hide. But it was her choice to reveal that when she wanted to... or never.
"They are kind of her trademark..." I laughed and changed the subject. the lift at the end of the hallway dinged and a porter a few years older than me, stepped out with a tray and the scent of sticky buns and Jasmin tea filled the hallway.
"Mmmm!!!" I beamed. "What is cooking down there?" I asked and he ย grinned back. Holding the tray higher when I tried to peek under the silver dome.
I heard #Hiro whisper something to Cinder about me having my first kiss in one of these corridors while I was distracted.
'Are you trying to get me fired!' He ย laughed. 'Get your own. Zhao-Jie is on roll down there!' I laughed and zagged out of my reach when I swiped teasingly for the try.
"Looks like we are going down." I smiled and stepped into the lifts. "Fair warning Cinder... it can be really busy down here. If you see someone coming with a pot or hot tray... get out of their way." I laughed. "They will not stop for anyone."
I walked with #Hiro and Kai In a small haze, with my thoughts spiralling ย out of control. I knew that I should excuse myself. I should leave. After all, what was the reason to stay here? To be reminded of all the reasons I had been foolish? That the Prince had come to see me for a job. A job I had yet to complete. Once I had fixed his droid, letโs face it, ย there would be no reason for him to need or want to see me. Stars above! When he learnt of my lies. He would throw me in prison and forget about me.
#Hiro leant in closer at some point, telling me of Kaiโs first kiss in this clean and simple hallway. With a sweet girlโฆ But I didnโt hear it all. Of course the part that stuck was how he had kissed a ๐๐ฒ๐ป๐ต Girl.. Something I was not.
I pushed those thoughts away. I didnโt want to Kiss him. No! I was just a subjectโฆ Noโฆ I was the Property of a subject of his union. I didnโt even have rights. I was a nobody and a nothing.
I frowned at that stinging sensation, which came flooding back with no warnings fleshing up. What had that mad doctor done to me?
The scent of sweet buns, and Jasmin brought my attention to the now. โAnd that is how his first kiss ended.โ #Hiro held his chest with his free hand and looked heartbroken for his friend. He looked to me forโฆ I wasnโt sure what for. I hadnโt really been listening.
โThatโฆ Uhmmโฆโ I was saved by Prince Kaitoโs warning. โOhโฆ Uhm... Okay. Move fast, and donโt wait.โ This made #Hiro laugh.
โStay close to Kai, nobody would dare take him down.โ He stage whispered by my ear.
โWhy does it sound like we are about to take our lives into our own hands. Are you sure the palace guards donโt want in on this death wish we are walking towards?โ It wasnโt all a joke.
I mean if it was that busy, Did the Prince need to be down there. However, one look over to him, witnessing how he was intermingling with the person with the tray in their hands, told me all I needed to know. Their Prince was loved, and he was welcome in all parts of this Palace. ย Yes, the Emperor had been correct in warning his son to give their people a safe space. However, those people were happy to welcome him behind the scenes too.
The service elevator doors opened, Giving #Hiro a glance up, once again tugged me in with himself. โOh, we are so going down, and I am eating everything in sight. And if my mama asks Cindy Darlingโฆ You were the one who wanted to try the yam and red bean tarts.โ He whispered again. โThey are deliciously divine. And mama will not pull your cute ears for eating some.โ
โCindy Darling?โ My eyebrows shot up in wonder. This boy had known me less than half a day, and was already changing my name? โSo, this is why I am here? You are setting me up as the fall guy. Nice Xiฤnshฤng Hiro! ( Mister Hiro ). ย
I swallowed hard, I really hoped #Hiro wasn't going to finish that kiss story. The story she'd sold to a news feed had been long since buried with years of new things for people to obsess over. I didn't blame her... she probably needed the money, and it's not like she lied about what happened. Though I was pretty sure she lied about still being in love with me...Four years after she left the palace and never got in touch with me? I wasn't so sure I believed that part.
When we were ย in the elevator and #Hiro called her Cindy, I spluttered out a very unattractive laugh that earned me, an 'Uck!' sound from my friend but I just stared at Cinder my eyes telling her she was never getting away from that nickname.
The kitchen was a hive of activity. "Ready?" I asked her, slipping my hand into her gloved one and stepping out, checking each walkway before I tugged her across it. "All the bakery stations are over that way." I pointed to the door at the back of the kitchen and explained that was where all the vegan food was prepared to prevent cross-contamination.
Which started #Hiro on a tangent about the herb gardens and how Cinder just had to see them. I stopped dead in my tracks bringing the others to a halt too. A chef rush by with an oversized, steaming pot. "I told you." I grinned at her.
'Kaito!!' That familiar smile greeted me at her usual station. 'I'm so happy you visited today.' I released Cinder's hand when she clasped my chin and tilted my face this way and that examining me. She wouldn't ask about my father here. 'You need to eat my boy and you need tea for that headache.' How did she always know?
'Don't mind me, Mama. I'm just your one and only son.' #Hiro griped and she waved the dish towel in her hand at him.
'This one is always so hungry for attention.' she teased, and her eyes snagged on Cinder. 'And who might this be?' Hiro introduced her but unlike my best friend, his mother Zhao-Jei knew how to play it cool. 'It is wonderful to meet you, Cinder. Come and sit." She wiped down the seat along the opposite side of her workstation. 'You look like you haven't eaten in days. I will go fetch something.' She shuffled away as I moved towards the seat.
"Mama Zhoao firmly believes that the right food can fix anything." I chuckled... she was mostly right.
I stopped the feed as it started to scroll an image of a pretty young girl over my feed, the title of the news feed made me not want to know anything.
โฆ.Palace workerโs Daughter tells her side of the story, and how she earnt the Princes Kissโฆ..
This wasnโt a story that should have been covers. No other teenage boy or girl would have their private life spread over the net feeds, so why did they do it to him?
I stopped, waived, and then continued into the belly of the beast. The hustle and bustle of the royal kitchens made me smile. This was a place I could feel at home (ish), because even if the madness in which these people worked was no different to that of the Market place where my booth was situated. These people were still better feed, uniformed, and knew that I the chaos there lay a system that they could all follow.
My retinas formulated the speed in which they all worked, and I knew that these people all knew the precise was what determined their success. I was distracted when my hand was taken and I froze unbeknownst to Prince Kaito I thanked the Stars that he took my human hand, and then it occurred to me. Kai had taken my hand! ย
I mean, he still wasnโt forgiven for the look he had shared with me before. The one that screamed to me that he wasnโt about to forget the nickname his best friend had given me. I would somehow gain my revenge someday, I thought to myself.ย
Listening to Kai and #Hiro talk about all the workstations, people looking up at we passed to greet their crown prince, his best friend, and someone who didnโt belong in these kitchens. โVeganโฆ Okayโฆ Herb gardensโฆ yes.โ Oh, how the other half lived. We had nothing like this. You ate what was given to you, or you didnโt eat at all. People in my walk of life didnโt know how to cook things such as those I was seeing before me. And then I went into the back of the prince.
โStars!โ I seeing the person rushing with a hot pot in their hands I made a face. I should have seen that coming. He let go of my hand and I pushed them into the pockets of my pants once I tugged at my glovers. ( Noticing how #Hiro watched me from the side. And thankful this time he didnโt ask about them.) And then the woman calling for the princes attention had #Hiroโs too. the curve of her face, the softness in her eyes, the jawline. I knew them, and then it all fell into place.
I stepped back away, watching the three interacting. Kaito was lucky to have so many people who cared for him. And then her eyes were on me. The warmth from them emanating different from the heat of this kitchens.
I stepped forward and bowed my head in respect to my elder. โThe pleasure is all mine Dร mฤ.โ I said and her beamed.
โFinally, a young one who knows how to respect her elders.โ Hitting her son with that towel once again before she was off.
โI have to say your mama is nicer than you.โ I tole #Hiro, and then smiled to Kai. โI like this new found philosophy.โ A bang of sadness as how a mother should look out for her children set like a thick cloud over me. Did these boys understand how lucky they were? โShe really loves you both.โ I said without meaning to.
Her hand was warm in mine... the rough stitching of her work gloves did nothing to stop her warmth seeping through... or were my hand sweating. Oh, Stars!!! She was wearing gloves... would she be able to tell? Suddenly I was convinced my hands ย were clammy.
I could see she was taking it all in, there was a lot going on here. "This kitchen serves the cafeteria for staff and visitors too. Not just the Court and government officials It's open 24 hours because there are always people ย here, and not all the night staff live here."
I felt her thud against my back and I should not have thought about the way her body brushed against mine before she (too quickly) right herself.
Cinder addressed Zhao-Jei with the highest honours and it made me smile. Mother would have really liked her, I thought to myself. These thoughts had stopped stinging a long time ago... but now, with everything... my heart twinged.
But then Cinder burned #Hiro and I was laughing, I deep unrestrained belly laugh. Mother would have ๐ฃ๐๐๐๐๐ช like her. "#Hiro's Mom has worked with her since she was fresh out of culinary school. She was one of Mother's dearest friends." I explained. "So close they were even pregnant at ย the same time." I laughed.
'That poor woman was an awful, awful cook.' Mama Zhao reappeared as fast as she had vanished with an expertly laid tray. 'I loved her dearly.' She was talking only to Cinder now. 'But no matter how many hours I ย taught her...." She shook her head and looked wistful. "Everything tasted like cotton or salt." I finished for her.
'Such a treasure! And she so loved to cook with you boys...' She missed her friend and Empress still. It was clear to see.
She laid out bowls of soup with generously stuffed wontons in front of us. Hoarding the sweets like she always did, until we ate something substantial.
'She taught me to paint.' #Hiro boasted.
'Yes... well you were much of a cook either.' ย
She roasted her son without missing a beat. I gave Cinder a smile that said; ๐๐ถ๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐ฝ๐ ๐ผ ๐๐พ๐๐ ๐พ๐ ๐น๐๐๐ ๐ฝ๐๐๐?
Bowing my head in thanks to Zhao-Jei I lifte the bowl from the table and sit down on the stool her pulled to the side for me, but only after she sat down herself.
โEat, these boys will never stop talking. I have something sweet for after.โ She whispered in such a way, that the two boys would hear it clearly.
She was them up and ruching off. โNoโฆ noโฆ both like that.โ She corrected a young kitchen hand, showing him how to stir the spice in correctly. And then she was back with ย us.
โSometimes I wonder if you adopted me, and you werenโt happy with the outcome.โ #Hiro filled a spoon however, before it was lifted to his lip, a towel whacks his on the head.
โYou will say no such things, are you trying to break you ย mamaโs heart?โ She chided her only son. However, both mother and son were laughing.
The soup was like nothing I had tried before. The broth was so clear that without the finely sliced vegetables, and the wontons, you could be mistaken to ย believe it was an empty bowl before you.
โThis is delicious, thank you Dร mฤ.โ The woman rubbed my back like she knew a mothers touch was needed. My eyes stung and prickled for some reason, and I was stunned. What was happening to me today?
I couldnโt help the smile I had seeing Kaiโs unspoken words and reading them for what was being shared between us.
I smiled and laughed with them as they shared something that was so personal to them. An insight into not our empress, but ย to a friends, a sister, a mother and an aunt.
When my eyes glanced over to Kai I saw a slight change in those brown eyes of his. I wasnโt sure what he was thinking. I wanted to know. And then I had to remind myself. I had no right to. Straightening up a little, I asked โWant about the Prince?โ I asked when my mouth was empty. โDid this one cook or paint?โ I raised my brow over the bowl at the boy who looked like and acted like he was just that here with these people.
I smiled watching the mother and son duo they had always gotten along so well. They had their moments like most families. But they were happy and they loved one another. And neither was afraid to show it.
"She's an amazing cook, and she takes ย it upon her herself to care for everyone that steps foot under this, incredibly large roof." I smiled at her.
When Cinder asked about my cooking skills I cringed. Would they expose me as the typical privileged royal that I was? That I could barely boil rice. 'Oh no, no, no... This boy...' She just smiled at me and snuck up behind me and grasped my chin. Squeezing my cheeks so hard it took all my years of etiquette training to keep from dribbling soup down my chin in front of ย Cinder.
'This boy was a wonderful dancer, and oh how he loved to dance! He was so talented.' She said dreamily... but not in the creepy way women her age did when they were talking about me. In the way family did; when they fondly remembered ย the younger generations' childhood.
I dabbed my mouth with a napkin before I spoke... just in case my etiquette training was lapsing. "I was made to learn for gala's and balls and things like that. But I ended up really enjoying it, so I ย kept up the lessons and tried out lots of different kinds of dance." I decided to come clean before #Hiro could sell me out. I wasn't sure Cinder had much time for things like dancing, she worked so much and so hard... then again, neither did ย I anymore, and not just since Father became ill.
'Remember when you tried to start a boy band with the other Palace Chucks --' #Hiro was belly laughing as he spoke but a swift kick to the shin under the table shut him up.
"I told you not the use that term and we agreed to NEVER tell the story again!" I laughed
Normally he would kick me back, but maybe e thought kicking a prince in front of a citizen was a bad move. Because no retaliation came. Oh, stars!! was I about to ย look like a spoiled Prince that abused his friends? Or one that abused the staff? Was that worse? Both sounded pretty bad.
The #Hiro hissed quietly when his mom helped a member of the kitchen team with a query. 'You'll pay for that when ย there isn't a lad watching!'
"You mean when your mom isn't watching?" I teased and he laughed that rolling laugh again.
Stars! How different their life is to mine, I think to myself. These boysโฆ if they were not who they were, I couldnโt help but feel that they would still be just as happy.
That their mothers would still be friends, and that Zhao-Jei would still love Kaito as much as she did her own son #Hiro. And most of all, maybe prince Kaito would have the opportunities others his age had?
Continuing to eat. (Because the food truly was the best I have had.) laughing at times as they all told their stories, adding and removing parts as they went.
Wincing when I felt the kick under the table, thankful I wasnโt meant to know about it. Smiling into the soup bowl listening to the two friends exchange threats of what would come ย later when there were no witnesses.
โSo, I really want to hear more about this Palace Boy band.โ Trying to distract them both from whatever they would end up saying. โI mean did you have to be royalty to be a part of it? Or was it open to ย all the boys? Ohโฆโ I set the bowl down with a little excitement in my voice.
โDid you have to be a nine and above? Because who would want to see a three like me in one of those showsโฆ ohโฆ ohโฆ was it only open To boys? Why werenโt the girls allowed into it?โ Jokingly huffing and crossing my arms. Then I could stop the laughter.
โHold onโฆ thatโs a lot of questions there Cindy. But you can be sure we will answer then all.โ
A commotion came from the far side of the kitchen, making #Hiro go pale in his face. He pushed my head, and then Kaiโs down whispering. โUhm. Kai. We go trouble.โ
The sound of Zhao-Jeiโs voice loud came over the cluttering of dishes. โYou are not allowed to be in here.โ
I tried my best to eat, but my appetite wasn't really what it used to be, and it was nothing to do with Mama Zhao's food. It was amazing as always. Even when she hadn't cooked it personally... but most of the food that made it to my family's table was made by her two hands.
My stomach just constantly felt like it was lined with lead. I laughed out loud when asked if the boys had to be a nine to join. "What? Never, I'm a nine so no one above a seven could join... A Prince can't ย share the spotlight." I joked, about what I wouldn't give to share my spotlight... I nudge #Hiro with my elbow. "Besides Hiro barely scrapes past a six... but we were joined at the hip back then, so I had to let him in."
'Actually... I don't ย there were any girls in the servant wing our age back then... not until...' #Hiro stopped. "You know... But she only moved here we were... what?' #Hiro looked at me. 'Fourteen.'
"Thirteen." I corrected. "And a half." I cringed internally. Well, that was pathetic!!
Then #Hiro stiffened and delivered his warning. #KonnTorin was on his way with two on my personal security detail... at least he left that ridiculous droid behind.
Part of me wanted to tell #Torin he had no place ย here and that if he had needed me so urgently, he should have sent me a comm, I glanced at the screen. Stars! Four missed comms. No time to check the contents now. was stressed and tired.. and constantly trying to hide that I lived in a never-ending state of fear since Father became ill. Moments like these when they weren't consuming me were rare... so naturally... the royal advisor had to show up and spoil it.
But I realised why #Hiro's mother had reacted the way she had.
