Splash Effect

By P.D. Smith

In the previous book Ripple Effect a timid librarian learned what it was like to love another woman and gain a confidence to stand in adversity. In this second of three parts, Deepitka Allaro has been placed in a new position; Empress of The Realm. With it comes new complications; now two beautiful women love and adore her, a world who believes she is a gift from the Goddess, and a Realm who believes her compassion and determination are an inspiration against The Realm’s sworn enemy; The Entity.

But to keep her promise to help an ailing sister of the previous Empress, Deepitka must learn what it’s like to live as a submissive, learn a greater determination to stand up against those around her, while trying to maintain control of a life she feels is spinning out of control.

• Language: English
• Publisher: P.D. Smith
• Release date: Oct 23, 2012
• ISBN: 9781301934010

P.D. Smith

So here's a bit about myself. I've lived in two different countries (Canada and USA), Moved fifteen times in my life (not a military brat), lived in five different provinces and four different US States. Been to 27 different countries (being in the airport doesn't count) and finally settled down in the Pacific Northwest in my wife and cat. I don’t claim to be a great writer but just someone with an over active imagination. I first started my writing years ago but let it all slide to the right while a career took center stage. Once life slowed down, I picked up the graphics art bug and started in on 3D images and resumed my writing with my images and graphic novels. I do not call myself an artist but a hobbyist since the whole purpose of the images was and is, a hobby. http://pdsmith.deviantart.com/gallery/ I am not a English major, my education in writing comes from both Canadian and American schooling so both often clash with rules and styles. I prefer to use ‘U’s in my spelling. I speak from the heart, and use slang, and sometimes write it as it is spoken in everyday life thusly to give my characters that touch of being real and approachable. Live with three daughters and their ungodly number of friends coming over, you unfortunately pick up the styles! In closing, my images and writings are about strong women, passionate women, and most importantly women who respect each other and believe in a better future for all. My goal, like my 3D images, "Is to impress one person. Did I make you smile? Did I make you happy? Did you at some point think of some one special and want to share a moment with them? Then the story or image succeeded. Share the joy."

Book preview

SPLASH EFFECT

Part II

P. D. Smith

SPLASH EFFECT

Part II

PUBLISHED BY P.D.SMITH AT SMASHWORDS

PAUL D. SMITH

COPYRIGHT 2015 PAUL D. SMITH

Smashwords License Statement

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

SPECIAL THANKS

Goes to two particular people:

Roy Knight for your time, effort and support in making this story come to life.

To Kathy for tolerating me while I wrote this.

Scientific note: Names, Locations, measurements and such are given according to terms and facts relatable to the reader.

Chapter 1

Deepitka slowly awoke. Looking around, it took all but a few seconds to realize she was in her parent’s bedroom. The hand crafted canopy wood bed, the warmth of her grandma’s handmade blankets and most of all, the number of pillows around her. A memory of her father piling pillows high around him like a nest to hold her or her brothers and sisters’ close, telling stories till they slept made her smile.

Only now just a few of the pillows were around her, the rest were on the floor in a corner. Slowly turning her head, she saw sitting on one side of the bed; her youngest brother Kevin playing a game on a PADD; his tongue out the side of his mouth staring intently at the screen, mashing away on buttons. What did seem odd was looking down over his shoulder was a woman dressed as a personal guard of the Realms highest ranking ruler; Empress Seraphina.

Kevin. She barked in the same tone of authority like her mother, the effect she wanted was instant; it broke his concentration. It was something she and the rest of her sisters had to do often to pull him from his games.

You’re awake! Kevin jumped freighted, instantly putting the PADD down. The woman leaned up as fast as Kevin.

Deepitka frowned while thinking to herself, ‘Okay that was weird; he’d never just stopped in mid game or he’d at least try to save his progress.’ And looking at the woman she could swear she’d seen her before, just couldn’t place where.

Kevin just sat there looking at her; chalk that up as one more thing that was weird. Kevin and ‘quite’ were contradictions in themselves. So to break the silence; Why…why am I in Mom and Daddy’s bed? I was at Temple… She stopped in mid speech, she knew the answer; it had all flooded back to her.

The Empress had been shot! she panicked.

Sitting up in a hurry Deepitka asked, Is she okay? Fighting a dizzy spell she needed to know immediately, Is the Empress okay?

One of the costumed women put a hand on her shoulder and helped settle her back down as the dizzy spell moved from annoyance to all out vertigo and a need to throw up.

