Heir to the Throne II: Reign of the Queen

By Gregg Brown

Prince Calen has ascended to the throne becoming the ruling king of Corpias. He and Irena wed and prepare to spend the rest of their lives together.

Shortly after they are wed, a new danger emerges to threaten the peaceful existence of all residents in the galaxy. An invading force has entered the galaxy. They have selected a planet as the target for the first phase of their plans to invade, conquer, and enslave the people as they move to expand their empire into the Plestion galaxy. In their first move, they strike with an assassination team and kill the ruling monarch in an attempt to cause chaos among the populace.

A new queen rises up in the aftermath to take charge. She must summon the strength to overcome the devastation of her loss and to prevail over her anger to lead her people. She must rally her people behind her as they prepare for a battle with a powerful new enemy in a fight to maintain their freedom and sovereignty.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Brighton Publishing LLC
• Release date: Oct 22, 2019
• ISBN: 9781621835516

Gregg Brown

Gregg Brown is an entrepreneur, international speaker, and consultant on change leadership and building future-ready organizations. Over his 30-year career, he has advised Fortune 500 companies, governments, humanitarian organizations, and engaged thousands of people from the UN, NATO, the CDC, and many others. His ideas have been featured in Forbes, Newsweek, Rolling Stone, and Entrepreneur. He is the author of Ready… Set… Change Again! and The Top 10 Change Hacks. He lives in Toronto, Canada.

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Heir to the Throne II

Reign of the Queen

Gregg Brown

Brighton Publishing LLC

435 N. Harris Drive

Mesa, AZ 85203

www.BrightonPublishing.com

ISBN13: 978-1-62183-551-6

Copyright © 2019

eBook

SMASHWORDS EDITION

Cover Design: Tom Rodriguez

All rights reserved. This is a work of fiction. The characters in this book are fictitious and the creation of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to other characters or to persons living or dead is purely coincidental. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Chapter One

It was still a time of uncertainty throughout the Plestion galaxy. The pursuit of the Supreme Lord to dominate the galaxy had ended after his defeat aboard the battleship Juggernaut. The news of his demise was slowly making its way from planet to planet, but not everyone was aware of that and still lived in fear. Albion was now in possession of the fleet that had inflicted so much damage under the Supreme Lord’s control. He was on his own mission to aid in restoring the harmony that had existed before the Supreme Lord’s reign of terror. All through the different systems, people were trying to return to the normalities of their daily life. It was the start of a new beginning.

***

The ship Ryker was escorting Iszara home, had entered the atmosphere of Giaconis and was headed to the coordinates Iszara had provided him. It had been a quiet journey once they left the fleet of coalition ships. Iszara had been in a trance-like state throughout the journey and Ryker really didn’t know what to say to comfort her so he opted to travel in silence with only the hum of the engines to fill the void. By the time they arrived at the location, Queen Veitah was on top of the building waiting for her daughter. Ryker lowered the ship down far enough so that Iszara would be able to exit the ship, but he did not let the ship touch down so that the plants that camouflaged the building would not be damaged. Iszara had made her way from the cockpit to the door as Ryker was lowering the ship. When he gave her the signal, she pressed the control panel to open the door and extended the ramp. She walked down the ramp and jumped off the end to land on the grass below. She stood up and headed toward her mother who was already moving in her direction. When they met, they embraced each other and were happy to be reunited.

The ship then moved upward and headed out to space, leaving the reunion of mother and daughter behind as well as the planet. Iszara was locked in an embrace with her mother and didn’t even notice that Ryker and the ship had left. Her mind clouded with the thoughts of the one she had lost. Iszara was struggling to control her emotions and to be as strong as she had been trained. The future ruler of their people was expected to be in control at all times no matter what the circumstances were. It was simply too much for her and she finally lost the battle and started to cry. When she finally released her grip on her mother, Queen Veitah tenderly placed her hands on the sides of Iszara’s face and gently moved her head up so she could look in her daughter’s eyes. Tears continued to flow from her eyes as she looked at her mother.

Tell me what troubles you so I can help you, Queen Veitah spoke softly to her daughter while searching her face for an answer.

Pretahr, was all that Iszara was able to say through the throbbing pain she felt in her heart. She had lost a friend, a mentor, and the person who filled the role of a father.

What about Pretahr? the Queen asked.

He’s dead, Iszara said quietly as she choked the tears back. He sacrificed himself so that everyone else could live. Her tears started to flow again.

Oh my child, what a heavy burden you bear, the Queen whispered in response to the information Iszara had just provided.