#SybilMira's head guard walked several paces behind my own. "What is the meaning of this?" My brow furrowed and I stepped between the approaching crowd and my companions. "The Lunar Delegation agreed to our terms regarding not interfering with ย the palace staff. They are restricted to the public areas and guest wing."
The Lunar Guards, #Jacin, eyes locked on #Hiro... was that sympathy on his face? He had always been utterly impassive. 'I'm afraid in this instance... Since His highness misplaced his portscreen.' #Torin glared pointedly, and I shifted my arm to make sure the outline of it wasn't showing in my pocket. 'The matter was rather pressing. We require you and Zhao-Zhu's presence in your father's office.'
I heard my friend's mother's audible intake of breath. She still didn't know what had happened with the #LunarThaumaturge we had hoped that we could smooth it over before she ever needed to worry. "Fine." I said through gritted teeth. This was unavoidable. "We will be there in fifteen minutes."
#Torin dipped his chin and turned with a raised hand to instruct the guard to leave the way they entered. A prince never came when he was called, at least not when the one calling was not royalty. 'My mistress instructed me not to return without the boy.' The impassive Lunar drone was back.
โThe Boyโฆโ I bit out. "Is MY SUBJECT, not your mistresses." I was speaking the only language that the Lunars knew now.
I felt a warm body come close behind me. 'Pick your battles, Kaito.' #Hiro whispered and stepped past me. 'I will accompany you to the emperorโs office.'
Brave fool! #Torin turned and ordered the guard out, therefore, #Hiro needed to remain a respectful distance behind the Royal Advisor and by extension and a good distance from the Lunar. I would need to send that man and his husband a gift basket or something.
Behind me, Zhao-Jie started to sob.
I was laughing, eating. And then listening to their tales. They had all helped me for a few hours to forget what my real life consisted of. The pain and the worry I had for my younger step sister still remained, but I could take this fleeting afternoon for myself maybe? However, everything altered so rapidly, the vibe of the afternoon went from filled with fun and joy to having such tension thickening a hold around us, to the point that it felt like it was surrounding us.
It was difficult not to witness the way the attitude of the staff in the kitchen transformed. The low whispers that I could hear clear as if they were shouting.
โIt much be true.โ One spoke.
โWill the Prince let it happen?โ another.
โNo. Hiro is his best friend.โ Another adds.
And I was confused. Because I thought they were coming for me. At first, I wanted to hide from what or whomever made their way into the kitchen. I could tell that I would be found out, and maybe Kai would be able to help me, however the chances were higher that I wouldnโt be able to get away without being seen. But why were all the staff worried about #Hiro?
โLunar Guards?โ I tried to peek past the body wall that Kai and now #Hiro had erected between the others and me. Maybe they too were trying to hide me?ย
The moment I thought about him, the Luna Guardโs head shifted noting my presence behind Kaito. His eyebrow peaks in a questioning manor, and then his eyes were back on the others. It was like he had said. โI see you little Earthen.โ I rubbed my hands down the side of my pants, they were clammy once again. What had the doctor done to me? ย
I gave the Luna Guard another glance, he looked so Earthen however there were some tell-tail signs. He didnโt seem to be much older than #Hiro, Kai, and me. However, there were a few years between us. His skin had a paler colouring to it, with his blond-white, straight hair combed into a clean style. When his blue/grey eyes found me and then took a moment longer before dismissing me as something / someone who was unnecessary to him and his orders. But it was to make anyone feel uncomfortable.
My eyes were on the sobbing Zhao-Jie, wishing #Peony were here. She knew how to comfort people without having to think about it. So, I just placed my human hand on her back when the others left.
โKai, you should go. Donโt leave Hiro with them alone for long. I โฆโ I didnโt know what I could do. โIโฆ Will stay here with Da Ma.โ
She reached out to Kai and squeezed his arms. โI donโt know that Hiro had done, but you know him, you know he would never do anything out of malice.โ She sobbed some more.
โGo Kaiโฆ Please.. Help Hiro.โ I knew I didnโt need to tell him. His eyes told me he knew.
It was good to hear her laugh... at least more than her sarcastic, playful little chuckle I had heard before. Zhao-Jei's food did that... it brought people together and eased their burdens for the time they were sitting together engrossed in flavours and conversation.
As I argued back and forth with my advisor and The Lunar Guard. I saw him eyeing Cinder. she wasnโt a uniform or an apron so she stood out as a civilian. I tried to shift my shoulders and block her from view, ย but it was hard to do while maintaining that royal stature. I could not appear to squirm before a mere Guard, not even for #Hiro...
I turned to Cinder to try and explain the reason I wasn't rushing after them, but Mama Zhao gripped my forearms ย like no one in the Palace would ever dare to. The way she only ever did in the privacy of their apartment here in the palace. The way an aunt speaks to a nephew to make sure she had his full attention.
"#Hiro didn't do anything, the only thing he did wrong was be seen with me. This is my fault I should have insisted we limit out time together while the Lunar Delegation is here. I am so, so sorry Zhao-daren." I blurted it all out at once and she reached up to touch my cheek.
'You have always been a good friend to him... He wanted to be with as much as he could to support you. Protect him, Kiato. Like Family.' she said, and I nodded. "Of course, heโs my brother."
I turned to Cinder then... wondering if the terror was showing in my eyes. "I want to... I really, really do Cinder... but there are protocols..." I worked my jaw... "If I go running because they called, they'll think I'm weak. And that would be so much worse for #Hiro. They are singling him out to get to me."
I never cared for anyone but #Peony and #Iko, and that care and love is what I could witness in the two people before me.
He stood there looking into the eyes of a woman who wasnโt an employee, she was more. And yes they had said as much ย while we ate and spoke about their history together. However, to witness it. โStars!โ I whispered.
I may not have understood why he hid and came to my booth in the market, or why he would wear clothes that didnโt belong to him. However, right now. There were elements of his reasons showing.
When he spoke to explain the situation, i couldnโt stop myself from gasping. The Lunaโs were playing games with people? And not just any people. But people he loved? Why?
โKai...โ I ย just managed to stop myself to reaching out to him. From squeezing his arm as a friend should. To show him that I was reading the pain, fear and fury in this beautiful eye. But the thing that took me aback was the terror in those eyes. He really was trying hard to keep his composure.
โI donโt understand protocols... not when it comes to people I love. However, I do understand that you wouldnโt be here if there wasnโt a good reason.โ It had become clear to me this afternoon. That he was a pure soul. One his mother and father I was sure are proud to call their son.
โCanโฆ I know I donโt have muchโฆ but... can I help at all?โ I donโt know how I could help. But I had to offer.
Did she truly understand? I mean, of course, she didโฆ she was a highly intelligent woman. I say that because a teenager was hardly an accurate description for her, even if it was also a fact. She supported an entire family on the back of a ย highly rated business. But understanding that even a Prince was bound to certain rules wasnโt the same as seeing a Prince that could break those rules if he chose and not choosing to when someone he loved was in danger.
But if I ran ย when they called they would know how important he was to me and that would be so, so much worse. When offered to help again, I released the older woman that had composed herself nowโฆ the epitome of strength once again. I rested my hand on her arm and squeezed. โThank youโฆ Iโm not going to let anything happen to him. Can you stay with her? Or just make sure she isnโtโฆ alone, if you need to go. I know you have a busy business.โ
I ran my hand through my hair a few times and stepped up onto a step stool, calling out to bring the kitchen to a haltโฆ only it was already halted. Other than the muttering about #Hiro being carted out of the kitchen and my lack of action. โMay I have your attention for just a moment?โ I pause.
โFirst, I would like to apologize for the intrusion into your workspace. The Lunar Delegation had received very strict instructions to remain in the guest wing and the public areas of the Palace. But I assure you that Advisor #Torin would not ย have granted one of the Lunar Guards access to a staff area unless it was the prevent and major political incident. I will ensure that nothing like this ever happens again. This was an isolated incident and Iโll make my personal agenda to keep it that way. In the meantime, all the staff, residents, guards and members of the court and parliament depend significantly on the work you do here. So I ask you to please remain at your stationsโฆโ
As if on cue a middle-aged woman passed out and was caught by a very young manโฆ fifteen maybe? STARS!! I mean this one wasnโt on me, right? It was stress or fear? A Delayed reaction to the Lunar Guards' appearance?
And he was struggling to stop her sliding to the floor until a larger man in his forties scooped her up like she was lighter than air. โUmโฆ apart from her.โ I muttered and to my relief, there was a chuckle or two from people close enough to hear. โI will do whatever it takes to protect Zhao-Zhu as I would for any member of the staff or guard. Iโve taken enough of your time, please return your duties with my gratitude.โ The older man was already carrying the fainted woman towards us and Zhao-Jei was fussing.
โPermission to take the lady to the medical wing, Your Highness?โ He asked as I pressed the back of my hand to her flushed cheeks.
โI think she just fainted, she will be okay. And you canโt carry her that far, you can Comm for the med droids they can decide if she needs to go ย and transport her.โ He nodded to her and carried her somewhere quiet. Somewhere in the room, I heard someone call out that the droids were on the way.
I turned back to the Cinder and my best friend's mother. โIโll be back as soon as I can. Iโll keep him safeโฆ Whatever it takes.โ I promised his mom, I mouthed a thank you to Cinder and made my way back through the kitchen.
While all eyes were on Prince Kaito, mine were travelling over the kitchens. As they were drawn into his words, I witness the strength these words grew in the people who only moments ago were fearful.
He had a way about him, it had been an experience to watch Kai speak in the net screens. To see him plastered all over them. Big one, small ones, even hear his voice and image on a port screen. However, this, being able to witness this first hand, being in the room, seeing that he didnโt need time to practice or prepare anything. He justโฆ. He just knew what to say. And his people were feeling his strength when they all knew full well, that he was going through so much.
And of courseโฆ of course Prince Kaito of New ย Beijing would be the reason for a grown woman to faint from listening to him speak. And yes it made me roll my eyes. How this boyโฆ could act so blasรฉ, knowing him know. I could see. He didnโt really see the power his words, his presence with ย his people held with them.
The attitude shifted in the kitchens. As Kai mouthed his thanks and then was gone. And when I turned around I saw #Hiroโs mom rushing off behind the man carrying the fainted woman. I stood there lost, unsure of what to do. Did I follow them? Or did I leave them to it?
The sight of the med android was the answer. Hearing the voice of #Hiroโs mom taking control of the kitchen again, told me she was no different to me. She needed to busy herself to make it through the day.
So, I slowly backed out of the kitchen. Following a few staff towards her voice, seeing that she was back to work. I started back out. I needed to now find my way out of this palace and back to my life.
#Iko came to the forefront of my mind. โStars!โ Was she okay?
In the corridor, I stopped the first man I met and traded shirts with him just to add insult to injury. I knew that the Guard would inform his mistress that I had stopped to dress before our meeting. I thought about tidying my hair, but if a ย whole team of professional stylists hadn't managed it yet, then I had no chance.
Before I stepped out into the Palace corridors I took deep breaths and straightened my shoulders. I emerged from servant corridors every bit the Crown Prince. Word had spread through the palace staff, it seemed and as I passed; they all stopped and bowed a lot lower than was expected of them while they were working. It made others that maybe werenโt so used to the sight stop and do the same. I ย acknowledged none of them, confident that they were making this gesture knowing that I was defending one of their own. They were bolstering the show of power I needed to put on today
โNow then.โ I burst into Fatherโs office and moved to ย stand behind the desk while #SybilMira sat sipping tea. I didnโt even glance at #Hiro. It made me hate myself. But all I could do was hope that he knew me well to understand and trusted me. โWhat is all this fussing that was worth interrupting ย my staff in the middle of their work.โ
โAs you are well aware Your Highnessโฆ youโreโฆโ She eyed #Hiro with disgust. โFriendโs behaved rather appallingly yesterday and it needs to be addressed.โ
โI am well aware Thaumaturge Mira, that you ย violated your agreement not to use your Lunar gift on any member of the staff or court during your stay with us.โ I shot right back and #KonnTorin.
โHave you any evidence to support that accusation?โ She asked like butter wouldnโt melt in her mouth. โAlso, from what I understand, mister Zhao is neither a member of staff, as the son of the cook I highly doubt that he is a member of the court.โ
Rage was a wild thing inside me, how dare this woman think she had the right to judge a good honest man like #Hiro? But she was right, he was a resident of the Palace but he didnโt hold a paid position on the staff. A back and forth ensured where The Thaumaturge insisted on punishment for #Hiro and that if we were to refuse it, then she would have him taken to Luna and be tried there for assault.
#KonnTorin cleared his throat. โPerhaps I can make this much more simple. Because Zhao- Zhu is in fact an employee of the Royal family.โ
โI have been assured by a reliable source that this young man is not on the Palace payroll.โ #Sybil said through gritted teeth.
โYou are correctโฆ because this young man, as you put it is directly employed by the Emperor. And as such, is afforded a far higher form of ย protection from theseโฆ perceived indiscretions.โ #Torin stood straighter by the second like every word he said increased his confidence. โ
I tried to hide my shock, but there was something in the way my Fatherโs advisor looked at me, that ย told me not to.
โWhat are you talking about?โ I looked from him to my friend, wide-eyed and I could sense #Sybil's glee at the event unfolding.
โHiro has been employed for several years by Emperor Rikan.โ He gave a command to the NetScreen on the well to display his employment record. โHis duties were to report on the young Princeโฆ more rebellious movements when it became apparent that he was indeed slipping his security detail on a regular basis. And he reported directly to the Emperor, and his salary was paid to him from the Emperor's personal accounts. As an agent of the Emperor, he has the same diplomatic immunity in political matters such as these.โ
The contract on the screen did in fact detail these duties and ย there were even files attached with dates that were recognized. Dates of concerts that we had snuck out to, days #Hiro and I slipped out to do all sorts of things I was not meant to. Now my shock was very, very realโฆ I moved around the table and stared at the screen.
โWhatโฆโ I felt like a fish in a bowl. But I also felt an opportunity. โ#Hiro Is thisโฆ. Have youโฆhow long?โ
โKai it isnโt what you think, I swearโฆ your father was worried for your safety thatโs all!โ #Hiro looked on ย the brink of a panic attack.
โWell, well! What an unexpected turn of events.โ The Thaumaturge was almost giddy.
โYouโve been lying to me for years!โ I yelled nowโฆ not sure if this was for show or it was genuine anger. Could it be both?
โDid you really fail your fitness assessment to become one of my Guards?โ
โNo.โ He shook his head and dropped his gaze. โI never really took it, it was allโฆโ
โKia please! The emperor thought this was for the best. Just listenโฆ Please!โ #Hiro was either very scared or suddenly a far better actor than before.
โYouโve lost the right to address me so informally, #Hiro.โ Bile rose in my throat as I said the words. If they believed this friendship was broken ย beyond repair, then maybeโฆ just maybe he could be safe.
I fell to my knees in my small closet sized bedroom. #Adri and #Pearl had both been in shock when they saw me retuned from my so-called volunteering for the draft. She called me useless, a shame to their name, she told me that I had been the reason for the downfall of her family. And that I couldnโt even die the right way.
However, thisโฆ This I hadnโt expected from her. Not only had I lost my younger step sister. But #Ikoโฆ โIโm so sorry Iko!โ I held the broken tread I had promised her I would fix in one hand, and her defected personality chip in the other.
โIโm so.. so.. so.. sorry Iko!โ Repeating it over and over again as I swayed forward and back on my knees. I knew that standing for me would be hard after this, because I was now also without a foot.
#Adri had sold #Iko off for parts, just as she had threatened to do so for years. She hadnโt expected my retuned, so after checking her accounts, she had seen the univs #Iko had spent on my foot. Saying that the foot belonged to her, I ripped it off from under me. throwing me back to the floor as she screamed at me to stop curing her family.
I had screamed back saying that she had been the curse on this family. Because she had been the one to send me off to the draft in the first place. But none of that mattered now. Now that I was alone I my bedroom, and #Iko was gone. And it had been my fault.
I had been in the palace swanning around the prince with my comms off, when #Iko had been sending me 25 messaged to help her. To save her. To come home! She didnโt know if I was dead or alive, but she had in her last moments called out to me, and I had been laughing and joking with the prince and his friends.