She looks fine from here. someone said as she settled into the pillows behind her.

Looking around the room for the source of the voice, she saw two men standing by the window. They were looking at her in a way she wasn’t accustom to; respectful would be the best word for it, but what one of them who had said didn’t make sense; The Empress wasn’t in the room.

You’re R…Rog…Roger. Right? She asked the shorter and older of the two. She was trying so hard to place where she’d seen him last. It was right at the edge of her thoughts but couldn’t figure it out.

Yes ma’am. He replied dipping his head out of respect.

Touching her head, Dee felt a cloth tied to her head. I bumped my head? She whispered feeling sharp pains when she touched the bump again.

More like smacked my moms alter. Kevin said. Doc G. and Doctor Trin both said you’ll be fine.

Two doctors? For a bump? The way Keven said my mom’s alter didn’t make sense but she let it go.

Tell them that. Kevin said pointing to the three women, Those three wanted four doctors.

Looking again at the woman behind Kevin and then the other two in the room, it occurred to Dee; to dress as one of Empress Seraphina’s elite personal guards just wasn’t done; it was disrespectful.

Settling into the pillows, the whole world was pounding on her head, it was a struggle to hear Kevin.

Seeing her distress, the men by the windows closed them and partial closed the curtains. Whatever was going on outside; it sounded like one long droning hum of a cadence.

Where’s mom and daddy? Dee asked as the pounding in her head started to fade.

Kevin snorted as a kind of laugh.

What? She was missing something; nothing was making sense. Kev’ please, I’m not in the mood for games, my head feels like Corry’s playing kick ball with it.

Deepitka’s slowly focused her eyes. Seeing Roger when he smacked the other gentleman with him on the side of the arm and shoulder; a friendly ‘I got this dude’. Dee flinched, it made her want to run and hide suddenly.

Watching one of the other guards and Roger move to the side of the bed was like watching a chess match; one moved the other moved at the same time to counter it, neither stopped walking coming to the bed but it was…odd. The most significant difference between the two was Dee had watched the guard pull a dagger from under her skirt; with no effort or truly to show she had done it, and palmed behind her back.

Looking back at Roger, it took her a bit more looking at him to figure out where she’d seen him. When she saw his hands it all came back to her. You just didn’t forget those hands as they instructed you, and then hit you. A moment more she remembered everything about Roger.

A part of her wanted to recoil from him. He’d been the one who lead her so called trainings. Being taught where to hit a pressure point was one thing but being the person hit was another.

Deepitka held her shoulder suddenly reminded of a time she’d been kidnapped and naked, always naked back then and he’d hit her in the chest with a boot. It was her most vivid memory of him; when he’d ‘trained’ her for over two hours then came that kick. It left her fighting so hard for breath she couldn’t concentrate as someone else held her up only to have Roger roll into her and show her how to dislocate a shoulder with almost no effort. She’d heard the pop and felt the pain a second later, and then was released and fell on top of the useless arm a second later.

But that all changed. She was home, in her parents’ bedroom, but he was here! He shouldn’t be here, he worked on a ship owned by the woman who ordered him to do all that damage to her! A woman she knew she should hate but had a change of heart in just a few days and somehow the two of them had inexplicably fallen in love; Captain Candice.

Looking around for a moment, she didn’t dare take her eyes off of him for long for what he did to her. Where was Captain Candice? She should be here to protect her from him!

Roger looked at Deepitka and how she held her shoulder worried, Mistress, I’m here to protect you, and your parents are downstairs with your Prime Minister. He said calmly.

Prime Minister? Mistress? Dee looked around to see if this was some sort of joke, but no one was smiling or laughing, not even Kevin.

Mistress? Who me? Dee asked confused slowly dropping her hand.

Geez Dee. Sorry. Empress. Sorry won’t happen again...don’t you remember? Kevin asked, suddenly very serious.

The droning noise she’d heard from outside was just a low hum with the windows closed; but it was enough to make it hard for her to concentrate on what people were saying. It was so bad she could have sworn she’d heard Kevin call her Empress.

Remember what? Dee asked trying to ignore the sounds.

The woman behind Kevin picked up his game pad and started to tap something out on the screen then handed it to Dee.

Dee watched in awe as she saw the video from the Temple replay. The camera had zoomed in on the bleeding Empress; all you could see was the Empress’s black tribal tattoos and grey skin covered in blood. Dee saw that her own face and those around the Dias were also covered in blood. "Protect the throne." The Empress said to Dee.