Queen Veitah moved her left hand and placed it on Iszara’s shoulder. Iszara moved in closer to lay her head on her mother’s shoulder. Queen Veitah gently caressed her daughter’s face with her right hand as her left arm moved over Iszara’s shoulder to comfort her. The two stood there until Iszara had calmed down to the point where she was no longer crying and her breathing was back to normal from the massive heaving.

Come dear, her mother said. Let’s go home so that you can rest. We can talk about this another time.

Iszara looked at her mother through her bloodshot eyes. She didn’t say anything in response. Queen Veitah walked with her left arm around Iszara while she held on tightly to her daughter’s right arm with her right hand. The two were moving together toward the stairs that would take them down to the next level to the turbolift. Iszara stopped and turned around to look back. She hadn’t even realized that Ryker and the ship that returned her to her home had already departed. She turned her head back to face her mother and they continued toward the covered stairway. Even though she was in agony over the loss of Pretahr, Iszara was happy to be back on Giaconis reunited with her family.

***

Albion had turned away from Calen and Irena and was walking toward the shuttle as Jaxon Finn and Captain Deyoshee followed him. They entered the shuttle and the door which served as the ramp lifted to close shut, sealing the shuttle in preparation for the flight back out into space. Calen and Irena stood watching while holding hands. It had been a rough couple of days for both of them, but more so for Calen. He watched as his brother left the planet. A brother whose existence he had just learned about. To discover that you have a brother only to lose him had to be difficult for Calen to process. Albion had no desire to stay on Corpias and had made that abundantly clear to everyone. Irena leaned over to place her head on Calen’s shoulder. He releases her hand from his, puts his arm around her, and looks at her and smiles.

Will you marry me? he asks.

She smiles back and says, I thought you’d never ask.

The two of them watched as the shuttle lifted off the ground and hovering momentarily before it ascended into the darkness. The two remained there looking upward as the shuttle grew smaller and smaller until it disappears from their sight.

Irena couldn’t even imagine what Calen was going through right now. He was raised as an only child not aware he had two brothers. Now, one of those brothers was dead and the other one had left as quickly as he had arrived. She could tell he was hurting inside and for once in her life she didn’t know what to say to him. She was going to diligently stand there with him until he was ready to leave. Then a thought occurred to her and she reflectively stirred up under Calen’s arm.

What is it? he asked.

I just realized... she replied and stopped abruptly.

Realized what? Calen inquired.

That Iszara went home thinking that Pretahr—Albion, was dead, Irena responded. I have to go tell her he is alive.

Why can’t you just send her a transmission and let her know? Calen asked.

I have to go and do it in person. Iszara’s people are reclusive and we don’t have a way to contact them, Irena replied.

Can’t someone else other than you go to deliver the news? Calen questioned.

No. It has to be me. They don’t like strangers, Irena told him. Then she continued before he had time to object, Albion was, or is special to her and her people. When he arrived on Giaconis, her people were in a battle for survival against the Igwanae, a reptilian race. He stopped the fighting and helped her people evolve with their technology which now helps to protect them against the Igwanae. They viewed him as their protector and gave him the name Pretahr. Iszara grew up under his tutelage and he has been like a father to her.

I understand that. But why do you have to be the one to tell her?

Because she is my friend and I am going, Irena told him with a look on her face he knew all too well.

Okay, but you can’t travel there alone, Calen told her.

She nodded her head, smiled at him, and then kissed him which was followed by the two of them embracing. Calen returned his gaze upward as if he were searching for his brother’s shuttle.

***

Albion, Captain Deyoshee, and Jaxon Finn go aboard the shuttle to take them back to the armada in orbit outside the atmosphere of Corpias. Captain Deyoshee heads to the cockpit to pilot the ship while Albion and Jaxon take seats behind the cockpit area. Not long after Deyoshee has the shuttle powered up, they lift up off the surface and travel upward into the darkness. On the flight back to the armada, Albion was quiet. He looked over to Jaxon and asked, Why did you leave Corpias to journey with me?

I... is all that came out of Jaxon’s mouth.

You have fulfilled your debt to me when you helped Calen escape from the Juggernaut, Albion replied. You owe me nothing.

I know, Jaxon responded realizing that Albion was making it clear he could go wherever he wanted and there was time for him to change his mind and return to Corpias.

Irena would have made sure you were taken care of, so why have you decided to leave?

I never truly felt comfortable around them, Jaxon stated. Irena was the only one who was willing to give me a chance. The rest of them looked down on me with contempt and I had no intention of living with people who made it perfectly clear how much they disapproved of me. Besides, you always treated me like I was important. You never passed any judgment on me for what I had done in my past. I followed you because I wanted to do something more with my life than continue to be the thief that the circumstances early in my life drove me to become. I don’t think I would have the same opportunity on Corpias that I will have with you. This is my chance for a fresh start, to transform myself into someone better. To become someone even I won’t be ashamed of.