โI failed them bothโฆ the only two who loved me.... Peonyโฆ Ikoโฆ How can I beg for your forgiveness? How could I not have seen this coming?โ My eyes were burning and that pressure I knew so well had began to build. However, this timeโฆ This time droplets of tears rolled down my cheeks? What had that doctor done to me?
โAre you planning on sitting here all day? Iโm sure there is work to be done at the booth. If you are back, you ned to earn you way again.โ #Adri spat from the door sheโd pushed open.
โHow do you expect me to work? I have non foot to walk, and right now, the market square is closed. Iโm sure there fire isnโt even out from Chang Sachaโs bakery.โ I couldnโt look I her direction. I hated the fact that I still needed to come here to this apartment. That I was still seen as a commodity to be owned and used by her.
โAlways looking for a way out of working.. fine.. go down to the cage.. I donโt want to see your face for the rest of the day.โ She banged the door closed leaving me hugging the parts of my friend that were left.
#KonnTorin allowed the screaming between #Hiro to go on until I wasnโt sure I could keep going without breaking down. The hurt and pain in #Hiroโs eyes told me he wasnโt sure I was actingโฆ or mostly acting. I wanted to kick everyone out of ย this room and dig into these so-called reports on my extra-curricular activities.
โYour Highness I really must insist that we return to the issue at hand.โ He said, his voice raised expertly to the highest level it could be without crossing ย the line into yelling. #Hiro fell silent.
โFine.โ I huffed and dragged my hand through my hair. I walked back around my Fatherโs desk and stood there. I still couldnโt bring myself to sit in his chair. โ#ThaumaturgeMiraโฆ despite our personal ย issues; #Hiro is an Earthen and furthermore and citizen of the commonwealth, therefore, and crimes he may or not have committed are for me to punish not you. Regards of these new facts we both know that incident in question was not perpetrated ย by himโฆ I may even go so far as to name him the victim of an abuse of power.โ
#Sybilโs perfectly painted lips parted in protest I raised a hand to stop herโฆ Lunar or not, Royal Delegate or notโฆ I was the only true Royal here. โSo, rather ย than turning this into a much larger political incident. I will have Zhao-Zhu removed from the palace and his position here.โ My eyes shot to #Hiro, as cold and unfeeling as I could manage. โPermanently.โ #Sybilโs eyes lit with glee. I knew I ย had given her exactly what she wanted, but I didnโt care. I needed him to be safe. I needed him to be out of reach of these monsters forever. โAnd we will not speak of this incident again. #Hiro will be free to start his life elsewhere without ย any interference.โ
#Sybil crossed her hand demurely on her lap her bell sleeves cascading over the of her chair. She sighed as though she was surrendering. โYoung Princeโฆโ
โYour Imperial Highness.โ #Torin corrects her but she continued with ย no more acknowledgement but the flick of her eyes to the advisor.
โYou do still have so very much to learnโฆ accusing a delegate of the Lunar Crown of committing an offence such as this is rather undignified. However, I do find the proposedโฆ ย disciplinary actions to be adequate.โ Her eyes cut to #Hiro now and I instructed my guards to remove my best friend from the office.
As soon as he was gone from sight I felt crushing loneliness, it constricted my chest. They had done itโฆ ย they had isolated me completely from all those I cared about. I could never again venture into the kitchen as a friend, I could never again visit the #Zhaoโs apartment. I couldnโt risk them being targeted.
#Adri locked the cage behind me. โThis will stop you from becoming even more troublesome than you are. I expect to see results when I let you out.โ #Pearl stood far in the back where the light of the day still kissed her fine pale ski. โCome darling, letโs take you out of here before the musty scent sets into your hair.โ Her mother ushers her out from the basement, leaving me behind.
โSTARS!โ I scream turning around and looking for something to throw. Kicking whatever came in my way, I piked thigs without seeing them and threw them to the door of the cage. It was pure anger built over the day that pushed itโs way out of me.
I had in one day been reminded my worth, lost my younger sister to the blue fever, and #Ikoโฆ my other non-human sister had been killed and destroyed. Tearsโฆ Shock asโฆ Yes, tears flow from me. Something I have never done before today. I wasnโt certain that that Doctor at the palace had done to me. but ย felt into my chair, cupping my face into my hands as I cried and let a life time of emotions flow through me.
โI cannot believe this. I cannot believe that only yesterday we had plans to escape from this life. And now I have nothing left.โ The free-flowing emotion had never been my thing. It was a waste of time I would tell #Iko and #Peony. However, they disagreed. Now I understand the reason behind it. It was cathodic in a way to let ones self-come apart for these brief snippets of time.
As I sat there my eyes drifted over the mess Iโd made, knowing full well that it would need to be cleaned up before I could start any work. And then my eyes stopped on the small fabric covered droid. โStars Cinder. How could you forget!โ Kaiโs android. The reason the prince had come to the market in the first place. I pushed everything else out of the way, the mess could wait. Pulled the cover off I sat face to face with the white very well kept Tutor8.6.
I knew that this droid was as important to Kai as #Iko had been to me. She has been his childhood tutor. So, I promised myself to do all I could to fi her.
Despite her many years, Nainsi ย looked like she had just stepped off the conveyor belt. She was in pristine condition. The android had a mock-feminine shape, with her body covered in plastic. This was a sleek design along with a spherical head atop a pear-shaped body and a glossy white finish.. She was, however, an outdated model so pulling up her data and finding parts if I needed them wouldnโt be easy.
โWhy are you no powering up?โ I opened her panels and began the slow process of troubleshooting. โI will get you back to your old self before long.โ
It took longer than I thought to appease #Sybil as soon as I got her out of my Fatherโs office I bolted from the room. I burst through the door, and down the hall to the security office. I knew that would be where they had taken him to await ย further instructions.
I saw #Hiro slumped in a chair with his face in his hands. He jumped up the moment I pushed into the room. โKai!โ He started but I cut him off with a fierce hug.
โIโm so sorry #Hiro... I had to make her think that I was mad at you and it was unfixableโฆ so she would stop targeting you.โ I held onto him tightly and he hugged me back hard.
โWait โฆ youโre not mad at me!โ He pushed out to armโs distance. โAbout the files and the..โ
I shook my head. โI ย donโt care about any of that as long as you are safely out of the Lunars' reach.โ
He stepped back now. โWait? youโre really kicking me out of the Palace?โ
โNot kicking you out #Hiroโฆ But you need to get away from here while the lunars are still here. They are trying to isolate meโฆ trying to find my weaknesses.โ I replied.
โYouโre just giving them everything that they want!โ #Hiro started to pace.
โ#Hiro pleaseโฆ until all this trouble with the Lunars is over, youโll be in danger here because they know youโre important to meโ
We argued about it for a long time and eventually, it turned into me begging him to leave. โJust give me tonight to make arrangements for you #Hiroโฆ please. But right now, you need to see ย your motherโฆ sheโs beside herself with worry.โ I knew I needed to go with him and explain to mother why I needed to send her son awayโฆ and then the last time I had in the palace would be severed and they couldnโt hurt me ever again.
โNothing is working, All the diagnostics are coming back clean. All the tests are coming back like she just came off the factory belt. He wasnโt joking when he said she we well maintained in the palace. Soโฆ Why isnโt she working Iko?โ
The second her name came out of my lips, my eyes dashed to the table where her personality chip lay in a small box. The burning sensation came rushing to the forefront once again, making my wipe mf face in the crook of my elbow. โI will make this okay Iko. I donโt know how long it will take. But I will fix it.โ promising the last of where had been left of my best friend, my droid sister.
Returning to the specs Iโd downloads for #Nainsi I began to work my way down it again. Working the troubleshooting one step at a time. Frowning at myself as I never made mistakes. It was so unlike me to do so.
โCinder! Are you still in here?โ The shrieking voice of #LhinArdri came from the far side of the basement.
โNo, I magiced my way out of the locked cage you left me in.โ I replied quickly covering #Nainsi up and tugging another part in front of me. I didnโt look up; I didnโt give her the satisfaction of seeing my reddened eyes. This mishap that had been caused by the doctor was going to get fixed as soon as I saw him again.
โI donโt know what I put up with such insolence from you.โ She seethed from behind me.
โBecause I am the only reason you can buy things and eat?โ I blandished my reply. She went silent for a while, however I could feel her eyes burrowing into the back of my skull.
โI need the hover.โ She finally said.
โAnd I need money for a new mag belt, and I told you this three times.โ The chicken wire door rattled.
โI will no put up with this hostility from you Cinder!โ To this I finally turned to face her.
โYou should have thought about that before you sold me off. Sold Iko off, and then come down here after locking me in asking for things.โ
#Peal stood behind her mother and now I saw that the two of them were dressed up. โItโs Peony, Cinder. Mom was sent a coms. Peony has been moved to the palace med labs, and they said she can have visitors.โ
I shot up from my stool rushing over the makeshift door. โThey moved her?โ Why hadnโt the doctor send me a coms? It didnโt matter now. โOpen the door. I want to come to.โ I pushed the door but #Adri did not move.
โYou are not family. You are not welcome to join.โ She turned taking a hold of her older daughters hands dragging her off and out of the dust covers basement.
โAdri!! Do not do this!! I WANT TO SEE HER TOO! I NEED TO SEE HER!โ I screamed after her to no avail.
#Hiro and I made our way back into the staff corridors and headed to the kitchen. But halfway there we were accosted by other members of staff asking all kinds of questions I couldnโt answer right now. We assured them that everything was fine and we needed to get #Hiro to his mother, they told us she had been brought back to her apartment by a young woman.
Was it Cinder? Had she stayed to see what would happen? But upon our arrival, I instantly registered her absence from the ย small living quarters. Stepping inside weighed heavy on my soulโฆ I knew that this would have to be the last time. I could put Mama Zhao on the Lunar's hit list.
The older woman leapt up and embraced her son. there was so much said between them that I could hardly follow it as I thanked the other staff members (not all kitchen staff, Zhao-Jei was loved within the palace, though there was indeed a young woman in an apron among them) and asked them to give the mother and son time ย together. They were all aware that a request from their Prince wasnโt really a question, especially when the presence of the Lunar Guard in the kitchens made it clear to all that this was a political issue.
Only then did we all sit, and I poured us all tea from the steaming pot that someone must have made just before we arrived. and Zhao-Jei insisted that a Prince should not be pouring tea for staff. โWe are just family today, okay?โ I replied and she nodded seeing I needed it to be that way right now.
#Hiro started to speak and though his mother was confused she just listened. โKai, Iโm sorry I didnโt tell you about the job, but the emperor insisted that it was the best way to protect us both. When The Lunar queen shifted her focus for a marriage alliance from him to you, he was convinced that would try to isolate you. When I applied to be on your Guard, he came to me and asked me to take a different position. He wanted me to report on your movements, but he swore that he would never read them, but I needed to file the reports. There needed to be a trial that we could prove. He swore he would never use them unless you were in danger, and to my knowledge he never did. He said the Lunars would ย together the people that matter to you and that is employed by the Royal family was the only way that I could get diplomatic immunity. I never even touched the money he paid meโฆ I told your father I didnโt want to be paid for being your friend.โ
#Hiroโs speech was long and every part of it resonated with me. Of course, they were protecting meโฆ but why it needed to be a secret had no idea. But this wasnโt the time, our time was running out fast.
I explained to all of them what had to be done and #Hiroโs mother cried. But we all knew the Lunars wouldnโt be okay with this defeat and that he would be targeted if they believed he was part of my life still. If Father hadnโt been ill, then maybeโฆ maybe we could have ย found a different solution. But my best friend was no longer safe here.
#Hiro needed to leave the Palaceโฆ noโฆ he needed to leave the Commonwealth.
I couldnโt understand it, when I was the one who had made the deal with Dr. Dimitri to move #Peony to the palace, why had he not sent me a comms to tell me that it had happened? After our time together, I thought that the two of us had come to an understanding. However, I was clearly wrong about it.
โOf course, he would follow the correct protocols now, he couldnโt have cared less about it when he lied to his crown prince.โ Kicking the chair, I remember that #Adri had been glancing down at the floor when she had been casting doubt over my worth to this family. Had she seen my new foot? Had I forgotten to limp?
โNo, Noโฆ there is no way she would pay me that much mind.โ Sitting back down on the ย stool by the worktop I considered why I couldnโt do anything correctly of late. I had been the one who should have stopped all of this from happening. I should have told #Peony No when she asked to come with me and #Ikoโฆ
โIkoโฆโ That burning pressure began to build behind my eyes again, making me rub my hands over my forehead. โDr. Dimitri! We need to have words!โ I set off to send him a comms only them to realise that I had turned my comms off. โWhen did I โฆ.โ It came to me. I had turned it off in the palace. When my feed was filling up with the stories about Kai, I had turned them all off and then once I came back I only switched on my net feed to down load what I needed for Kaiโs droid.
The moment I switched the comms on, I wished to the Stars above that I hadnโt. There was text scrolling with messaged. from the Doctor, from customers, another from the Palace. And then it was a number of messages I did not expect.
From Iko [ CINDER, WHERE ARE YOU? SOMETHING IS NOT RIGHT HERE.]
From Iko [ CINDER SHE IS DOING IT, SHE CALLED SOMEONE. HE IS COMING,]
From Iko [ CINDERโฆ.. PLEASEโฆ. HE IS HEREโฆ. THEY ARE GOING TO KILL ME!!!!!]
From Iko [ GOODโฆ BYโฆโฆโฆ.. ] This Message was cut off.
Devastatedโฆ Traumatisedโฆ. Crushedโฆ
I felt back off my stool hitting the floor trying to get away from the scrolling text. I couldnโt turn it off. I couldnโt move from the frozen states I was left inโฆ She had been looking for me. trying to find meโฆ crying for helpโฆ and I wasโฆ I was at the palace with the Princeโฆ laughing and jokingโฆ.
โIโฆ Iโฆ Iโฆ amโฆ sorryโฆ Iko!โ
When I left The Zhaoโs quarters I was instantly making a mental list in my head. I sent comms as I walked at a slightly clipped pace through the Palace corridors until a staff member that had been with us as long as I could remember stopped me with a very formal tone. โMay I be of assistance, Your Highness?โ He asked, brows raised like many of the staff did when I was misbehaving.
โOhโฆ umโฆ no but thank you?โ It sounded like a question, and I quickly checked the comms I had sentโฆ Had I accidentally sent a message that I was in need ofโฆ
โIt's just that you seemโฆโ He glanced over his shoulder in the direction I was heading. โYou seem to be in rather a hurry, Your Imperial Highness.โ Those ย words were delivered with deliberate strain.
Ah! I wasnโt acting very Princely right now. That was why he stopped me and why he stopped me hereโฆ the door ahead of me would lead me to a very busy thoroughfare where too many people might witness my harried expression. There was too much to doโฆ I smiled at the man and straightened my back. โActuallyโฆ there is something you could do for me if you are still on your shift?โ The man nodded, but I knew that he probably would do the ย same even if he had been on his way home before he stopped me. I delegated some of the tasks that I needed to complete thank him profusely.
Then; standing where I was, I sent the last comm I needed to while looking every bit the Royal I ย needed to be.
[Iโm so very sorry about the events in the kitchen, Cinder. Hiro is going to be okay, but itโs complicated. I hope you made it home safely]
After I sent it I hastily added.
[Despite everythingโฆ it was a great afternoon. Thank you for spending it with me. it was nice to be just Kaito for a while, no matter how short lived. I donโt have many people I can be myself around.]
I briskly made my way to the engineering wing and the mechanics' suite, deflecting ย the rare person that did approach me as politely and promptly as I could. When I get there a frazzled young man was nervously directing a delivery crew to line up packages.
โPlease can we have a neat line!?โ He was trying to yell as a large crate was placed at the end of a row slightly askew, but his voice quivered. โThe prince isโฆ Oh, Aces!!โ He whimpered when I entered. And as the others in the room that werenโt accustomed to my presence bowed at the waist, the young Apprentice ย Engineer (if I had read his bade correctly) dropped to his knees. I fought an eye roll, this boy was younger than me and I had clearly made his job much harder today. I channelled Mama Zhao, thereโs no need to be mean when kindness would do ย just as nicely. I crouched down as some of the more seasoned staff chuckled and returned to their work, extended my hand to help him up and said. โMy apologies I didnโt mean to startle you.โ The boy looked up and then flushed when he saw no ย one else was kneeling and had all returned to their duties.