Empress, I’ll do as you have commanded. Dr. Priyanka said.

"No…Deepitka…I bequeath the throne…to you…new…leader…" The Empress had said something more but had only whispered it and then passed out or died, Deepitka couldn’t tell or remember.

Putting the PADD down, Dee still couldn’t believe it.

Empress Allaro is what they are calling you. Kevin said, After the creepy guy called you that.

But… Dee was about to protest.

Roger dipped his head again out of respect. No buts about it your majesty, right now that news feed is spreading Realm wide, Seraphina is injured and no longer The Empress. Mistress, she knew she was dying and appointed you; Empress Allaro. You now command the Realm and these three women are your personal Elite guards. There is an army of people, all over, guarding you.

Why are you here? Dee demanded. I don't want you here!

Roger looked like a beat puppy, Your father asked me.

A guard moved in behind Roger, Deepitka shook her head, He can stay.

He reached in to a shirt pocket, which caused the Elite guard slightly across from him to pull her blade out into the open; her stance as well as the other two guards in the room changed to one Dee recognized from her short time on Candice’s ship; ‘let’s fight’. It was actually nice to see someone else saw Roger for what he was; a threat and dangerous. Two of the guards after a few seconds of evaluating Roger, changed their stance again. The one closest to Roger; the one he was paying closer attention to quite suddenly moved closer and stood in a combat stance Deepitka knew all too well; Roger had taught it to her and used it many times against her. There was a counter move but with a blade in the mix, he’d lose most of the fingers on one hand.

Roger saw the threat and very, very slowly pulled out a food tube; a tube that would give her all the nourishment, sustenance and a boost of energy to keep her at a high level for most of the day. Need one? he asked Dee.

Dee’s stomach lurched at the sight of it, the taste was the down side, it was the second worst tasting food she’d ever had. The first being her test of a second bite of a fruit she’d called ‘Fruit of the Goddess’. Deepitka waived her hand, Not now, I can’t handle those at the moment. Looking around the room for a clock, How long have I been in here, in my mom and daddy’s bed?

Roger put the food tube away and stepped back, the Elite guard put her blade away and resumed her relaxed stance but still stayed at the edge of the bed. Roger’s voice was one of concern and care. You have been asleep for about four hours, your Majesty. Your predecessors Master-at-Arms carried you out to a shuttle and air lifted you, a sister and your parents here.

Four hours? Dee asked surprised.

You were severely hurt. Roger frowned, Those of us here at the house, had been watching the transmission live, and had taken immediate steps to ensure the safety of you and your family upon your arrival. We summoned medical staff while you were in transit.

Predecessor's Master-at-Arms? Dee asked still confused and gently rubbing her head.

Kevin’s tone was a little hushed, The skeleton looking dude, remember?

Roger smiled at Kevin’s analogy of Seraphina’s choice of Master-at-Arms; he did have the look of being on death’s door step. Empress; Your Elite guard, and members of both the Supreme Magistrate’s Special Forces and War General Chandra’s Army have taken up positions all around the Allaro Compound. And since Candice and Renee have arrived, we’ve taken up control of the Allaro home at the Sister Supremes’ request.

Who? Dee asked still rubbing her head. Who is the Sister Supreme? Special Forces? Allaro Compound? Lady Chandra ordered her army to protect me? Has the whole Realm changed? Are we at war?

Kevin still speaking softly but appeared really unsure of himself, almost too the point he was too nervous to even speak to her, It’s just…Mom’s the Sister Supreme. The Priest guy called her that. Everyone in the news now calls her that. Look. He showed her a stream of images of their mother on the planet communication network. Sister Supreme Rebecca Allaro she was called. Some of the images had even shown Deepitka with the term Empress Allaro under her face. There was one image that caught her off guard as Kevin flipped through the pages; Prophet Deepitka Allaro. It had to be just her eye’s playing tricks on her.

Roger seemed to almost be puffing his chest out at his next announcement. I’m proud to report you highness, five attempts on your life have been neutralized with non lethal force of course, A smile broke over his face. your Highness, your parents property and the joining waters have been called the Allaro Compound. It was your planet’s press who have named this area by that name.

It’s just a small bit of land. Deepitka protested.

And is where the Empress of the Realm’s parents and family reside. Our little Chinita has come a long way, and I can think of no one better to carry the title ‘Empress’. Ma’am, despite what you may think, you were my best student; I have never had someone learn so much and fight so hard. I am honored to have called you my student and that you have come so far.

