Rigel 2

[Azjah von Drachen Walde]

All day the darkness and the cold
Upon my heart have lain,
Like shadows on the winter sky,
Like frost upon the pane.
. John G Whittier

Azjah frowned into the mirror. Wil was not going to be easy to get safely off the planet. Her insides had gone quite cold when he’d told her not to over react. She muttered to her reflection, “Oh, and why would I over react to having the man I love nearly killed on the square? Hmm? Just WHY would I over react to that?”

She had to admit he was right though, they needed information to get to the root cause of Wilfred’s death. She bit her lower lip as she remained in front of the mirror, uncertain if she could be cordial to Prince Sheldon. The man made her skin crawl in the best of circumstances, and now, if he was tied to this…..

Dominik shimmered into visibility, “There are two in this house that are very, very uncomfortable with seeing the return of the Colonel, madam. I shall feed from them tonight, it will make it easier to keep tabs on them just in case.”

Azjah lifted a brow at him, “Who?”

Dominik’s green eyes met the Marchioness’. “If I tell you, can you maintain your composure and not give away that you are suspicious?”

Azjah gave that due consideration, “No, probably not. I would find my attention wandering to them more than I ought to most likely, since the attempt was for Wil’s life and not Wilfred’s.” She sighed, “Tell Wil and Fulco, let them set whatever watch they think is right. I will know when we have enough information to apply justice.” She hated remaining in the dark, but it was only a hunch, and other means of research would be needed. Those she could be involved in, but she appreciated that she wouldn’t have to ask Dominik.

Dominik gave her a bow and faded from view to reappear in Wil’s suite. “Colonel, a moment if I may?”

[Wil Savage]

Wil had been working on his digi-pad making a recording into his journal and had only just shut it down when Dominik appeared in his suite. “Good evening, Dominik. I’ve been expecting you.” Wil remained turned away while he slid the digi-pad back into the interior pocket of the tux he was wearing for dinner that evening.

Dominik’s brow rose slightly, “You expected me?” He then gave Wil a slight smile, “You do surprise me then Colonel.” The last thing Dominik expected was to be anticipated by the man who held such strong dislike for his kind. He would need to pay closer attention to this one in future.

Wil turned and looked at Dominik, “Of course. The Marchioness is concerned about my well being, but I don’t think that’s why you’re here. You could do that without letting me know. What is it that you’ve discovered?” Wil took a couple of steps closer to the Dragonseeker, as though expecting this to be an interesting conversation.

Dominik had to give the man credit; he was sharper than most humans he’d been around. “You know that humans are reasonably easy for me to intrude upon,” he began as a preamble, “and I have felt two of the employees here with unexplained unease at your return. It makes them suspicious, and I will feed upon them tonight. That way, I can keep tabs on them at all times, even when they leave this haus.” What Dominik did not say was that one of those was most assuredly associated with the attempted assassination, the other, he was uncertain about. “The Marchioness knows all of this, and has declined knowing who these two are.” Dominik’s green eyes held Wil’s a long moment before continuing, “She sent me to you, with instructions that you and Fulco should know.”

This news perked Wil’s interest and he nodded at Dominik, deciding that the man was quite useful after all. He was also happy to hear that the Marchioness had declined to receive that information. Her emotions regarding this incident resided too close to the surface and he didn’t want her to give anything away by her actions. “I would be interested. Are you sure that Fulco should know?”

Dominik considered what he knew of the Security director, “Fulco has been here since the Arch Duke and Duchess were murdered. He was put here by the Kaiser himself.” Dominik had taken on the absolutely unmoving nature of his kind, the immobility of the dead, and not a breath disturbed his stillness. Whether to tell Fulco or not was not a decision he was willing to make. He was too new to this world and these people. His views were colored by what he could read from the Marchioness, and she trusted Fulco implicitly. Rightly or wrongly, she did.

Wil considered both what Dominik had said, as well as what he had not said, “If he was put here by the Kaiser, then I would assume that he is under the Kaiser’s authority, and the Kaiser will soon know whatever it is that Fulco knows. Would you agree with that assumption, Dominik?”

The Dragonseeker nodded slightly, “That would be a reasonable assumption, although Fulco has been here for nearly 18 years. His allegiance is clearly to the Marchioness. His original assignment was at the former Kaiser’s pleasure. That he remains is at Notheissen’s pleasure.” Dominik gave Wil a cool smile as an earlier thought by the Colonel came to mind, “And the Marchioness is not seeking to insult you. Just for clarification.” He meant it as a clear reminder to Wil that human’s broadcast much of what they thought without realizing it.