I didnโt add insult to injury by introducing myself. When he took my hand I helped him up and whispered. โFirst week?โ With a kind smile.
โFirst day.โ He said flustered. And now I ย really did feel bad. โThe Head Engineer wanted to be here to greet herself but she was able home for the evening and is on her way now.โ He explained. โShould we wait for her?โ he asked and someone else nudged him as they passed and he looked at them incredulously. I coughed and whispered under my breath. โYour Highness.โ
โShould we wait for her, Your Highness?โ He corrected himself.
โUnfortunately, I am rather pressed for time. I think you should show me what you have in the meantime, but I will be needing the services of your best programmers.โ I gave a nod to the awaiting crew, and they stepped forward to pry open the crates.
โI apologize for my lack ofโฆ protocolโฆ Your Majโฆโ I shook my head at the boyโฆ that was ย not my titleโฆ yet. โYour highness?โ I gave him a smile. โI just arrive from The American Federation as part of the apprenticeship program with University.โ
I chuckled. โThe accent tipped me off.โ I said quietly. โAnd Sir is fine after the ย initial greeting, Kia if your boss isnโt watching.โ I gave him a wink. He would catch on soon enough.
The crates before us began to open and revealed what seemed - rather horrifyingly - to contain body bags that were standing upright. The ย squeal of several zippers being pulled at once did not help that visual. Then I was stood in front of a row of escort droids that looked far too human if it wasnโt for their utter stillness and blank, staring eyes. It was uncanny. Escort ย droids wereโฆ built to be people's version of perfectionโฆ these models had freckles; uneven yet still attractive skin tones, and hair that wasnโt quite perfect. One had a visible birthmarkโฆ and all their eyes were shades you would see every day walking the halls of the Palace or the streets of New Beijing. The practice of giving them brightly and wildly coloured eyes was common practice so they could be easily identified as androids.
ใ ๐๐๐๐ง๐ฐ๐ก๐ข๐ฅ๐ ๐๐ญ ๐๐ก๐จ๐๐ง๐ข๐ฑ ๐๐จ๐ฐ๐ง๐๐ซ๐ฌ ใ
Message received from PRINCE KAITO
[Iโm so very sorry about the events in the kitchen, Cinder. Hiro is going to be okay, but itโs complicated. I hope you made it home safely]
[Despite everythingโฆ it was a great afternoon. Thank you for spending it with me. it was nice to be just Kaito for a while, no matter how short lived. I donโt have many people I can be myself around.]
The green text looped over and over again before my vision, making me wish I had turned my comms off. But that was something I wasnโt prepared to do. Not ever again as long as there was someone out there who needed me.
I had held some hope that any moment now I would hear from #Peony, that she would tell me that she was better, and that she had a craving for some custard steam buns. That she wanted some noddle soup and Stars, she just wanted to eat anything and everything I could afford to buy for her. Nothing had come.
I was crying! Wiping my eyes as they filled again. โWhere is Adri now? she thinks Iโm heartless because I couldnโt cryโฆ Now where is she?โ
No one was here to hear me, I dropped the driver and pulled out the circuit board from the back of #Nanci. If I was stuck here, then I may as well work, while there were still tears in my eyes making it difficult for me to read the downloaded specs for the droid.
โThat doctor has broken me.โ muttering as I worked, looking at the two card slots that looked fine and yet something also looked out of place. ย
โI am the one who is broken here.โ Sure, I was feeling heat, I was sweating. I was CRYING!!!! All ย while I sat here in the basement of Phoenix Towners working on a royal droid that costed more than what I could make inโฆ. I shot that thought down, because I knew that Kaito had never made me feel like I was less than him. But I had to face the truth. He was soon going to be our ruler, today in the palace I had witnessed first hand how his life would soon change. He wanted to help is best friends #Hiro, however he had to act likeโฆ. Like he felt nothing. ย
โWaitโฆ You arenโt meant to be here.โ I was spiralling, thoughts and moments all combining into one and then into their own again within a moment or two. Moving the board out I exchanged it for another I had spare and then I began the diagnose. The card that had bee jammed in of the slot was old technology, that didnโt make sense. โEverything about her is brand-new. Except for you.โ Speaking to the card. Pushing myself to the far side of my work bench. โI know I have one here somewhere.โ I had so much In the boxes ready to be used. Because who knew what I would be asked to fix next. But this. โThere you are.โ Pulling out the old card reader, I attached the cards from the droid into it. attaching it to my net feed connection, I waited to see if anything would show up on the port.
Dialling... Dialling... Dialling... Connection Lost...
Dialling... Dialling... Dialling... Connection Lost...
Dialling... Dialling... Dialling... Connection Lost...
โMaybeโฆ I donโt know. Maybe the doctor broke my know how too?โ Pushing back away from the screen I needed to keep going. If I stopped, I knew the thoughts of #Penoy and #Iko would consume me.
ใ ๐๐๐๐ง๐ฐ๐ก๐ข๐ฅ๐ ๐๐ญ ๐๐๐ฐ ๐๐๐ข๐ฃ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐๐ฅ๐๐๐ใ
I stopped in front of an androidโฆ male, with neatly trimmed facial hair. He looked just slightly older than Hiro and Iโฆ so it wouldnโt look like he was keeping strange company. He had and a shallow crease between ย his brows and a small scar on his forehead that you could only see when you got close. A tattoo peeked from beneath the plain white t-white all the models wore. He looked incredibly human or, at least, I believed that once he wasnโt utterly still, surrounded by packing foamย and staring blankly ahead with dark brown eyesโฆ he would look human. โThis oneโฆโ I pointed to him and the delivery crew started disassembling the box around him and closing up the others.
The new engineer cleared his throat and began to look awkward now, his pale cheeks flushing. But I was still a Prince so I wasnโt about to explain what it was that I wanted with an escort droid. No matter how down-to-earth I was with the staff. โShould we use the Head ย Engineerโs office to discuss your programming needs, sir?โ He staggered over the words and I nodded as one of the lab techs activated the Droid and moved him to a charging portโฆ The human look was yet to kick in as he moved easily but too stiffly.
โYes, we should. Thank ย you.โ I followed the young man to his boss's office, he moved behind her desk; eyed her seat wearily, and chose (wisely from what I knew of his boss) to remain standing. He hit a button which illuminated the screen before him.
โLet me just register him as yours. All I need name I used when I didnโt want to be identified. He wouldn't have been here long enough to know of Hiro. But my secret identity was something else entirely. I had briefly considered crafting him a new identity but if the Lunars went looking for him and he had disappeared it ย would be bad for all of us.
โI seeโฆโ He cleared his throat and typed. โThis model's default personality is set to a Canadian Male with a mild accent from the Calgary region, inquisitive andโฆโ The boy grinned. โSarcastic. Would you like to change this? It can take several hours to scrub this data and reinstall new defaults.โ I could tell he was impressed at the complexity of the programming.
โNoโฆ that is all fine.โ They were going to be a lot of travelling for a while anyway. โIโm going to need some personal protection programs installed too.โ
Now the engineerโs brow furrowed. โLikeโฆ bodyguard programming? Escort droids arenโtโฆโ
I cut him offโฆ โIt doesnโt need to be combat ready just whatever the hardware can handle, just a basic programโฆ and basic domestic and personal assistance programs too, and ย he will need to pass as human as possible. Heโll need a portscreen too, but keep the internal comms.โ I added when I remembered how horrible Hiro was in the kitchenโฆ not that I was much better. But Hiro would someone to help look after him and no one could pass as a human ย without a port screen.
The confusion on the boyโs face grew but he seemed more relaxed about this, hopefully, that meant the programs would be compatible with this model. He typed furiously for a long time and looked up at me. โWe will get started as soon as the head engineer arrives.โ He gave me a nod. โY-Your Highness.โ
โExcellent. I think you are going to do just fine here. Welcome to the Palace.โ I smiled and extended my hand to the boy and he shook it. I made my way to the door and turned back. โHave the techs dress him in something casual and sent to my quarters as soon as itโs done. Make sure he uses the staff corridors.โ
I was halfway back to my room when I realized how that would have sounded and I chuckled to myself about the gossip that was probably spreading around the lab now. As long as it never left the palace wallsโฆ all would be well.
I hadnโt intended on falling asleep on the couch but as read through the reports that #Hiro had made about me and usโฆ. I dozed off.
I woke up to a deep voice and a hand on my cheek. โGood morning, My Prince.โ Dark eyes looked down at me as I opened my eyes to a feint morning light and an eerily convincing seductive smile. I pulled his hand away from my cheek. โOh no, no, no!โ I laughed and shuffled away. โThat is not why you are here. I should have had them purge that programโฆโ ย I wondered if there was still time. But then another part of me thoughtโฆ Maybe #Hiro would like a little funโฆ He normally went for older men. But this was a good-looking manโฆ modelโฆ It was confusingโฆ
Then I began to fill him in on his mission.
ใ ๐๐๐๐ง๐ฐ๐ก๐ข๐ฅ๐ ๐๐ญ ๐๐ก๐จ๐๐ง๐ข๐ฑ ๐๐จ๐ฐ๐ง๐๐ซ๐ฌ ใ
I gave up on the D-Comms chip, there didnโt seem to be a link fully established. It kept attempting to open a new window, however it was like a link to an open blackhole from which no one was answering back. โThis direct link must have been in place years ago.โ I thought to myself. โ ]And now no one is on the other side?โ
ย I knew there hadnโt been any viable data on it. And if there was, there was non saving it. I had tried a few back ups however they all came back corrupted. โThis model hasnโt been issued a D-Comm chip since 89 T.E. Soโฆ Why do you have one Nainsi?โ Talking to myself while work would become a habit, I was sure, because I no longer had the two who would have kept me company.
โLetโs try to see if this was the thing you were rejecting and shorting out because of it being in the wrong place.โ Turning my full attention back to the princes android, I did another full reboot on her. This time her data began to process the moment she was powered back up.
โStars! Finally! Finally, something good is coming out of this day.โ I was unaware of the time because I refused to check, ย thankful for the meal Iโd enjoyed in the Palace kitchens because right now it felt like it would be the last one, I would have in a while. For now I wanted to ride the high of maybe fixing #Nainsi for Kai.
Her green screen lighting up with messaging scrolled up taking her thought the reboot. โAll good signsโย Muttering to myself. Seconds later the messaging changed to:
INTIATION OF DIRECT LINK TERMINATEDโฆ
Followed by a number of clicks and the control panel came to life. And then taking a step back I gave the droid the time it needed to come back to me. โThatโs itโฆ come backโฆ nice and slowโฆ Just come back.โ I knew that with everything that had happening in the Palace, Kai would need her back more than ever.
As the droid came back to life, a calm and collected female voice began to speak out of the droids speakers. She sounds like she had been in the middle of giving a class.
โโฆ.pected that a man by the name of Logan Tanner, a Lunar doctor who worked under the reign of Queen Channary, first brought Princess Selene to Earth approximately four months after her alleged death.โ
I froze in my stop, shocked at what I was hearing. This had to be some functional story.
โUnfortunately, Tanner was admitted into Xu Ming Psychiatric Hospital on 08th May 125 T.E., and committed suicide on 17th January 126 T.E.. Though Sources have indicated that Princesses ย Selene had been given to another keeper years before Tannerโs death, I have so far not been able to confirm these reports. One report suspects that the new keeper of the Princess was ex-military pilot from the European Federation, Wing Commander Michelle Benoit, whoโโ
โSTOPโฆ STOPโฆ. STOP talking!!โ I shouted out to the droid. โI donโt believe you should be telling me all of thisโฆ So STOP!!!โ
She turned her head to glance at me. โWho are you? And where am I? What am I doingโฆโ She was gathering data. โWhat am I doing in the 76th Sector of New Beijing? I have no memory of leaving the palace.โ
โKaiโฆ I mean Prince Kaito brought you to me, to fix youโฆโ Holding my hands up to the chicken wire lock in we were stood in. โWelcome to the home of New Beijingโs Best Mechanicโs suite.โ She didnโt look impressed. She gave me and the space a once over. The droid was up herself.
โI need to return to Prince Kaito. It is with great importance ย I must return!โ
It felt like hours later when I was waiting in the garage for Hiro. His new travelling companion with me. He had a suitcase of enough personal belongings to pass as a human. He understood his mission objective was to pass as a real personโฆ but his core programming to serve humans couldnโt be overridden so there was always a chance that they would be discovered, which was why I had told them both to keep moving until the Lunar issue was resolved.
I had spent most of that time obsessively checking my port screen for comm from Cinder. I really hoped that she got home safely.
Hiro arrived, dragging a ridiculously large suitcase behind him. His shoulders were squared, and he walked with purpose. But his bloodshot eyes ย gave him away. He was being strongโฆ after saying goodbye to his mother.
I hugged him when he came close, and he hugged me back. โIโm so sorry about this.โ I whispered to him. I wasnโt going to justify this decision again. I had already told him why I believed this was best. And the fact that he had stopped fighting me on this was a sign that he thought so tooโฆ It was just a lot deeper down.
โIโll be back as soon as that Lunar Bitch and the Queen Bitch are out of our lives ย forever.โ He said with a shaky voice and tight embrace. The hug was the longest we had ever shared. He broke by whispering. โWhoโs the stunning hunk of man meat?โ He asked and I couldnโt contain my laughter.
โThis is your new travelling companion. His name is #Nathan. I smiled and beckoned him over.
โYou hired me a sexy bodyguard?โ #Hiro asked out of the corner of his mouth.
โNo, I bought you a sexy bodyguard.โ I explained with a grin.
โI knew you liked me despite all ย the rebuffs.โ Nathan said and winked at me. There was that sarcasm they told me about. Then he introduced himself to Hiro.
โYou brought me anโฆ.โ Hiro trailed off, still shaking his hand and staring at the android.
โPeeerโsonal assistant.โ I smiled and finished for him. โHe is not a toyโฆ Hiroโฆ okay. You need to try and help him pass as a human. He is to protect you from any Lunars trying to manipulate youโฆ just in case they try and check up on you. He is the latest in the most ย life-like lineโฆ he even has an imitation heartbeat, and it looks like his breathing even when he is recharging.โ I continue to explain to Hiro about his new companion while Nathan loaded the bags into the waiting hover car.
Everything was ย happening too fastโฆ I knew that he needed to leave but fear started to grow inside of me that once we parted ways; we would never see each other again.
Finally, I hugged Hiro one last time. And whispered. โI may have left the escort ย programming in thereโฆ but heโs still not a toy.โ
โI knew I loved you!!โ Hiro clasped the back of my neck and fixed his gaze on me. โPromise me you wonโt marry that psycho queen Kaiโฆ no matter what?โ
I shook my head; I couldnโt make a promise like that. โUnless thereโs absolutely no choiceโฆโ
โNo Kaito, please promise me that you wonโt.โ He pressed.
โI canโt do that Hiroโฆ I donโt want the last thing I say to you to be a promise I might have to break. I canโtโฆโ My voice shook and ย trailed off now.
โOkayโฆ. Okayโฆ way to play to a guy's weaknesses.โ Hiro was holding back tears. โJust stay safeโฆ and ask Cinder to the ball againโ
Then he was climbing into the hoverโฆ refusing to let this be a goodbye. I returned to my ย quarters and commended the Palace press office. There was no way I could ever wash off the stain of what I had to do next. I admitted no wrongdoing or assigned no blame. But it didnโt matter how I worded thisโฆ It still made me feel dirty.
New Beijing Palace Press Release
Following a diplomatic incident involving the Luna Delegation and a member of staff from the New Beijing Palace. The member of staff has been dismissed and a formal apology has been issued, by the Crown to Thaumaturge Sybil Mira of Luna, for the misunderstanding.
ใ ๐๐๐๐ง๐ฐ๐ก๐ข๐ฅ๐ ๐๐ง
ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ๐๐ก๐ ๐๐ญ๐ซ๐๐๐ญ๐ฌ ๐๐
ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ๐๐๐ฐ ๐๐๐ข๐ฃ๐ข๐ง๐ ใ
โWhy could we not call a hover. I must return to the palace.โ
#Nainsi was rolling so fast that I was having to hop, skip and run the best I could to keep up with her.
Ducking and diving around the people who all had come out onto the streets for some reason or another.