Dee looked at Roger a bit irritated, I was trying to survive. I’m from here. Vesi. I was born and raised here, and you were training me as if I was some super strong alien. You could have killed me the way you did it.

Roger looked uncomfortable, I know. We…I didn’t know until Candice came to me, I was prepping the shutting when the Grey’s arrived. I was ordered to take you to Tau-Ceti.

Dee didn’t looked happy, That’s what Candice said.

A PADD was placed in Dee’s hands from one of the elite guards.

Picking up the PADD, Dee began to read, "We, my sisters and I, serve the office of the Empress. There are some rules you need to be aware of and are for your protection and others. We will speak in private shortly. However, there is one bit of business we regret cannot wait. We must tag you with a tracking device immediately that way if needed we may find you."

Looking up at the Elite guards, Dee could see there was no joke here these people were here for her protection.

Go ahead. Dee said.

As directed, Dee extended her arm. The guard held a small device to her arm. Dee felt a small amount of pressure, and then an intense amount of pain as the Elite guard injected something into her arm. Within seconds the pain took her to a new level she’d never experienced. About to scream, the Guard dropped the device and climbed on top of her, covering her mouth with a cloth and holding Dee down as she scream into the cloth.

Kevin and the two Assassins in the room thought better than to get involved, seeing the other two Elite Guard’s flag them back; one of them moved to prevent them from changing their mind by drawing her daggers, while the other behind Kevin held his shoulders firmly.

You’re hurting her! Kevin protested and trying to wiggle free.

Dee continued to scream into the cloth and fight; it felt like whatever they injected was crawling up the bone and then inside it. The guard held her firmly and had to kneel on Dee’s hand so she wouldn’t claw at it.

Once it stopped moving, Dee was able to catch her breath and let loose a number of swears that had Kevin looking at his most religious sister in shock that she even knew such words.

The guard slowly climbed off of Deepitka and then bowed low to her.

Dee looked at her arm. The majority of the pain had disappeared, not even the injection site stung. Only now the pounding of her heart beat throbbed the bump on her head even more.

What was that? Kevin asked very worried for his older sister.

It’s for my protection. Dee fibbed, Please don’t tell mom and daddy what I just said or happened.

Kevin still had his mouth open, Um…I don’t think they’d believe me!

One of the other women handed Dee a pill and something to drink, surprisingly the aches and pains in her head and the rest of her body had faded to just a dull roar in moments after swallowing the pill.

Thank you. Dee whispered, a few more moments later the pain was gone but her throat felt raw from screaming. Those work fast, thank you!

All three women bowed in recognition of her thanks.

I’m ready to see my parents. Dee said trying to sit up again. Upon seeing Kevin about to reach for her, I can do this. She said with a smile and waived him back.

Once she was standing and feeling her heart beat in her bandage and the pain creep back with a bit of nausea, she held tight to the bed post, no one moved to help her. Which she thought would have been nice, since the floor was looking like the better place to be right now.

Taking a few deep breaths and closing her eye’s she felt the nausea pass. Now she felt better.

Oh, I’ll need all you boys to leave so I can change. She said after looking her dress over, it was covered in little splatters of blood. At least someone had taken the time to clean her arms and chest up. Looking in a mirror, she looked terrible with the bandage around her head, her long black hair pulled tight and a complete rumpled mess. Touching her face she smiled seeing someone had taken the time to clean her face of blood splatters.

Keven went to help her.

I’m okay now Kev. She said looking up at him, though younger than him, he was like the rest of her family, all taller than her, but not by much thankfully.

Sure thing De…Sorry…Yes Empress. I’m really sorry I don’t mean to be messing up! It’s just... Kevin looked at Deepitka, this wasn’t some playful hoax to him, and he was serious and a bit terrified of her. Please don’t tell anyone I’m messing up!

Dee held tight to the bed post and tried to sound as patient and loving as possible, Kevin. Relax. You’re my brother. I’m not going to scream ‘off with his head’! Seeing Kevin start to weakly smile, It will take time to adjust, imagine what I’m going through. I’m not even sure this is really happening.

Feeling a bit better, Kevin explained what he thought his sister was might be trying to say, Sure...sure thing...like we do with mom... Priestess some times and mom others, right?

Exactly. Dee said with the biggest smile she could to reassure him. Now please all you men...scoot...I need to change.

As you wish Empress. Was the reply from the two assassins. Taking Kevin by the shoulder, they guided and followed him out of the room and into the hallway.