Albion understood Jaxon’s reasoning. He too had been subjected to similar treatment by those who wanted to judge him based solely on the abilities he possessed. There was no more talking for the remainder of the flight back. Albion had closed his eyes and reclined back into the chair resting his head on the support cushion. Jaxon decided to do the same. The shuttle from Corpias arrived back in the landing bay of the battleship Vanguard. The three occupants departed from the shuttle and headed toward the turbolift. They board the turbolift and take it up to the bridge. When they exited, Captain Deyoshee went over to Captain Greyson to provide the orders that Albion had given him to back the fleet further away from Corpias until he had decided what his next move would be. Captain Greyson quickly gave the order to the ship’s navigator.

Captain Deyoshee and Captain Greyson, Albion addressed. The two look up and turn in the direction to face Albion. Please come here.

The two walked over to where Albion and Jaxon were standing.

Captain Greyson, this is Jaxon Finn and he will be accompanying us as a member of this fleet. Please set him up in the officers’ quarters if there is room available. Captain Greyson made an affirmative nod. He turned to depart and Jaxon followed him.

Albion looked at Captain Deyoshee and said, I have something important that I need you to do.

Yes, my lord, Deyoshee responded.

It is time for those among this fleet that want to return to their homes to be allowed to do so.

Yes, my lord, the captain said with an expression of both happiness and relief.

I want you to contact the captains of the other ships to find out exactly who wants to return to their home world. Also, compile a list of anyone who does not wish to return to their home planet, but does not want to remain on board as well as those who want to remain a part of this fleet.

I’ll get on it right away, the captain responded.

There’s one other thing I need you to do, Albion told him.

What’s that? Deyoshee questioned.

I need you to place your name at the top of the list.

My lord, Captain Deyoshee objected.

Captain, it has been quite clear to me after I deposed my brother that you have been biding your time waiting for the opportunity to go home. You now have that opportunity.

But serving under you has been a completely different experience, the captain replied.

Then do it as a favor to me, Albion responded.

If that is what you wish, Deyoshee replied.

Captain, I want you to answer a question for me. If the Supreme Lord had given you the opportunity to leave and go home with no repercussions, would you have left?

Yes, Deyoshee answered with no hesitation.

I respect that you feel it is your duty to aid me in trying to correct all the damage my brother caused, but other than letting those who want to go home, there is not much more I can do. Only time can heal the damage that was done. It will take time to rebuild what was destroyed, rebuilding structures and people’s lives.

So if I no longer want to leave the ship and go home, you’re going to make me leave anyway? Deyoshee asked.

No, Albion responded quickly. He paused for a moment and then said, If that is your wish, I will not force you to leave. I still will need you to put your name at the beginning of the list.

I don’t understand, Deyoshee said with a perplexed look on his face.

My brother was a twisted and evil leader who would easily persecute anyone who was not compliant with his wishes. Those aboard the ships may think that this is simply a way to test their loyalty and won’t answer with what is truly in their heart, afraid I might lash out at them like my brother would have. They do not know me and have no reason to trust me. All they know is I have abilities and that I ended the rule of their oppressor. If they see your name at the top of the list, they may be more forthcoming with what they truly want to do.

I understand. I will place my name on the list as you have asked, Deyoshee replied.

***

Irena and Calen had stood embracing each other after the shuttle had slowly vanished as it continued to ascend upward, taking Albion away from Corpias one last time. Irena held him quietly as he experienced all the different emotions that came with being reunited with a brother he didn’t know existed only to lose that brother. Calen had spent the majority of the time looking upward as if he were looking at the armada, but by now it would have been long gone. He turned to Irena, I think it’s time to go.

Irena nodded and released him from her hold, Are you okay?

I’m okay. It has been an unusual series of events and I think I’ll just need time to process everything, he answered. My mother and I are going to have to have a very long talk.

He does love you if you’re wondering, Irena told him hoping it would be comforting.

How do you know? Calen questioned.

He is the most selfless person I have ever met, Irena responded. He went on a mission to rescue you knowing he was going to face his nemesis. The one person who betrayed, attacked, and disfigured him. He was willing to sacrifice his life for yours. A brother he didn’t know about and had never met. There can be no doubt he loves you. He has given you everything that was rightfully his.

Do you really believe that? he asked.

Yes, I do, Irena replied. And you should too.

Calen looked at Irena and he could tell by her facial expression that she wanted him to believe what she had told him was true. He trusted her more than she would ever know and he trusted her judgment. He held his hand up and gently touched her face, Okay.