โWhich part of me having to convince the building manager that we were locked in the basement by accident and needed to be let out did you now witness? Do you think I have the univs needed for a hover ride across New Beijing to the palace?โ
She was computing the detailed as she rolled out into the street, and I had to pull her back to stop from becoming squished.
โYou know what Nainsi, you do not need to answer that. The answer is no. No, we couldnโt afford a hover.โ
โI can afford a hover. Prince Kaito has always made sure I have what I need to adequately complete my tasks.โ Was this android looking down her nose at me? And she didnโt even have a nose!
โSure, go figureโฆ of course an android would have ย the means to ride a hover, and I wouldnโt. Itโs how my life is.โ Rolling my eyes, still rushing to keep up with her.
I canโt to a stop as did everyone else in the street at the big DO NOT ENTER signed plastered all over the entrance of the Market square.
โAhh. This way is quarantined. We must that the longer route.โ
I wanted to use a 20th century saying, so I did.ย โNo shit Sherlock. What gave it away?โ This time I pulled her down the side street to take us around the blocked area.
As we came out the other side the net screens above us all came to live with the news flash.
New Beijing Palace Press Release
Following a diplomatic incident involving the Luna Delegation and a member of staff from the New Beijing Palace. The member of staff has been dismissed and a formal apology has been issued, by the Crown to Thaumaturge Sybil Mira of Luna, for the misunderstanding.
The people all over the street and around us shouting in an uproar. Saying that the emperor would not allow this. That we were not safe. That the Lunaโs must leave!
They all started towards the palace gates.
โThat stuff you were say when you powered up. Itโs not a joke is it. You really areโโ
#Nainsi rolled on now. โThat information was not for you. It is highly confidential, and you have no clearance to hear it.โ
I watched the net feeds of a hastily cobbled-together protest outside the Palace. So far only a few dozen were gathered but the net chatter of the gathering was widespread. More were coming. The IT team had asked me if they should try and ย limit the reach of the feeds.
I told them no. I was not going to stifle the voices of the people. They had every right to be angry. I sagged onto the ornate couch, annoyed at having been ushered off of the balcony by my Security Team. #KonnTorin looked up from the Port in his hand. His face had that pinched quality that it only got when something was both wrong and testing his nerves.
โThe Lunar Thaumaturge has concerns about the crowd.โ He said at my prompting gaze.
โTell her she will be safe in the guest wing. But if sheโs afraid of us mere humans I will happily send her Palace Guards.โ I scoffed; I would never Happily put any human within reach of her hellish magic. #Torinโs eyes narrowed. He ย was aware that I knew all too well that the Lunars insisted on their own security. โOr she may return to Luna. I will not disperse a crowd that is lawfully gathered. They have the right to peaceful demonstration.โ
โApologies sirโฆ but if it becomesโฆโ One of my bodyguards asked. โLess peaceful?โ
โIt wonโt,โ I said, half certain and half hopeful. โThey are madโฆ not afraid. Fear is the beast that begets violence.โ I turned to the Guard. โHave faith in our people that they will not resort to violence.โ He nodded, his shoulders eased, and he moved to peer between the curtains. It appeared I had convinced himโฆ or he simply returned to his duties.
My port chimed on my belt, and I pulled it off, about ready to chuck it across the room. At leastโฆ. until I say the name. She was safe! I sighed a breath of relief.
[Thank the Stars you are okay! Are you okay? If you can stay off the streets. The people are angry. He is going to be okay. Heโs safe. I had tooโฆ]
[Iโm sorry. I let you downโฆ I let all our people down.] ย I couldnโt say this to anyone elseโฆ she is the only one I even admit this to.
[Iโmโฆ] I deleted this and started again.
[Itโsโฆ] This too was deleted.
[Iโm all alone now.] Starsโฆ no I couldnโt tell her that. Deleted.
The comms were sent in rapid succession. No one questioned it most people in the room were hunched over Port Screens or furiously scrolling net feeds on the screens embedded in the small study desk from my childhood or mounted on the walls, other that the Palace guard whose full attention was trained on me.
โYou do not have clearance to enter the Palace. We are in lockdown here. No one without ID can go in or come out.โ We stood at the main gates with people protecting behind us. #Nainsi and I were attempting to find Kaito.
โYou donโt understand, this here.โ Pointing to #Nainsi. โShe belongs to Prince Kaito. She is his droid. He asked me to help fix her and I have done so now.โ
โGood try kid. We donโt send droids out of the palace to be fixed. They are all maintained here in the workshops.โ The guard rolled his eyes in frustration at me. โIโm not telling you again. No ID, No Invite, No entry.โ
โI have my ID.โ #Nainsi spoke up, rolling forward she opened her chest plate aa arm extending and the guard brought a scanner to it. He looked at his screen in confusion for a while before opening the gate just enough to let us in. However, he stopped me. โThat was her clearance, you still do not have one. No Entry!โ The gates closed on my face.
โNainsi! Go straight to him. Donโt stop to speak with anyone.โ I shouted while being pushed away from the gate.
โI know my duty, Linh Cinder.โ She called back without stopping.
โThatโs all I can do for now.โ Glancing up at the palace walls and the palace itself towering over the city. I stepped back slowing weaving my way down the hill side.
Kaiโs replies stared to flow one after another, so fast that I had to stop walking abruptly with people banging into me. A man pushed me out of the way into the wall of the Palace. Shouting that the Lunaโs had to go.
[Prinโ Kai! I am okay. I know, everything out here started while I was here to drop Nainsi off.]
[She is on her way back to you. Working and well.]
[The peopleโฆ Your people! They will understand once they have time to reflect. Give them timeโฆ Just as I know, and He knows you did this for him. to keep him safe. Your people will too see this truth. Kai.]
[Please stay safe in there. You are not alone. He will be back. I know I am not him. And I may have no right to say this. But I will always be a friend to you. Always.] ย ย
I sat forward on my couch an elbow on one knee, the other bouncing wildly, two fingers pressed to my lips and the sound of the room faded into the background. She was okayโฆ It was all I could think about, I couldnโt keep the people in my own Palace safeโฆ but maybeโฆ just maybe I could keep the city safe. I just had to betray my best friend to do it.
My Port buzzed in my hand. She was hereโฆ I launched myself off the couch and commsed the gate.
[Issue an Imperial Pass to Linh Cinder, New Beijing Mechanic. If she is no longer at the gates, please send an android to escort her to the west entrance for an audience with Prince Kaito.]
I left the room in a hurry, leaving #KonnTorin calling my name behind me. I made my way to the west entrance. The halls were very empty, all non-essential, non-resident staff were sent home for their own safety. I wasnโt expecting violence, but I also wasnโt willing to send my staff out those gates to a waiting crowd of unhappy citizens.
As I paced just inside the West Wing Foyer I stopped and read her other messages. #Nainsi would find me where I was in the Palace, she was the key to everything. I needed to know what she had discovered.
โBut I will always be a friend to you. Always.โ
My heart felt lighter, having been a stone in my chest ever since that Lunar Guard showed in the kitchens. When was the last time I had made a friend? The only people that treated me as a true friend were the staff children around my ageโฆ and they were mostly all gone now. #Hiro was one of the last. The Court children always had an agenda. That only got worse as they grew up and their parents shaped them for their roles. Especially the girls. I hated the feeling that they were raised being told their worth was wrapped up in whether or not I would choose them for a wife. It was no way to live.
My guards remained at a respectable distance while I paced. โPlease come, pleaseโฆ just let me see you for five minutes.โ I muttered to myself, pressing the corner of my Port into my temple.
Half way down the hill leading back into town, I had to stop. The new foot felt seamless on the best of days, however the walk to the palace and now back again was a little more than it could handle. I knew that tonight, if #Adri let me back into the apartment, then I would need to soak to stop the blisters from coming to bloom on my skin.
As I began to slowly walk back down the way I had come. Someone calling my name behind me made me stop.
โLinh Cinderโฆ Halt! Halt right there!โ
I had a split second to decide. Run, or stop?
However, why would I run? Because upon glancing back I could see a palace security droid making its way towards me, calling out my name. and that never meant anything good for me. I glanced down the hill, then to my foot, and then back over my shoulder again.
โLinh Cinder.. ID Number: #0097917305โฆ Licensed mechanic for New Beijing.. Halt in the name of the emperor
Rikan, Ruler of Eastern Commonwealth!โ
โOkayโฆ Iโm in big trouble!โ Muttering to myself as it came to stand behind me.
โLinh Cinder, you have been granted an Imperial Pass.โ I was told.
โHmm.. okayโฆ what does that mean for me exactly?โ I asked, confusion taking a hold of me. who would do such a thing? And why?
โI am to escort you to have an audience with Crown Prince Kaito of the Eastern Commonwealth. Please follow me.โ
This made no sense, whyโฆ howโฆ whatโฆ โLinh Cinder, follow me now.โ ย I did, still filled with a mind full of uncertainty of where we were going. We did not return back up the hill, instead I was being taken to a different entrance, one I hadnโt even known existed.
โWhere are we going?โ I finally questioned as the gates before us opened and I followed behind.
โThis is the west entrance. This is where your audience will be held.โ
Stopping as we came to the palace entrance behind the outer gates, with large wooden well carved doors, they opened by themselves and on the other side I saw him.
My eyes snapped up when Cinder came through the doors. I rushed a few steps towards herโฆ fighting a highly inappropriate urge to embrace her. โCinder!โ I said with far too much eagerness and a sigh of relief. Like didnโt actually believe that ย she was okay until I saw her for myself. The Android swivelled its scanner towards her, probably annoyed that it wasnโt given a chance to announce her before she spoke. โItโs so good to see you.โ I turned to the droid. โThank you, you are ย dismissed and free to return to your post.โ It rolled away on its threads and left Cinder and I with just my guards; keeping a respectful distance.
She looked like she hadnโt slept since the last time that I had seen her. Then I remembered about Nainsi; had she been up all night fixing her? โAre you okay?โ I asked (Yet again.) โIโm sorry I had you brought in this wayโฆ Itโs not because I was being secretive. I just didnโt want to have you walk through that crowd again.โ I looked towards a muted net screen at the images from the front of the Palace. โThe people are disappointed in me. I let the city down.โ I sighed and turned back to her, looking at her like I was begging for forgiveness. โBut I kept him safeโฆ I had to ย keep him safe.โ
So much took place all at once, the guards stepped in and then without a word being said they moved back and basically blended into the background. The android, who accompanied to this side of the palace moved away. And Kaiโฆ The Princeโฆ he came rushing over to me so fast and without care.
Slowly, too slowly Iโd remembered myself. Bowing my head to Kai unsurprisingly my mind flashed an image of #Peony and #Iko looking so disappointed in my attempt of some form of etiquette.
Combing my fingers through the mess that some would call a ponytail on my head. So aware that I still wore the same clothes. And stepped back when I remembered Iโd not even showered in two days now! And here I was? Stood in his palace with his team watching me.
โI am fine. Uhm. Prince Kaito, thank you for your concern. However, it is not necessary.โ Clearing my throat as the words and this way felt so false when it came to him.
Following his eyes to the muted net screen and ย then back to him. Lowering my voice for only him to hear, however still aware we were being listened to.
โYour people feel lost right now. They donโt know everything. They donโt understand why you have done what you are.โ
I could see the difference in him. It felt like the world sat on his shoulders. The carefree boy who had visited me in the market was nowhere to be seen.
โRight now. Hiro is your priority, as well as taking care of your people. And thatโs what you did. You ย took care of all your peopleโฆ You set your boundaries with the Lunaโs. They now know you will not bend to their demands.โ
Once again being aware that we are being watched i continue.
โYour people are No disappointed, they are scared. There is a difference Kaiโฆ Prince Kaito..โ
โOhโฆโ She bowed to me. โYou donโt need toโฆโ I was Prince Kaito again too. This woman could give me whiplash, at least she knew how to keep me on my toes. โPlease call me Kai, weโre... friends now, right?โ She had said as much in her comms. I wanted to step closer but given that she had stepped away I didnโt want to cause her any offence.
I nodded slowly when she told me the people were afraid. I wasnโt sure if that was better or worse.
โI canโt say this on the record, but I want you to know that #Hiro did nothing wrong. I never admitted any wrongdoing on his behalfโฆ He was the victim here. They targeted him to get to me. I know there are a lot of mixed emotions across the Commonwealth right now, I just hope ย they donโt lose faith in meโฆ because I truly believe I can take on this role. Sometimes to win a war you must concede a battle and right now this war is only in words. I will use mine to preserve life wherever possible. My people wanted me to order censorship of the net feeds to stem the spread of the protestโฆ but I couldnโt allow that. I canโt press a button and steal away peopleโs voicesโฆ I canโtโฆ I wonโtโฆ even if they do lose faith in me.โ
I shook my headโฆ That had gotten too deep, too fast. And I was sure there was far more to it than pushing a button. But the metaphor held.
โWould you like to come inside? I can send my guards on their way and we canโฆโ I glanced over my shoulder at them. โSpeak freelyโฆ asโฆ ย friends do.โ I smiled my most charming smile at her. I wanted to know what had been wrong with #Nainsi just as badly as I wanted to be in her company. โWith the unrest outside Iโm afraid they wonโt leave me until Iโm within the inner walls of ย the Palace.โ I explained.
I began to head out of the foyer hoping she would follow. โSo, would you mind telling me what was wrong with #Nainsi? I hope you didnโt spend all night fixing herโฆ I would hate to see you losing sleep to get her finished.โ I said even though the information she held was (hopefully) worth many, many restless nights.
Something within me saw the alteration in Kai as he remained in his perfect manor reflecting down at me. I knew I was doing this all wrong. I was trying to show him the respect he merited as the crown prince, before his team of people, as well as being the friend I promise to be for him. However, with where we stood, I could sense myself melting under the unseen eyes of all who were here to look out for him.
Taken aback by his frankness before this guards, there was a shift of unease within me once again. I never felt like someone who would buckle under the scrutiny of palace, however after the night I had gone through I knew too well that I was out of place here.
โI know..โ Finally, being able to say something. โI know Hiro did nothing, and I know you are doing what you feel is the correct path to take for his safety.โ I couldnโt help but sense he was a boy with so much on his shoulders and losing his best friend would become a clink in his armour. I hoped that he had others here in the palace who would do for him with #Hiro had. ย
โThey wanted to what?โ I couldnโt believe what I was hearing. โKai, You did the right thing. People have the right to show you how they feel. When they are happy of sad. The palace can not lap up the good times and the cheers, if they plan to mute those same people when they need someone to show them light and the way in the bad times.โ This couldnโt happen, and I knew that Kai wouldnโt ever let it be so.
โOh.. Uhm..โ My eyes took in that smile of his that gave him a glow, then moved to the gate behind, and then I saw his back as he walked away. Was that a queue for me to follow behind him? Was I to wait here?
โWell, are you coming Linh Cinder?โ It was #Nainsi herself waiting for me to move, and so I did.
Kai walked ahead, with #Nainsi speeding up to moved in step with him, with me trailing behind. โMe? all night?โ
However, before I could lie to him #Nainsi answered. โFrom what I could make out, she was indeed awake most of the night, to bring me back.โ This droid wasnโt one to keep a secret.
โSo, what was wrong with her.โ I began once we were inside and like he said the guards began to all back. โDo you know what a D-Comm chip is?โ I asked.
I breathed a sigh of relief. I had known it was the right choice. It didnโt take a political genius to know the citizen would not want their voices silencedโฆ or in this case temporarily muted. But hearing that validation from a citizen directly; meant a lot to me. Saying something out loud and being told I made the right choice wasโฆ indescribable right now. I felt everything I did was wrong the last few days.
I smiled fondly at #Nainsi when she found us. โNow, now old ย friend.โ I chuckled, I knew that it was silly but seeing my old companion up and running again warmed my heart. โRemember what we said about not spilling a lady's secrets?โ I said to her and in her patented no-nonsense manner she ignored me. โDonโt mind herโฆ sheโs a stuffy old schoolmarm on a good day.
โD-Comm??โ I repeatedโฆ โSure they are made in pairs and create a closed-end communication circuit between two devices to prevent security breaches. We use them for global ย conferencing with world leadersโฆ If I understand correctly, they fell out of common use because of their limited capabilities.โ I looked at Cinder to see if I was rightโฆ I may have said a lot more than necessary in an attempt to impress her.