The other man looked at Roger., We saw her naked for almost two weeks, what’s the big deal? Roger slapped on the back of the head.

Kevin turned around to look at Roger and back at Dee, You were naked all that time you were gone?

Roger turned Kevin around, I'll explain in the hallway. Then looked at his partner and cuffed him on the back of the head, You need to learn to keep your mouth shut. She isn't Chinita or just anyone anymore, she's the Empress.

Once alone with just the three personal guards, Dee; still slowly regaining her strength, went through her mother’s closet and looked for something to wear but found it all for the first time in years much too big and loose. She turned to guards, I don’t suppose you have something I’m supposed to wear on my first day as Empress? Am I really the Empress? I should be taller now. Dee joked.

As a matter of fact you are and yes we do Deepitka. One of them said.

HOLY SHIT! You guys… Dee’s mouth was gently covered by another guard.

We speak only with the Empress in private. No one must know we speak. We are her eyes and ears. One of them whispered in her ear.

The voice was quiet but raw and course. The smallest of the guards opened a case, and started to pull out a paper wrapped package.

The same woman whispered slowly pulling her hand back from Deepitka’s mouth, This dress is similar to the ones Empress Seraphina wore on her coronation day and during public speeches. She was going to ask you to wear it after the completion of the ceremony. The dress the guard held up was silver and looked almost like liquid metal.

Guiding Dee to the center of the room, the three female guards surrounded her, Is this some sort of Mantori ritual because I’m not… Dee lost her train of thought as each woman pulled a knife from their skirts, and then split that knife in two. Holding their arms up, a blade in each hand, they all spoke in a whisper, Do not move. In a single smooth motion, they had all cut the fabric of the dress.

The dress fell to the floor in pieces leaving her very naked before them.

Portions of this dress contain the blood of Seraphina, it must be destroyed. One of them said.

One of the guards knelt and picked up the clothing then looked up and stared at Dee’s privates. What is that? A custom of your planet? She asked seeing a small metal thimble protruding from Dee’s clitoris.

Dee smiled, A Dethin Engagement cap.

Slow to stand the guard didn’t look pleased, The Dethin race has been completely wiped out; remove it for your own safety. The Entity has ordered all things Dethin destroyed.

Another guard explained. Your life is in danger wearing that.

Can’t, I’ve tried, only a Dethin can remove it, and I’m pretty sure one of them is very much alive. Dee smiled thinking of Candice’s beautiful face and body.

The third guard looked confused, An engagement cap? You are engaged to marry a Dethin? she asked. Dee felt like there was something wrong between the three guards. They seemed upset if not extremely bothered or disturbed over such a trivial thing.

I wear it out of memory of their people and what one of them did. Dee said, Is there a problem?

Possibly. Actually yes. Present this fact to the Supreme Magistrate; it is imperative she be made aware and who the Dethin is, for yours and the Dethin’s safety. End of discussion. Dee just stared at the woman in surprise, for servants of the Empress they came across as pretty demanding.

The tallest of the three wrapped Dee in a blanket then sat her down on a chair, while the shortest one who looked so familiar, unwrapped Deepitka’s head bandage and gingerly adjusted her hair to cover the wound. The last guard opened up a box and activated some device. The guard doing her hair or as Dee mentally referred to her; Guard number two looked down at her. Deepitka there are some very important matters you need to know. She whispered.

Like why you don’t call me Empress and everyone else does? It’s kind of obvious.

Yes Ma’am but please listen while we explain. She whispered.

Guard number one stood up beside the open box. It’s active, no one will hear us, please proceed. She said speaking a little louder.

Guard number three stood beside Deepitka; looking down she seemed surprised that Dee was so short sitting in the chair. A smile broke across her face and knelt so she was almost eye to eye with Dee, Anything you say or do is private, we, as your personal guards do not exist except to protect and serve the Empress. The Rules of the Secondary Empress are simple but must be followed from this point forward.

WHOA! Secondary? Dee asked in shock.

Please listen and then we will answer everything. As the Secondary Empress you must observe the same rules as set by the Primary. No one may touch you first, you will initiate all contact. Failure to adhere to this rule will cause those, even family to be possibly harmed. We do not wish this, but take it very serious. Children even more so; if they come running to you we will push or hold them back; an upset child is better than a dead Empress. I’m sure you are aware enemies of the Empress and The Realm have been known to use children as weapons.

Like the Entity. Dee whispered, thinking back when she thought Themis was one of them.