Irena smiled and reached over to take his hand and they headed back to the royal suite in the administrative building. They enter the suite to find Elbon there busy working with two helpers. Elbon was so busy he didn’t notice the whishing sound of the doors opening or closing. He looked up and had an alarming, surprised look on his face.

Elbon, are you okay? King Calen inquired.

Yes, Your Majesty. I just wasn’t expecting you to come into the office until tomorrow, Elbon responded. I’m sorry, but we don’t have it ready for you at this time.

It’s okay, Calen told him. Will you contact Captain Sohn and have him meet us here?

Yes, Your Majesty. Right away, Elbon responded.

It wasn’t long before Captain Sohn entered the suite and Elbon sent him into the office where the King was waiting for him. He entered the office and approached the desk where his new king was seated, he came to attention, clicked his heels together, and said, I am here as requested Your Majesty.

Thank you for coming so quickly, Calen told him. Please take a seat.

Captain Sohn sat down and asked, What is it I can do for you, Your Majesty?

Actually, it’s for me, Irena told him as she entered the office. I want one of the three royal guards who accompanied us to Giaconis to take me back.

Ambassador Padogin, my men are not here to take you on personal errands throughout the galaxy, Captain Sohn stated to her objecting her request while trying not to be impolite.

Captain, I only asked for one guard, not all of them, she replied. She continued quickly as not to allow him any time for a rebuttal, It’s very important. Otherwise, I would not have asked.

Maybe so, but I still have to object to having my men pulled from their duties to escort you to Giaconis.

All I’m asking is that you temporarily reassign Ryker to accompany me to Giaconis. We won’t be there for long, Irena responded.

Captain Sohn went to say something to respond to Irena when Calen interjected and said, Captain, just give her what she has asked for. I know Irena well enough to know that she isn’t going to back down or quit until she gets what she wants and in the long run it will just be easier on you.

Very well then, if you insist Your Majesty, Ryker will take her to Giaconis, the captain reluctantly agreed.

I would like to leave as soon as possible, Irena told the captain.

I’ll have to move rotations around to free them up. You should be able to leave within the hour.

Them? Irena asked. I only requested one guard.

Yes, I’m aware of that. I am also aware that Giaconis is a hostile and dangerous place to visit. You do recall what happened last time we were there?

Yes, I do, Irena stated.

He has a point, Calen commented. You’ve told me of your experience and I’m not going to risk taking any chances on losing you too. Irena knew what he meant and she could hear the pain in his voice even though he had tried to mask it from her and the captain.

Exactly, that’s why I decided to send Doyen and Aruna along with Ryker. Better safe than sorry, Captain Sohn stated.

Thank you Hagan, Irena responded with a smile on her face.

Once you have made your transport arrangements, just let me know where they are to meet you and I will have them there within the hour.

I will, she responded.

If that is all you need of me Your Majesty, I will get back to my duties.

Yes, captain, you are dismissed, the King replied.

Captain Sohn turned around and departed the suite without hesitation to make the arrangements for Irena and to get back to his regular duties as captain of the royal guard.

***

Captain Deyoshee was on the bridge as well as Captain Greyson when Albion exited the turbolift. He headed in the general direction of the two captains. Captain Greyson noticed his presence and then turned to see if Deyoshee was aware he had exited the turbolift. When he realized Captain Deyoshee had not been distracted by the swishing sound of the turbolift door opening, he moved on a trajectory to intercept Albion before he was able to make it over to Captain Deyoshee. When Captain Greyson was sure he had put enough distance between him and Deyoshee, he stopped to wait for Albion.

My lord, Captain Greyson spoke and then continued before Albion could reply, The fleet has been moved away from Corpias so that we will not interfere with any incoming or outgoing vessels and we await further instructions.

Thank you, captain, Albion replied, We will remain here until Captain Deyoshee has completed the task he has been assigned.

Yes, my lord, Captain Greyson answered. He realized Albion required nothing further from him. He stepped aside to allow Albion to pass.

Albion then continued in the direction he was headed before he had been stopped by Captain Greyson. He saw Captain Deyoshee looking down at his datapad. He was so deep in thought he hadn’t even acknowledged Albion’s presence. Albion walked over and stood beside him. He did not speak so as not to startle the captain. Captain Deyoshee caught a glimpse of a pair of boots from the corner of his eye and looked up.

My lord, I’m sorry but I... Captain Deyoshee said.

No need for apologies, Albion interrupted him. Is that the list I asked for?

Yes, my lord.

What did you see that had you so enthralled? Albion asked.

It’s not what I saw, rather what I didn’t see, Deyoshee answered.

What were you expecting to see that you didn’t? Albion inquired.

"Actually, I was expecting to