Narrowing my eyes at #Nainsi would gain nothing. She really didnโt care about what was happening as long as she shared the facts with her Prince. And I couldnโt hold that against her: it was what she had been created for.
On top of which, if #Nainsi was acting like her old self, it meant I had done the job correctly. Returning her back to her Prince in the best way possible, right now with everything that had occurred.
โOh..โ my attention on Kai as he spoke about the chip, and he really did know it.
Clearing my throat I rubbed the back of my hot neck that had begun to cool a little since we were not longer outside in the searing heat. The place was breathtakingly cooler inside.
โSo, you do know what it is.โ Tapping on #Nainsiโs shoulder I looked at Kai dead in his eyes, however keeping mine a little low in case her saw something he should in them. โThey you will know that Nainsi is not compatible with such a chip. It will cause her issues, and ย like before she will shut up, itโs her frame work providing protection for her systems.โ
Tapping my pockets I frowned. โIโm sorry, I could swear I brought theโฆ.โ Finally finding it in the back pocket of my pants. โHere it is!โ Holding it out for him to see. โThis is a no go for Nainsi, it was why she had completely shut down and wouldnโt reboot until I removed it.โ
โJust the basics.โ I told her. โFather always believed we should never use the technology we didnโt understand.โ But when she continued my brow furrowedโฆ what did she mean? Why would she tell me Nainsi wasnโt compatibleโฆ but she pulled out the ย pearlescent deviceโฆ I froze.
I took all of my composure to keep my hand from trembling as she handed me the chip. โStar Above!โ I gasped and flipped itโฆ searching for some corporate logoโฆ somethingโฆ anything for a sign of some new earthen ย company that was trying to get ahead of the curve be added a little sparkle to the productโฆ but why would they bother? These chips werenโt on show when they were in use, so why waste resources to make them shiny? โLunarโฆโ I muttered before I ย could think.
My eyes met Cinderโs, sheโd believed I had installed this in #Nainsi. โYou truly found this in Nainsi?โ I asked but I wasnโt really askingโฆ โI didnโt. I never would have installed thisโฆ I might know what they are but I wouldnโt ย even know where to begin to install one in an android. Anything more than sliding one in a net screen port is out of my leagueโฆ This is made for the same material as the Lunar spaceships.โ
Stomach-churning realisation barrelled into me like a train. Panic.
No! I told myself. I will not be afraid.
โUmโฆ do youโฆ could you tell how long it's been there? Of if the link had even been established? If any information was sent over it?โ I asked, knowing I was asking too much. I was ย putting her at risk. But the whole country was at risk if the Lunars knew what #Nainsi was researching on my behalf. The whole planet.
โI have to admit, you know a lot more than most would. And the emperor is correct in his belief. If we donโt it understand technology, how do we know itโs working for us of not.โ
Becoming as still as I could, I felt and heard the sound of feet shuffling just outside the doors. They opened and closed. My assumption at this stage that they looked in to make sure I wasnโt killing the crown Prince, before leaving us be again.
โWhatโs wrong?โ My fingers dropped the small chip in ย his hand, and I could see the shaking. Had I done something incorrectly? Had I said or done something to make him uncomfortable?
No. Kaiโs eyes were locked onto the chip as the light hit it, I saw him lost in his thoughts or far, far away. โLuna?โ Had I heard him correctly? Of course I had. I could hear the beating hearts of his guard outside the doors.
โYes, of course I found that chip inside of her. Why would I lie? Youโre team here have some fancy looking chips, however ย as I said to you before. The foundation of your droid cannot comply with what that chip is trying to dโโ
My words cute short. โWhat do you mean you didnโt? You didnโt install it? Or you didnโt ask for it to be installed?โ Did it matter right now?
Something was wrong, this had been the most uncertain I had seen Kai. And it was giving me an unexpected feeling of anxiety.
I took a few steps back and then forward, trying to determine what to say next. And without even ย timing, I began to speak.
โI donโt think it was in her for very longโฆ waitโฆ are you sure itโs the same as their ship?โ I had seen that ship land on the large net screens. But I still couldnโt believe this. โThis chip wasnโt placed into ย #Nainsi on your request? And this chip doesnโt belong to the palace?โ
My hand flew up to the side of my head, my mind replaying the first moments after #Nainsi had rebooted. โShe was giving a reportโฆ #Nainsiโฆ she was talking aboutโฆ. Lowering my voice. โAbout the lost princess.โ Stepping even closer to him. โKaiโฆ please tell me that when you said #Nainsi had top secret information, you werenโt talking about this?โ
I was still in a state of shock. The Lunar had violated my own personal androidโฆ they had access to every detail of my movement and my ๐ก๐ฃ๐๐ง๐๐ฅ๐ project. They might as well have planted a camera in my bed chamber. My gut twistedโฆ Had ย they? I would have to get security to sweep sensitive areasโฆ discreetly.
My eyes turned up to Cinderโs again. โIโm positiveโฆ Iโll never forget the day they landed.โ I shuddered, remembering #Sybilโs dark magic lapping at the innermost parts of my being, taunting meโฆ making sure I knew that she could twist me up and turn me to her bidding without breaking a sweat. Just like she had done to #Hiro.
Fear buffeted me. Cinder knewโฆ Sheโs heard #Nainsiโฆ This put her in grave danger. My ย heart began to pound in my chest. โCinderโฆ this is highly dangerous information. You mustnโt let anyone know what it is that am doing.โ I warned her, only concerned for her safety. For some reason I was completely unafraid that she would use ย the knowledge against me, I had no doubts that this secret was safe. But it still put her in danger just knowing it.
And that was my fault. I brought #Nainsi to her. โIโm so sorry. I never thought hiring you would put you in this kind of danger, Cinder.โ My mind racedโฆ. She was here, everyone was distracted with the protest outside. But she knewโฆ I needed to get as much information as possible. โDo you know who was on the other end of the link?โ I hated myself instantly for dragging her further into this mess of mine. โOr is there any way to trace it?โ
โI am most definitely certain that no one on earth has forgotten that day. Everyone had been glued to their net screens.โ I was no different. And now that I thought about it. Working backwards from when Kai had first come to see me. It all fitted in.
โStars Kai. Who do you believe I would tell about this?โ
Some part hurt to know he had to even say this to me. Hadnโt I kept his secrets until now? However, the realisation kind quickly that this was not the same thing. The Prince escaping his security to walk the streets, was not the same as that very same prince searching for a lost princess of the Lunaโs.
โWhy are you even looking into this?โ My voice so low that I stepped closer to him. The old proverb came to mind about walls having ears.
โYou are worried bout Hiro, about those close to you, about me. However, why arenโt you worried about yourself Kai? You are human. You are the hope of your Commonwealth. Your people need you to be safe.โ
I didnโt say that truth about me, that no one would miss me. Well, other than my returning customers. They would be disappointed to find the booth closed permanently.
And now he wanted to know more. โPlease tell me it wasnโt a mistake to tell you all of this? Maybe I should have just reset #Nainsi.โ The droid rolled away from me. โChill out, there is no point now. He knows everything.โ
Rubbing my forehead, before pulling my sleeves down and the hems of my gloves up as I ย thought about the question.
โI donโt know, I did attempt to connect. Just to speak to someone here at the palace, assuming it belonged to you. But I donโt have the power or the equipment for the connection to be made. Maybeโฆโ shaking my ย head dismissing the idea before it came to life.
โYou should try the lab here. The palace had the state of the art, equipment and connections in place.โ #Nainsi offered. And this had been my thoughts too.
โYou misunderstand, Cinder. It doesnโt matter who might believe you. But who might be listening, just knowing Iโm pursuing this course could put your safety at risk.โ I sighedโฆ flooded with guilt. โIโm so sorry Cinder. If I had known that taking #Nainsi to you would lead to you finding this outโฆ I donโt want to be the reason youโre ever in danger.โ
I walked with her knowing these conversations were better had in the move. It made it harder for eavesdroppers, but with extra security around me today I was certain no one would try. I wasnโt sure I should answer her question and drag her deeper into this mess of mine. Cinder was a curious sort. If I didnโt give her the answers, she might well seek them out. โBelieve ย the Lunar Princess is still alive.โ I said in hushed tones, leaning in so to onlookers we appear as two young people courting and sharing intimate secrets. Both to discourage anyone from listening in and for the chance to get close to her. I knew that just like with #Hiro... spending time with her would put her at riskโฆ
Unlessโฆ I shook my head.
Ridiculous Kaiโฆ I chided myself internally. ย She wonโt even attend the ball with you.
โNo.โ I said too quickly, still softlyโฆ years of etiquette training working its magic. โThis information is too important. It could be the only thing that saves mโโ I couldnโt finish the sentence. It was selfishโฆ But it wasnโt just about me. It was about the whole planet; it was about not giving Luna a foothold here. For some reason when I was with Cinder, all I could think about was how this quest of mine could save me from a marriage to the Queen of Luna.
I looked around, never finishing the previous thought. โI imagine the engineering lab would have what we need? There will be empty labs there at this hour.โ I told her, already steering us towards the elevator bay. Even if there wasnโt, I didnโt want to use my position to clear a roomโฆ which I could do, and I wouldnโt even need to be rude to do it. This would impress most girlsโฆ But Cinder was not like most girls she wouldnโt be impressed by the displays or abuse of power. It was one of the things I like so much about her she judged people by their qualityโฆ their actions.
Moving in step with the prince I stopped and then started when he learnt in a little too close to talk with me. I knew it was an attempt to keep what we were discussing between us, however that rush of heat flared within ad warnings flashed before my eyes. I closed them hoping that the red writing was investable, and then I resiled within seconds of the thought. Why would Price Kaito look that closely in the first place?
โBy the start Kai, youโฆโ I knew he wasnโt giving me the full story. Flashes from the first time he came to the booth to ask for help with Nainsi replaying in this new light. It had to be the reason he had wanted her back, and had asked after her a few times. He was trying to find a princess who was dead. โYou canโt believe the folktales. You are a Prince, a crown Prince. You cannot believe the stories and if you do, and the Lunas find out. Have you considered the consequences of your actions?โ
I was walking a couple of steps behind him now. We had passes a few working members of staff, and I saw the shock in their eyes as they witnessed someone like me walking along side their prince. Kai made it so easy to forget the protocol of being within his vicinity. However, I knew better.
As we came to yet another bank of elevators, different to the once we had used earlier in the day. His words were beginning to make themselves at home in my mind. A puzzle that needed to work, to understand and to come to the end of.
โIt could be the only thing that saves mโ'
The only thing to what? What had he been about to say and stopped?
โThe engineering lab would be perfect. Do you have access to that is encrypted at all? The last thing we want is something coming back to bit you in your royal arse.โ Okay, yes. This is not the language to be used in the regal surroundings. However, I was certain he would forgive me.
His droid rolled in and pushed the button for the correct floor. And once again it hit me how different things in our world were. The elevators in Phoenix Towner looked nothing like these ones.
She seemed to be a little shell-shocked when I came close to herโฆ this wasnโt new for meโฆ but it was so unlike how girls normally reacted to me. I wasnโt going to tell herโฆ but the rumours that the Lunar Queen wanted my hand in marriage were all over New Beijing, probably the globe.
When she asked me if I had thought through the consequences of this path, I was following I heaved a sigh. Nainsiโs ID chip would have activated the bypass function, the lift wouldnโt stop until we reach our floor.
โI have thought of the consequencesโฆ and while some of my motives might be selfish, I also believe they are in the best interest of Earthโฆ not just the Commonwealth. Lunaโs throne is in a precarious position. Queen Levana has no heirs. The Commonwealth is about to pass to an unwed ruler with no heir. And that makes me a targetโฆ Iโm sure youโve heard the gossip. If Earthen relations with Luna get much worse, I will be left with the choice of an outright war or a marriage that will put the whole planet in a different kind of danger, especially the Commonwealth. That is why I need to find the lost Princessโฆ she has to be a better choice than her Auntโฆโ
I took a deep breath. โWowโฆ.โ I chuckled darkly and rubbed the back of my neck. โIโm so sorry to have blurted all of that. You must think me very selfish.โ
My eyes met hers and the elevator dinged our arrival, but the door would remain closed until my security team confirmed they were at ย their posts. I took the rare moment of solitude to examine her high cheekbones and those mysteriously hard-to-read eyes. Her lips wereโฆ Stars!!
I couldnโt tell a girl about my fears of an arranged marriage and then start thinking about her ย lips.
โHearing gossip and believing it are two very different things. Queen Levana? Sheโs like a million years old. You cannot be serious?โ
The words tumbling from my mouth before I could stop them. He couldnโt really think this would be a feasible path to walk. But of course not. And yetโฆ.
Everything came to a halt in my vicinity ( or at least it felt that way to me. ) Could I have heard Kaiโs comments correctly? Not only had he thought about his actions, but he also actually had a plan. And it was this plan of his that brought him to my booth. Nothing else.
โSo, you want to marry a Princess whom the world and the Lunaโs believe to be dead, instead of her aunt.โ
My hands clenched tightly. What was wrong with me? why was I saying everything I was thinking around this boy? The Crown Prince of the Eastern Commonwealth would marry a queen or a princess. This was a true fact, one we all knew to be.
So, why had he asked me to the ball? Because he needed me of course. All the jigsaw pieces began to fall in place. And I smiled to myself and my stupidity. Yet again, I had fallen into that hole of gullibility. Just like I had when I thought that #LihnAdri would take me to the ball with her and her daughters. What a foolโฆ What a silly little teenage girl I had become. Was I actually acting like all the other girls in New Beijing? In the world? Willing to do anything for Prince Kiatoโs attention? What a ย ๐๐๐๐!
His eyes were back on mine and I turned to face the doors, wishing they would open up quickly. Why did it feel like the walls of this elevator were coming in to crush me where I stood?
โNot selfish. Just truthful.โ
Answering his questions and wishing he would stop looking at me the way he sometimes did, like now. I was a foolish girl, like the ones I laughed at. Like my step sisters who would fall to his feet and kiss them if he just gave them a glance. Even while she is sick, I knew #Peony would give him her best smile if he came to sit beside her right nowโฆ.
And I wasnโt even a girl. I had lied to himโฆ wellโฆ not liedโฆ but Iโd not told him the truth. I was a cyborg, and cyborgs do not have the right to dream or feel.
โStars Above! Why arenโt these doors opening?โ my voice betraying me carefully gathered persona.
โSadlyโฆ I am very seriousโฆ She hasnโt made a formal proposal yetโฆ not since Father fell ill. But itโs only a matter of time. And Iโm well aware of the age difference, it wasnโt that long ago when she wanted a marriage alliance with my father.โ
I choked when she mentioned me marrying the Princess insteadโฆ โWhat? No, nothiโฆ That is not what this is about. I donโt want any Lunar in the Imperial family; we canโt give them that kind of foothold on Earth. I want to replace Levana with ย the true Lunar Heir.โ It was the first time I had said it out loud and it took all my self-control not to laugh at how naive and ridiculous it sounded.
Truthfulโฆ was it? Maybe, my truth was a selfish one?
โMaybe Itโs bothโฆโ I muttered. โWho I marryโฆ itโsโฆ I canโtโฆโ I dragged my hand through my hair. โMy parents always wanted me to marry for love. Every time I see my father and heโs awake enough; he makes me promise to find loveโฆโ I had somehow drifted closer to her, close enough to lift one hand and brush a strand of hair off of her cheek that had slipped free of her normally meticulous ponytail. My fingers lingered against her high angular cheekbones. โAnd I always promise him I willโฆ even thoughโฆ If I ย canโt do thisโฆ If I canโt find the Princessโฆ I could end up breaking the very last promise I ever get to make him.โ My voice shook.
I pressed my lips togetherโฆ I could kiss herโฆ I was so close. Everything in my body was screaming at me too. If there was one kiss left in my life that I got to choose it would be this one with Cinder, right now.
But, if I didโฆ I could be risking her life. Just like I had risked #Hiroโs.
โThe team is assembled, Your Highness.โ #Nainsiโs monotone invaded ย the moment. โShall we proceed.โ
I cleared my throat and pulled my hand back. โYes Nainsi, we can proceed.โ I stuffed my hand in my pocketโฆ suddenly not knowing what to do with it.โ
#Peony would have swooned in this moment, in a time where she would be dreaming of Kaito the Prince searching for a lost princess all so that they could marry and live happily ever after. That was what she had dreamt of with his boy, this prince. As had a billion other teenage girls from all over earth. But I was the one stood here, listening to how he thought that he was to be married to someone that he did not know, did not like, and wasnโt even from the same planet?