The woman nodded in agreement, Other instructions; you are forbidden to point out you are a Secondary Empress, the title is still Seraphina’s but to prevent a chance on her life during this time, everyone must believe you are the new Empress. All records and such will still mark you as such. Only you, Seraphina and another know the truth.

You may not go anywhere alone. Anywhere! Your life as the Secondary Empress during this critical moment is far more valuable than Seraphina’s, if she is to die from her injuries, you will carry the official title as Empress. Also, if you were to die, no one would believe her claim to the throne upon her recovery. And she will have to Petition the Mantori Council to seek reinstatement, a process that may go against her. The elite guards are not arbitrators and will not testify in such a situation, since the Realm believes and sees we do not speak.

In four days or less, it will be announced if Seraphina has survived her injuries or not. Or if she is still critical, you will continue to carry the title but will be given extended Royal control till which time either she passes away or survives.

If she passes away you will be required to transfer your title to a Mantori of your choosing. Doctor Priyanka will explain the process if it becomes necessary, she is ineligible for the position.

You are forbidden travel off planet. Being in a ship invites too many variables my sisters and I cannot account for at this moment.

Lastly, if we believe the situation warrants it, we will take lethal action to protect you, including giving our lives or sacrificing those around you, your family included.

I can’t accept that! Dee said for the first time.

The Inner Royal Council members are all related to Seraphina, they would give their lives for the survival of the Empress. My two sisters and I have observed your family, they would do the same.

But I won’t let them. I don’t know how Empress Seraphina feels about family, but my family defines who I am. I can’t and won’t accept them giving their life for a title, let alone one that is as temporary as this. Dee wasn’t going to budge on this.

Guard number two leaned over her shoulder while brushing out Dee’s hair, A compromise then. Follow our lead, and do not allow them to be placed in such a position, and we will do our best to protect them as well.

Deal. Dee said smiling.

And as a side note, my sisters and I have noticed a trait very unique to you, while we respect it and believe it an admirable quality, Seraphina wouldn’t wish to change this; No one is exempt from bowing to you. This also includes your family. Just remember they are bowing to the title of Empress and not you. Do not change this.

I don’t like it, but okay. Dee admitted. Some thing’s she would have to agree too. This was one unfortunately.

Two of the guards offered a hand to help Dee back on her feet. Those are our only rules, as we said; simple. The Supreme Magistrate will discuss rules to your family so they are aware of how to work and respond to your new status. Just remember, not even The Supreme Magistrate is aware of your Secondary Empress status; she believes you are the new Empress and it will stay that way! Dr. Priyanka is normally prepared to be designated as the Secondary Empress. She has a profound respect for you and has offered her assistance with anything you require in this temporary time period.

As for your dress, what you wear will be yours. When you resume your title as Archduchess this dress will still be yours.

Walking over to a mirror; Dee was surprised to see her hair and makeup was done in a manner far more beautiful than any of her sisters had ever done. The mark on the side of her head was covered with hair and not even noticeable. It’s beautiful, thank you. she said to the one who had done her hair.

Your hair is softer than a Mantori’s, so it moves and flows much nicer and easier and may be put into styles no Mantori but the Albino Mantori, Katanna, may have, and now for your dress, Empress Allaro.

Dee just looked at the guards surprised, You’re really going to call me that even though I’m secondary? She asked.

The tallest guard looked down on Dee but spoke kindly, You are the Empress in every way but one. You may not make policy changes unless circumstances are desperate. Only minor changes. Seraphina chose you over Doctor Priyanka because she trusts you. To be honest and not sound insulting, of the three of us, two of us agree you would not have been our choice for a Secondary Empress, but circumstance as they were, her options and time were limited. Now please raise your arms so we may put this dress on you.

Dee looked at each guard and looked at the one she thought she recognized and figured her to be the last person who would trust her. After all, as Dee figured, everywhere she went, a mass of carnage and destruction followed. Starting with the Library, then Chandra and Priyanka, the Police officers, and then most recently at Temple.

A moment later the dress slid down her body then surprisingly it pulled tight around her body like it had a mind of its own. This dress has some unique properties. As we said your life is more valuable than Seraphina’s. The guard pulled out her dagger and before Dee could react or defend herself, the woman had taken the dagger and tried to stab Dee in the chest.

Dee stumbled back into Guard number two’s arms, but looked down at the spot where the blade should have been. Instead the guard still held the dagger but the blade had been mangled and bent. The dress will protect you. It sent out a field of energy to warp whatever was coming at you to defend you. All the Inner council wear a similar dress. Perhaps you’ve seen what many think is their family dress?

Dee smiled, I have. I’ve always envied how it looked on them.

Today it is silver, tomorrow and for the next few days it will be blue and will bare your official crest as decided upon by Empress Seraphina’s sister; Noble Katana. On your final day we will make the dress black. That day will be when you turn the Realm over to Seraphina or may be required to choose a new Empress of the Realm. We will program it with different styles, but this dress is your last line of protection and you may only wear this dress until that time.

At night we will clean the dress and present it to you each morning.

Deepitka now standing on her own looked to all the guards, Two things please; don’t scare me like that again and I really choose the next Empress? I thought her council decides or they fight to the death like Empress Seraphina did with her mother. Dee asked, she’d grown up knowing the circumstances of Seraphina’s taking the throne but it bothered her to think if she were put into the same position she would have to kill her own mother to be lead priestess of a Temple.

Guard three, shook her head, You will need to discuss all this with Doctor Priyanka, if it becomes necessary. Remember only she is aware of your temporary status.

Dee just nodded in understanding. She liked Seraphina; she was nothing like her mother, Empress Rochelle or her grandmother. Seraphina was fair, kind, and implemented changes to better everyone’s lives.

Bowing her head Dee folded her hands; all three guards stopped what they were doing and waited patiently listening to Dee say a prayer for Seraphina’s recovery.

Once Dee said she was done, the guards resumed the rules and instructions but took on a kinder tone with her, Please remember as Archduchess, The Supreme Magistrate Ms. Themis may have declared you are not required to bow to anyone, but you are now the Empress in the eyes of the entire Realm, You, Ms. Themis and the Entity carry the same rank and are required to give the appropriate respect to each other. You bow to no one but those two.

Son of a B.. The Entity is…I’m not sure if I can. Dee said.

Seraphina feels the same and gives it only grudgingly.

Dee sat back down to get a grip on her being ranked the same as Ms. Themis and the Entity. This is so much to take in…I was just a librarian yesterday and now today…It’s so much it doesn’t feel real.

When we exit this room, you will see just how real it is.

Another guard piped in, Remember the Supreme Magistrate is here to help you, we also recommend you speak with your Priestess for guidance and support.

My mother. Dee smiled.

Yes. Now come, we have kept them waiting long enough. Remember we do not speak to anyone but you and only in private.

Never heard a thing. Dee smiled and then caught them all off guard by pulling all of them into on huge hug. All of their faces and bodies said they were very uncomfortable. Never been hugged before? Get used to it. I follow your rules, you follow mine. Now let’s go. Dee said enjoying the slight discomfort of the three women. Especially upon hearing one of them whisper to the other two behind her back, I like this one.