I knew Kai was talking, I could see his lips moving however I wasnโt paying attention to they words ( in hindsight that was a mistake.) Because when the prince begun to step towards me, I didnโt understand what was happening.
My words were lost in my mind at his actions. What had he been saying? Something about not wanting to marry the Luna Queen? That he would have to marry the Queen or the Princess if he could find her? And then it all kicked in. He was planning to sit a dead princess on the throne and usurp the current queen?
I was frozen on the spot, Kaiโs lips were moving, the prince telling me that his parents always wanted him to marry for love. We all had grown up on the love story of his parents and how in love the two of them had been. So, of course they wanted the same for their son. But Kai didnโt know, Maybe just maybe this missing princess would be the one true love that he was hoping for?
He moved even closer to me. my breathing stopped and I lowered my eyes. I didnโt want him to see what I was hiding from him. not here, not now. not like this. His sweet breath touched my skin and I imagined how that should feel without all the sensitive monitoring, my body did for me. How would a normal girl feel with his fingers gently brushing stray hair away? Would they dare to imagine his soft pink lips kissing theirs? How a prince could think to kiss someone like meโฆ.
And then the magic was broken and gone. I cleared my thoughts, stumbling back into the cold metal wall, breathing heavily bypassing all the warning messages flashing before my eyes.
What was wrong with me? That wasnโt what I thought it was. He was speaking of marrying.ย And thenโฆ noโฆ it was all in my mindโฆ Kaito wasnโt looking to kiss me. No. not at all.
โLinh Cinder, we are waiting for you.โ #Nainsi chimed from the corridor.
โUhm. Yeah. Yes. I.. I am coming.โ Stars above, help me now!
I was such a fool! How could I ever imagine tangling this woman up in the political hornet's nest that was my life? Why was it so easy to stand near her a feel less pain, to feel like the future wasnโt as daunting as it seemed? How did the images of the epic love story Iโd always wanted somehow now include her face as though those dreams had always been about her? I shook myselfโฆ on the insideโฆ it would be very unprincely to actually shake myself.
This train of thought was ย only making me want to re-enter that elevator and kiss her, just onceโฆ. Just to know what it would feel like to meet that destinyโฆ even if it could never be. Not without painting a target on her back.
Something told me that one kiss with ย Cinder would never be enough.
We walked to the Engineering labs I moved slowly allowing Cinder the time and freedom to peer into the mostly empty labs at this hour there were very few staff, and with the protest outside I had issued an order ย for all non-essential staff to vacate the Palace, the only staff here now were essential maintenance and people to monitor projects in progress that could not be interrupted. Through one window I could see what could only be a prototype android body halfway through the process of being 3D printed, through another a machine moving rapidly over a table full of circuit boards, emitting an occasional spark. The lone technician inside seemed unperturbed by the sparks, so I assumed ย they werenโt worrisome.
โA place like this is probably like a playground to you.โ I smiled at her, hoping to break the tension my foolishness might have caused in the elevator. I stopped in front of the lit-up map on the wall, trying to ย figure out the best lab for our purposes. I pointed to a room labelled ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐ฆ๐ฎ๐ข๐ง๐ข๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐ฌ ๐&๐ it was dark, which meant it as currently unstaffed. โThis one sounds promisingโฆ What do you think?โ
My over active mind from within the elevator was forgotten the moment I stepped out into the corridor. At was as clean and well-kept as the med labs I had been wheeled in and out of with the great Doctor who has been working on the miracle cure for Letumosis.
At first glance it felt like a dream coming true. The names on the doors were ย calling my name. There were so many things being tested and brought to life in this one place that I only read about. With each wall of windows, we passed I began to stand looking in longer and longer.
โThis is incredible.โ The words were out before I could even contemplate what had been said. โThey are working on so may initiatives that could (if successful) make such a difference to the Earthen people. If the tech is shared of course.โ
This would be the true test, how much of what I witnessed would make it out of these labs and into the hands of the common people.
โNO WAY!โ Coming to a stop my hands on the windows with my nose flatly pushed up into the clean glass, I watched a prototype of what could only be a Secure Assist android being ย printed before my very eyes.
โTell me this is a Secure Assist Droid here?โ Not waiting for an answer. ย โItโs got to be a Model: Grad 283.09โฆ. Did you know that they are going to be built to communicate over distances with their hosts via a Hybrid real time AI to human input and output?โ I was on my own planet now.
โThe interactions are meant to become a mixtureโฆ. Sometimes autonomously generated, sometimes scripted by a team of Robotics writers, and navigated semi-autonomously with human assistance. Similar hybrid operation is commonly used in telerobotic and voice agents, as well as character robots, and is a powerful way for humans and machines to help each other.
This AI will combine cutting-edge work in symbolic AI, neural networks, expert systems, machine perception, conversational natural language processing, adaptive motor control and cognitive architecture among others. The plan is for their underlying AI components to become combined in different ways, their responses can be unique to any given situation or interactionโฆ.. This is ground-breaking work.โ
Looking around once I heard the geek In me coming out to play, I shifted pulling on the hem of my gloves before reluctantly following the others. Coming to a stop before the darken room and door of the;
๐๐จ๐ฆ๐ฆ๐ฎ๐ข๐ง๐ข๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐ฌ ๐&๐.
โThis should do perfectly. If no-one is inside, it means we donโt need to lie about why we are here.โ Pushing on the door but it didnโt budge at all. โHow are we going to get inside?โ
Cinder was fascinated and it made her even more attractive, it was like she forgot to be nervous, and she was just herself. It was the first time I had seen her eyes wide with wonder and I was highly satisfied that it wasnโt at the sight of me, as I was used to with other girls. It was awe and curiosity and the urge the dive in and learn how everything worked. It was a deeply intelligent wondermentโฆ not a dumbfounded stare. And it was beautiful. Cinder was beautiful.
โVery little of ย the research here is classified. Other than the Earthen Defence projects, which are shared with the other governments of course and those teams are made up of people from all over the globeโฆ and there are a few communications projects that are classified too. My Father has always been very transparent with those policies. Peace can only exist between equals.โ
I nodded along like I knew exactly what she was talking about, making the occasional sound of agreement. I was only barely ย grasping the concepts she was talking about. โOhโฆ Yeahโฆ all that stuff you said is exactly what I was thinking, and I definitely understood every word. Ground breaking for sure.โ
Okay, maybe I was teasing, but I couldnโt help it. The expression on her face was impossible to look away from, a rare moment of pure joy and I memorised it.
I smiled at her when she asked me how we were going to get inside. โOh, donโt worry my ladyโฆโ I locked my haze on hers and flashed my wrist over the locking panel. โYouโre in good company.โ A hiss and pop indicated the door unlocking. โThank the Stars.โ I laughedโฆ โI wasnโt sure that would actually work.โ
I was mostly sureโฆ but the second I lifted my wrist an incredible fear of ย looking foolish in front of her, after being so bold gripped me quicker than I would have ever thought possible.
โYou are all talk Prince Kaito and right now it works for you.โ We couldnโt miss the tone in his voice, however I have to respect the fact that he didnโt call me out for my Geeking out. Or had he? Who knew when I was in a place of my dreams?
โIt wasnโt what I expected you to say? I thought that most of the governments would try to keep something behind. However, this is why our emperor is looked up to by not only his people, but the rest of the Earthens too.โ
With the doors open I couldnโt help the small smile on my lips. Sure, my worries from before where here in my mind, also I knew at some point today will be playing on a loop in my nightmares. However, for now. I would take the joy of all these incredible things all around me.
โYou are the Prince, I would question why you wouldnโt have access to every part of your Palace.โ I wanted to add the fact that he needed to question his teams more. With memories of #DrDimitriErland, with his easy lies flowing at being questioned by Kai flashed before my eyes.
As the doors opened the lights began to come to life. Starting from the ones closest to us, working one by one to the far side of the lab. The fluorescents of the lighting made the whites of the walls even more prominent, the work benches were clean with everything put in itโs rightful place. Tools were in their place and the projects that were being worked on were assigned to engineers on the net screen at the front of the lab.
โThis place isโฆ.โ I couldnโt finish the thought as the door bust open with a guard in a different uniform came hurting in.
โYou are not allowed to be in here. You are trespassing. Who let you on this floor?โ His eyes were on me in the middle of the room, making me freeze in the spot. โIโm talking to you.โ He was tall, with a well built body, someone who looked like he didnโt take kindly to people not following his rules. โSpeak girlโฆ Who let you in here?โ He took two steps forward hissing at me.
โHeโฆ Heโฆ Let me in here.โ I pointed to the boy who he had clearly not seen upon rushing into the room. We both turned to look at Kai at the same time with different reactions.
His heated demeanour dissipated in a blink of an eye, the malice that had been seething towards me had been drowned like a bucket of ice water had been dropped over his head. The man bowed at his waist a few times.
โDuรฌbรนqว wว de wรกngzวโ ( Apologies my prince.) He ย bowed again. ย โI did not see you there, I did not know this girl is a guest of the crown.โ
Some part of me should be smug, the way his eyes looked baffled trying to understand how this mess that was stood before him, could be allowed to stand in this room with Kai. However, I was glad to see people who were meant to protect the Crown and their prince took their jobs seriously.
I chuckledโฆ I loved that she wasnโt afraid to be cheeky with me and call me out on my foolishness. I had very few people in my life that would do that. Even, less now that #Hiro was gone. โMost of the research here is to benefit our peopleโฆ ย clean air solutions, medicineโฆ not just letumosis, technology, transportationโฆ even wildlife conservation. Most things are kept secret until the project is complete but thatโs for public safetyโฆ releasing information on untested drugs for exampleโฆ may inspire some dangerous actions by citizens.โ I smiled, addressing her comment about my father, I said. โFather always said that ours was a life of service.โ
I chuckled again. โIโve never been hereโฆ but that was pretty much what I was hoping for.โ
Before I had a chance to react to the Palace Guardโs unexpected emergence my own Guard stepped between me and himโฆ and me and Cinder. Their duty was to protect me, and they would do so even against the Emperor himself so a Palace Guard was nothing to them. Their Oath was to protect me above all else just as my parentโs details were to them.
I managed to step between my guards as Cinder drew his attention to me and he bowed. โIโm not the one to whom you owe an apology.โ I raised a brow, stepped up next to Cinder and rested my hand on her shoulder. โYou should be addressing Lihn-Mei.โ
He bowed once more, not as low. โMy sincere apologies Lihn-Mei, it was not my intention to offendโฆ orโฆ frighten.โ
โYou may take your post outside the door until we have conducted our business and my guards willโฆ refresh your instruction on how to properly address an authorised entry during a state of high alertโฆโ I raised a brow my voice remained cool and collected. โAnd not a state of emergency.โ His approach had been far too overzealous.
My security detail nodded their agreement and they all moved swiftly into the corridor, the door swishing closed behind them.
I turned ย to Cinder, my hand still on her shoulder. โIโm so very sorry Cinder. Are you okay? That must have been an awful fright.โ
โPlease! I called out to the guard. โYou were doing your duty. You were protecting the work being done here. You have nothing to apologise for.โ Uncertain if the man heard me before the doors closed on Kaiโs guards and him.
Only then taking note of the hand on my shoulder, my eyes slowly drifting up to see Kai. How had I never noticed his eyes? And the way his hair fell untamed down his forehead? Shaking the thought free from myself I answered him finally as he looked down at me.
โNot at allโฆโ okay so, that was a lie. โHe is just doing his job; we cannot be annoyed at him for that. He saw someone.โ My hands moved from my face down to my toes. โWho clearly doesnโt belong here, so he rushed in. Okay. Maybe he could have been a little less presumptuousโฆ I meanโฆโ Pointing around the room. โOf all the things someone may want to steal, Iโm not sure the lab is the place to start. Iย would find the server rooms and download the data from thereโฆ.โ clearing my throat. โBut still.โ Kai had said that they worked on things that made our world a better place after all.
Observing the guard being spoken to on the other side of the windows . His eyes were dropped to the ground, his cheeks looked flushed. He glanced ย up, meeting ย mine before dropping again. โHe is going to hate me.โ Another name added to the list I thought. Another person who would dislike me without knowing who I truly am.
โIf you are done with the unimportant conversations, could we return our minds to the work at hand?โ #Nainsi rolled her way to a workbench out of sight from the windows, typing in an accessible code before rolling away giving me space to sit on the stool.
โIs she always so bossy?โ whispering into Kaiโs ear before making my way across the room, my hand patted the pockets of my pants before I remembered that Iโd given the chip to Kaito. โKai, could you bring the chip over and slot it into the reader please?โ Picking all the readers up, I had to search for the older of them. Most of them had moved on in technology, that it took me a few moments. Showing it to Kai, I opened up a comms data box and started to type out the commands.ย โThis is to check for any insecurities, the link we are establishing must be safe.โ Explaining myself as I worked. โWe donโt want anyone knowing about it or tracing it back here to the palace. Not until we know who is on the other side of it. Like I said, the last time it wasnโt completing the connection, or they didnโt want to answerโฆโ
โOr your equipment wasnโt good enough to establish the connection.โ #Nainsi finished.
โOr that. Thanks Nainsi, Iโm glad we are friends, otherwise that would have hurt my feelings.โ Joking with her, knowing what she would say next.
โWe are not friends Lihn Cinder.โ Right on que.
โThatโs so harsh! Iโm not sure I could live now. Kai, you are witnessing this right? How Nainsi is breaking my heart.โ I didnโt add if I had a real one, to break. ย
Cinder was so concerned for the guardโฆ It was very telling of her character. She was the type to give all of herself for others.
โI understand your point... but also, this time you were with meโฆ what would have happened if an intern, or even a ย member of the housekeeping staff made an authorised entry into the room, and they didnโt have the benefit of a Royal escort? There are protocols for a reason. His job isnโt in question, and he never drew his weapon so thereโll be no need for ย disciplinary actionsโฆ However, sometimes a refresher on protocol doesnโt hurt.โ I dragged my hand through my unruly hair. โBut if you tell the Imperial Advisor I said thatโฆ I will vehemently deny it.โ
I cleared my throat and swiftly moved on from Cinderโs master plan. โWhen you activate your geek mode it's hard to shut it off, isnโt it?โ I teased her. Then Nainsi made her impatience known, she had always insisted that emoting was a waste of time, but I knew this was her exasperated tone. โAlways.โ I answered Cinder. โYou should have seen her when I failed to turn in a paper on time!โ
โIt was Zhao-Jei who was frequently late with his assignments. Your Majesty, not you.โ Nainsi ruined my joke. I rolled my eyes. โThank you for the clarification.โ I chuckled. Maybe Cinder wasnโt the only geek here.
I fished the chip out of my pocket and slotted it into the reader that Cinder settled onโฆ I wouldnโt have known where to start with the selection on ย display. โWhatever checks you think are necessary. Iโm sure our security team has the equipment in the room very well protected. I think it's just what might be on the chip we need to worry about.โ
I laughed at my former teacher. โNainsi! Do we need to reinstall your manners? Itโs a good thing our honoured guest has a sense of humour.โ I patted Cinderโs shoulder. โNever fear Cinder, you have a friend for life in me.โ
The tip of my tongue traced the side of my lips as I allowed myself to play out the scenario Kai had spoken of. What would have occurred if he hadnโt been here? Well, I wouldnโt have been here too? However, what if I had been?
โYou are correct, of course you are correct.โ Glancing towards the side of the room where I knew the door and window were out of sight. โI just hope I wasnโt the cause of his bad day. Thatโs all.โ
My eyes moved from the screen to the hand placed upon my shoulder once again. Had Kai always been someone who touched when he spoke? Or was this something I had only now began to notice?
โSo, we have a prince who likes people to believe he isnโt a Geek? How is it possible? Tell me itโs not true.โ Okay it was time to pull Kaiโs leg. As much as I like to follow the correct protocols, he made it so hard to unsee the young teenage boy under the title he was born to.