Now if only she could figure out which one said it.

~~~~~~~~~~

As soon as the door was opened for her, Dee held up her finger to her mouth for the two assassins to keep quiet. Roger still spoke but much quieter, Your Majesty, your brother understands a modified truth of what happened on the ship and your being kept…disrobed. If he believed it, I don’t know.

He probably did, he likes to believe the best in people. Now sshhhh.

They both bowed and did as she asked.

Letting Dee and the guards move past them, she waited and watched from the loft and stairs overlooking the dining room and living room. Her entire family was sitting either on the floor or furniture. Her parents immediately brought a smile to her face; her mother being only a few inches taller than her was sitting on her father’s lap and leaning back into him and holding his hands around her waist. ‘Soul Mates’ since the day they met, they’d called each other.

One of the other people she saw caused her to hold her breath in surprise. Ms. Themis was here! In her house! And just standing in the corner and not the center of attention as Dee would have expected.

In fact from the looks her brothers and sisters where giving her, they weren’t very comfortable with her here. A part of her wanted to scream for joy!

Ms. Themis, A Gray; and woman known and recognized by her grey skin, black hair but also the single crest inked into the center of her chest. A mark the entire Realm knew her as The Supreme Magistrate; The law and balance of The Realm. And she was here, in their house! They should be showering Ms. Themis with praise and adoration! Knowing her family was going to talk with her was one thing but to have her here so soon made her heart pound with excitement.

In fact the only ones who seemed to be paying Ms. Themis any attention was Kevin, and Corry who sitting beside Ellen, their eldest sister; both seemed to be more interested in The Grey than whoever was talking.

Listening in, she overheard a new masculine voice. That person she could only figure to be the Prime Minister of Vesi; the highest elected official on Vesi. Dee was at a loss how to feel. The most important movers and shakers in the Realm and Vesi were here and listening in the conversation it was all very civil and friendly. Nothing like what she experienced the day before with the highest ranking religious official on Vesi who was condescending at times. In fact he was talking about how his children had dumped paint on his head, moments before a major news brief. The man, Dee admitted had a very relaxed and kind voice.

Gathering her courage, she started taking the steps down slowly, Dee waited for everyone to see her, the dress stretched and moved with her like she was wearing nothing but a swimsuit. It didn’t feel like the lower part of the dress even touched her skin.

One of the Prime Ministers aids was the first to see her and stood up straight, All kneel for Empress Allaro! He announced and then came to a knee.

As one; the entire room jumped out of their seats and knelt to her. Seeing her brothers and sisters all kneeling before her brought back memories of them all playing ‘Empress’ games in the back yard, but not once did she play ‘The Empress’, and now it wasn’t a game. To see her parents also kneeling was hard on her. More so seeing a couple of her sisters and brothers do the circle of the Goddess and hear them say, Goddess bless the new Empress. Long may she reign.

After waiting a moment, Please rise. Dee asked softly.

Her mother, Rebecca was the first to rise and came up to her but stopped a short distance from her. Ms. Themis was standing by the fireplace, nodding to Dee.

Opening her arms, Dee pulled her mother into a deep and heartfelt hug.

Rebecca kissed her daughter on both cheeks, pulled back and held her at arm’s length and then pulled back in to a hug. Long may you reign….Empress. I’ve never seen your hair or make up like this. You are truly beautiful your majesty.

Thanks Mom. Dee hated this part, and reminded herself; she only had to live with it for four days…hopefully. She also didn’t miss the hesitation her mother’s voice of calling her Empress.

After a large number of hugs, kisses and congratulations from the rest of her family, it was time to meet the Prime Minister.

He came before her, and despite her desire to just shake his hand, she let him bow to one knee and addressed her without looking up. Long may you reign your Majesty. I am honored to make your acquaintance Empress Allaro.

The name didn’t feel right, so making her first official change, Deepitka, please, a name change didn’t feel like much. Seeing Ms. Themis frown and one of the guards shake their head; Dee got the message loud and clear. She’d overstepped too far.

Dee turned to him in a commanding voice that even shocked her, Please address me as Empress Deepitka. That brought a head nod of acceptance from the guard and looks of surprise from the rest of her family and Ms. Themis.

Looking only at Dee’s feet the Prime Minister took a deep breath, the pride in his voice genuine Then it pleases me to be the first to address you, Empress Deepitka. I would…

Please stand, you have paid your respect. Dee interrupted.

The Prime Minister stood and looked down on her. His face clearly showing he was uncomfortable looking down on Deepitka and unlike some of Candice’s crew, the Prime Minister didn’t give Dee a feeling of being just meat or someone to be taken advantage of but to be treated as a living and respectable person.

On behalf of Planet Vesi, my family and myself, I would like to extend my congratulations, gratitude and thanks for what you and your family have done for this world. Dee looked at him in taken aback, as a politician he had placed himself last in his thanks and the fact his words felt true and honest raised her respect for him than just another politician, Empress, I have spent a life time trying to find some way to open our world to the Realm, and in two days you and your mother have done what I thought to be impossible. I am in your dept and thanks.

You are very welcome sir. Then pausing to reflect on what she still hadn’t done earlier in the day. Prime Minister, I do not see it as a debt, but more of simple thanks. However I do have something to ask of you.

Empress, I am your subject, command me. The Prime minister said solemnly.

Looking out the front window and seeing a huge crowd of cameras and reporters across the street, Dee looked back around the room at her family. But if I ask? Do you not derive more joy and pleasure of the service? You have the choice to say no, in this case, I never had the chance to give my honest forgiveness at the Priestess’s Temple service. I know I’m rushing things, but I’d like to get this over with as soon as possible. Would you please join me on my family’s porch while I give my forgiveness speech? Dee asked.

Empress, that is a small task. The Prime Minster explained.

Taking a quote from the holy book, Dee changed the words to suit her need and situation. I may be Empress, but I will never ask someone to do what I would never or be hesitant to do myself. You and I have never met, so I have no reason to ask you to join me as I forgive others. Dee explained. I have never stood before so large a crowd. Dee pointed out the front window. I have courage but not of the type you and my mother have, will you join me, for moral support?