I waved my hand before tugging on the hem of my gloves. โDonโt worry Nainsi, no one is reinstalling you. Iโve just given you the best maintenance service of your life. You stand here with the Cinder seal of approval.โ
โMaybe I need to be asking you, Kai for help. Your tutor is letting all the best secrets out today.โ My fingers working the keyboard before me as I spoke. โShall we look to activate your geek modeโโ My words cut short as the screens before us began to process the commands.
Attempting to Connect โฆ
Attempting to Connect โฆ
โItโs working?โ #Nainsi rolled closed to the work station.
โThatโs the hope here.โ Internally I hoped that I wasnโt single handily about to start an all-out war. โJust so we are clear. This hereโฆ I cannot be charged with anything, right? I mean Iโm not a snitch. But you wouldnโt let them throw me in jail, right?โ
The screen changed and the noise coming from the speakers sounded like someone falling over themselves and mildly cursingโฆ child like?
I knew that the way she licked her lips was a nervous twitchโฆ but it still made me think of the kiss I had coveted in the elevator. But it was a selfish thoughtโฆ any bond between us would just make her a target. Alsoโฆ Cinder was so unlike ย other girls. I could never tell if she liked me or not. At least, not as more than a client/friend/future sovereign.
โThe dynamics in the Palace are a delicate balance. I was probably sixteen before I fully understood it all and I grew up ย here. But I donโt think you could ever be the cause of anyoneโs bad day. Also, if it makes you feel betterโฆ seeing you and getting my trusty sidekick back has made my day so, so much better. And it started out rather awfully.โ
I chuckledโฆ I ย ย really enjoyed that she was comfortable enough to tease me. I adjusted my collar and gave her my very best media-ready smile. โI will have you know that I am a nerd and proudโฆ it's very, very different.โ
I watched the screen, the scrolling text, repeating and I realised that I had no idea what I would say to whoever was on the other end of this connection. Then Cinderโs question struck that thought from my mindโฆ Here I was worrying that this imagined kiss I craved, but at the very same time, I was tangling her up in this sticky web of my own making.
โOf course not, once you receive payment you will officially become a contractor for the Royal Family and receive all the protection due to citizens fulfilling duties, ย we donโt have the skills for. Nothing you do at my request can get you into troubleโฆ You retrieved the chip from my androidโฆ so it's technically my properโฆโ I was cut off by the sound of cursing in a strange accent.
The screen opened to the strange roomโฆ. That wasnโt really a room, or was it? I just now realised I should have told Cinder to remove herself from the frameโฆ That her face being known to these peopleโฆ or person, might endanger her.
โHello?โ I said after a second of scrambling sounds and the bump that seemed to make the camera on the other end. โIs there someone there?โ
โOh, stars!โ A high, young voice chimed, but no one showed their face.
I looked at Cinder and shrugged, confused. โThis is Crown Prince Kaito of the Eastern Commonwealth, please show yourself.โ
โOh, my stars above!โ There was another bumpโฆ and a girl with a mass of golden hair piled into a chair with an โoofโ and some assorted grunts. โPrince Kai!!! I did it!!! I actuallyโฆ I mean I hopedโฆ but Stars!! I never really believedโฆ The actual Prince!โ She squealed. I almost turned to Cinder and told her this was the reaction I was used toโฆ but she probably knew that already.
โWellโฆ Technically I did itโฆ Whatever this โITโ, is we are talking about.โ My eyes met Kaiโs and I shrugged right back at him. Did he think I knew the answers to the unspoken questions which were plastered on his face in this moment?
The girl jolted back away from the screen, somehow, she hadnโt even notice me sat right here. Her golden hair was the first thing I noticed, unkept piled high on her head. Which made me run a hand over the top of my ponytail making sure it was still there. Followed by the fact that she didnโt look that much younger than me. She had a beautiful heart shaped face, giant big blue eyes, and freckles that ran across the bridge of her nose.
โNoโฆ Wellโฆ Yesโฆ that tooโฆ. Stars! When I didnโt hear from your android, I was concerned that the chip had gotten damaged. I am so over joyed at finally connecting with you.โ The young girl smiled so wide that all her teeth were on display. โWell... Himโฆ Iโm over joyed to finally meet him. Thank the heavens itโs you Prince Kaito. However, Youโฆโ She pointed in my direction. โNot so sure who you are. Give me a sec.โ She disappeared from the screen, and the speakers filled with the sound of tapping on a keyboard.
โWhat in the Stars names is going on here? Do you know who this girl is? Or is your fan club reaching the ends of the world now too?โ Asking Kai as I knew he was used to the attention of young girls. All he had to do was smile in the direction of someone and they dropped everything for him. He was the prince, sure. However, Kai had something more that spoke to people of all ages too.
Tilting my head from left and then to the right, as my eyes adjusted to the screen. โWaitโฆ Kaiโฆ She isnโt on earth.โ Pointing to the far corner of the screen I enhanced the clarity so that his human eyes could see what my retina displays had. โThatโs a window to a ship? The skyโฆ lookโฆ itโs full of starsโฆโ
โCinderโฆโ She began to say rolling back onto the screen. โLinhโฆ or as you would say Linh Cinder... That is your nameโฆ ID number #0097917305. Holding the Nationality of the Eastern Commonwealth. You were adopted by Linh Garan and Linh Adri. And you are a Licensed mechanic in ย New Beijing.โ I looked shocked I was sure, becauseโฆ
โHow do you know all that information?โ the words blurting out.
โBecause you were just added to the Palace approved vendor registration. You will be happy to hear that the palace has just paid you for your services.โ She said fidgeting on her chair.
My eyes were on Kai in shock of what was being said to us. โAnd who are you?โ
I hid a small smile at Cinderโs cheeky remarks, a trick I learned to hideโฆ letโs say; inappropriate reactions in public venuesโฆ such as political debates and so on.
โWhy did youโฆ.โ I tried to interject but this young girl just kept on talking.
โMissโฆโ She vanished and I looked at Cinder and shrugged. What on earth under the Stars was happening here? Speaking softer when it was to Cinder. โI have no ideaโฆ She doesnโt look familiarโฆ but the accentโฆ itโs familiar but I can't seem ย to place it.โ
My mind boggled at Cinderโs next wordsโฆ I leaned closer to the screen where she pointed. โWhat on Earโโ I stopped mid-word because it did seem clear that she was indeed on a ship of some kind. โCould it be a view screen?โ I asked, it was a device used in a windowless room that gave the illusion of a viewโฆ but this had dept andโฆ smudges, like handprints.
The blonde girl started to recite Cinderโs information with such confidence I figured that it had to be correct. I looked at #Nainsi when she said she had just been paid for her work. โYou wished to afford Lihn-Mie the protection of an Imperial Contractor. I saw no logical reason to delay.โ She turned her sensor to Cinder. โI believe you will find the rate very generous, if you have additional cost, you may invoice the palace.โ
Then the girl on the screen beamed and her apple cheek turned pink. โOh! How rude of me! My name is Cress. Iโm on the space station in a high earth orbit. Andโฆโ She fidgeted and hesitated that blurted out all at once. โAnd my mistress is Thaumaturge Sibyl Mera of Luna.โ She clamped her hands andโฆ hairโฆ over her mouth as though she had just uttered the foulest of curses.
I slouched back into my chair trying to process this information. โYou implanted that chip into my android to spy on me?โ I asked in a dangerously calm voice.
The girl was high energy with no stop code in sight. Kaiโs expression gave me some indication as to what my own face most likely revealed in the moment too.
The need to think about the action was unnecessary, as soon as #Nainsi confirmed the fact she had taken it upon herself to complete the process of payment to the Linh account the univs were showing. Kaiโs droid had taken what he said as a call to action. #Ardri would have just gotten the same notification too.
This would tell her that I have worked for someone in the palace. The only silver lining to this cloud that was Linh Ardri, is that Prince Kiatoโs name was not on the payment. Just the central palace of New Beijing accounts. So, at least I had a heads up on the barrage of questions waiting to welcome me back at Phoenix Tower. I felt glad now that I had setup notifications to run over my retina display that was scrolling the green text right now. And of course, I knew for a fact everything the girl on the screenโฆ Cressโฆ had said was truthful.
โStars Above!โ The words departing my lips with a deep heavy sigh. It was indeed one thing to know you are correct with everything your own eyes, and mind can process. However, to be told by the core index? Wowโฆ just wowโฆ
โNo!โ #Cress waved her hands in the air. โWellโฆ Yesโฆ but No! not at allโฆ It was my chipโฆ and I programmed itโฆโ She was mixing her thoughts and her words up trying to talk however I saw in her eyes something I knew for myself.
โCress.โ Leaning closer to the screen, trying to make it feel as though we were both facing one another in the same space. โBreath. Take a moment to gather your thoughts and then please tell us why I found this chip in Prince Kaitoโs android.โ
She blinked her light blue eyes, which had a way to penetrate though the screen before me.
โThe chip is mine yes, and yes I programmed it. However, I only did so because my Mistress ordered me to.โ She covered her mouth again, like a child sharing a secret. Pushing back from her chair she then pulled herself closer to the screen too. โI didnโt want to do it. I promise you. I have all the data your droid transferred. However, Iโve not shared anything important to my Mistress. I give her just enough to keep her happy howeverโฆ. However,โฆ. I think she is on to me nowโฆ. Sheโs not come to see me in over two weeks.โ
โShe cannot visit you because the Thaumaturge is here on earth. In this palace.โ I whispered, and then turned to look at Kai, to see how he was taking all this information. The Lunas had been spying on him for how long now?
I had no idea what to say; I was in shock. Not because I never thought the lunars would stoop so lowโฆ.because I had known #Sybil had an agenda from the moment she landed here. I knew they had ulterior motives. #KonnTorin tried so hard to tell me it was only their political motives I needed to be concerned with. But I knew that there was more.
โWhat information did you get from my droid before she shut down?โ I said, my voice was stern and cold. This girl may have looked sweet and innocent, but I had to assume everything she knew, the Thaumatruge knew too. And I had to assume that all of this conversation would be reported or possibly recordedโฆ but one thing struck me. There were few Lunars that allowed themselves to appear on the screen. Their glamours didnโt work, it was well known that #SybilMiraโs natural beauty was what had endeared #QueenLevana to make her Head Thaumaturge. It allowed her to be the face of Luna here on Earth. This girlโฆ while appearing shyโฆ showed no attempts to hide herself from view. Unless you counted the mass of hair she coiled around her arm and piled on top of her head.
โUmโฆโ Cress shivered. โJust enough to know about yourโฆ research project.โ She whispered ย the last two words. โBut I wonโt tell anyone about itโฆ they wouldโฆ th-they wouldโฆโ Her voice shook and she trailed off. But I knew she was going to say they would kill me.
โDid Sybil Mira infect my father with letumosis?โ There was no sympathy in my tone.
โI-I-Iโฆ donโt knowโฆ mistress doesnโt tell me her plans, only what I need to do the tasks she sets me. Butโฆ. Mistress isโฆ cruel.โ The Lunar girl stammered. I didnโt know why, but I believed herโฆ I shouldnโt and I would ย take this information with a pinch of salt too... but my gut was telling me she was being truthful. She seemed to believe it was possibleโฆ although, she had no idea if it was true or not.
โYou have to stop, Your Majestyโฆ if they find outโฆ I ย donโt know what they could do to you. And it could be worse than death. You must not continue your search. Thatโs why I wanted to warn you!โ
โDid you tell them to target #ZhaoHiroโฆ you were the one surveilling meโฆ is that how they knew to ย target him to get to me?โ I wanted to add, Did you put the target on my best friendโs back? But I didnโt want to show my hand.
She whimpered and the mass of golden hair around her shifted as she pulled her ย knees up to her chest. โNoโฆ Iโฆ umโฆ I donโt tell them what to doโฆ Iโm just a shellโฆ but I told Mistress you and Hiro were best friendsโฆโ
I slammed my hand onto the desk and shot up out of my seat, Cress let out a yelp and hid her face in her ย knees and her hairโฆ so much hair. So much for not showing my hand.
I hadnโt reacted to Kaiโs anger the way the girl on the screen had, I had however sat in shock at the questions being asked and more so the answers.
At this time, I couldnโt really be of much help to my friend here, but for one thing. This was the first time I was using my skills across the comms, and with a Luna on top of that. So far #Cress had given me no reason not to believe her. But she was Luna after all.
I watched for the tell tail signs of a lie being told, I waited for the orange alert at the corner of my sight to flash in warning. When I didnโt, I was uncertain now if it was the face of #Cress as she was Luna, that she was on a screen or that this so-called alert wasnโt working after whatever it was the doctor had done to me.
โStars!โ my eyes widened at the questionsโฆ Kai believed that the Lunaโs could have been behind his fatherโs illness? The same illness that was taking the life of my younger step sister right now?
โKaiโฆโ My human hand reaching forward to hold his forearm, in the hopes to calm him. while I held up my gloved hand towards the screen. โCressโฆ we are sorryโฆ Prince Kaito was not attempting to frighten you.โ
The girl coiled in her chair and even over the screen I saw the fear in her eyes and her body quivering. Holding a finger up to ask her for one moment. I muted the comms. ย
โIโm sorry Kai, I didnโt mean to speak for you. However I believe her.. my eyes moved to the screen watching the girl wipe her eyes with the hem of her top. โShe looks so frightened, one little action from you of losing your temper has brought tears to her eyes. I donโt think she meant for any harm to come to Hiro. She is younger than us. She calls the Thaumatruge, Mistressโฆ I can take a wild guess as to how this relationship works, canโt you?โ
Realising that I still had my hand on his arm, I dropped it right away. โSorry.โ Shifting in the stool I tugged on the hem of my gloves and then pushed my pants down hoping they wouldnโt ride up. โI think we need to use honey here, not strength with the girl.โ Glancing back to the screen I gave her a smile. โShe maybe about to help, however she may also need our help too.โ Pointing to the button for him to push when he felt he was calmer to speak with her.ย
Cinderโs warm, still-gloved hand touched my arm and a sudden flash of shame washed over me. My eyes moved back to the screen; Cinderโs words playing in my mind. She looks so frightened. She was right, Cress looked like she was about toโฆ no,ย she was crying because of my outburst.
Mistressโฆ Thaumaturgeโฆ. Shellโฆ.
#Cress said Shell. She said Iโm just a shell.
My eyes widened on Cinder. โI think youโre rightโฆ something she saidโฆ Shellโฆ I passed it off as a self-deprecatingย comment, but Iโve heard it beforeโฆ Itโs a Lunar slur for ungifted people.โ I sat back down, but not before pulling out a chair for Cinder to sit next to me.
I pressed the button sheโd indicated and unmuted the Netscreen. โCressโฆ I apologize for my outburst. Itโs been a ratherโฆ trying day, but thatโs no excuse for my poor behaviour. โ
She nodded and murmured a little, her expression told me it was an acceptance of my apology though I could not make out the actual words spoken. โI wanted to ask you about something you said earlier. Youย referred to yourself as aโฆโ I knew that the word shell was an insult, so I skirted using it. โAre you an ungifted Lunar?โ I asked.
โA Shell, your Majesty. Yes.โ #Cress sniffled.
I let out a disbelieving breathโฆ โH-Howโฆ How are you still alive? The Shell Infanticide Laws were passed during the reign of #QueenChannaryโฆ How old are you?โ She barely looked fourteen, but she could be older or younger.
โIโm sixteen, your Majesty. My parents surrendered me to beโฆ disposed of as a new-born. But I was spared by the mercy of Mistress Sybilโฆ Iย canโt Iโฆ Iโฆ I canโt talk about that.โ She leaned close to the screen and whispered the last part. I wondered if her quarters were monitored.
โAre you a prisoner, Cress?โ I asked her.
She nodded and my stomach roiled like a viper pit. I looked from the screen to Cinder andย back again. โIโฆ I canโt help you, #Cress. The treaty between Earth and Luna forbids us from accepting refugees or interfering with their social politics.โ
โNo, Your Majestyโฆ Iโm not seeking your help. I want to help you. You mustnโt marry Queen Levana!โ She was emboldened. Passionate but still very fearful. โShe wants to use your Commonwealth to stage an invasion of Earth.โ
This wasnโt a shock to me. I couldnโt voice my suspicions, there was still the chance that this whole conversation was being monitored, instead I delicately asked.
โCan you prove that? Iโm not saying I do not believe youโฆ but I cannot take any action without proof for the leaders of the Earthen Federation.โ