“Of course she wasn’t. Why would she ever want to do that?” Wil never believed that Azjah actually was seeking for means to insult him, but her actions had momentarily brought that reaction from him. He knew she was simply still unaware of much of his training and resources. “Dominik, let’s not play coy. There is only one reason why Fulco is here at anyone’s pleasure, and that’s to report back to Their Majesties. If you believe otherwise, then you need to spend more time feeding on royal necks. Now, who are the spies, and are they Sheldon’s alone, or is the Kaiser involved?”

Dominik gave a slight laugh, this one was quick to cut to the chase, “For the moment, I can only tell you that they were uneasy when you walked through the door. After I feed on them, I can tell you more. As for whose spies they are, I suspect they are the Prince’s. They were both hired last week, have not been here long. The Kaiser’s spies would not likely be involved in assassination. Such would be left to others. The Kaiser’s spies are more for information.” Dominik was not insulted by Wil’s suggestion that he was naïve about the ways of espionage. Clearly living for over three millennia taught one a thing or two, but the Colonel had no way of knowing how long Dominik had wandered the world. “And, furthermore, why would the Kaiser want you dead? Has the I.I.S.C. caused him enough grief that he would see their representative dead? Would the Kaiser risk angering them?” Assassination of a visiting dignitary of a powerful organization was not something the Rigelian emperor would do openly. Not from what Dominik had learned so far.

“No, the Kaiser’s no fool. The last thing he needs is to be killing off I.I.S.C. agents. But, the Prince is here at his request. If the Prince is proven responsible for my death and the Kaiser would turn around and subjugate the Prince; well, the I.I.S.C. might think that they owe him a little . . . reward? The question now is, why would Prince Sheldon want me dead? He didn’t even know I’d be here. What does he gain by my death?” Wil paused a moment, then continued, “That would be an important piece of information.” Wil had his suspicions, but at this point, there was nothing concrete.

Dominik was indeed most curious why the assassination attempt had been made, and it was very much a shame that Wilfred had died before he could get to the valet to garner the information the man had been privy to before his untimely death. “That, Colonel, remains to be seen.” He turned and glanced at the door behind him, “You are about to be summoned for dinner.” Dominik had not paid attention at the dinner to the Prince’s feelings about the Colonel. He had been there to watch out for the Marchioness, and this was a turn of events even he had not foreseen. If he could only communicate with Gabriel, some of this might make more sense. One thing was certain however, he would be entering the Imperial Palace this night as an uninvited guest.

Wil nodded, “Thank you, Dominik. I’m looking forward to some good food.” He paused before adding, “I’m sure you are also.” He gave Dominik a wink and moved toward the door.

Dominik faded from view just as the knock sounded at Wil’s door. Azjah had preceded him downstairs, and Wil would find her in the Library when he arrived, in deep discussion with Baumann.

The young woman who knocked at his door looked to be about 20 years of age, and she gave Wil a curious, but rather bold look as she informed him, “Dinner will be served in 15 minutes Colonel, if you please?”

Wil thanked her, and that was all he said. With the call to dinner being given, he’d be following her shortly. It was an interesting look that she gave him, but then it could be nothing. He’s been known to turn the heads of young ladies, especially when dressed to the nines as he was this eve. Nevertheless, the timing was just odd. She gave him a last glance that clearly said she liked what she’d seen before departing.

Wil descended the stairs and went to the library. He stood at the doorway and admired the Marchioness, who was in discussion with the Major Domo. He gave a brief nod and smiled, “Good evening, m’lady.” Then turning to give another nod of greeting, “Baumann.”

Azjah smiled at once hearing Wil’s voice in the doorway, “We have been discussing our next steps, would you care for an aperitif before dinner?” She took in his formal attire and couldn’t help but admire the figure he presented, and briefly wished she’d chosen the green that Katarina had laid out initially. It was infinitely more feminine than the tailored suit she wore tonight.

“That would be nice, thank you.” That Azjah had been discussing next steps with Baumann concerned Wil. Plans should be kept to the absolute minimum number of people. “So, what is our next step?” He took a couple of steps into the room to close the door, “You know, I still haven’t seen that Biotechnical Research Center, I was looking forward to that.” It was time to play as nonchalant as possible over the events of the day. He had no desire to have Baumann know anything more about the Wilfred’s death than he already did.

Azjah moved toward him with a glass of champagne with cranberry liquor, she clearly recognized the shift in subject matter, but chose to stick to the topic uppermost in her mind. “Baumann has suggested that we hire another body guard, one capable of keeping ‘out of your way’,” she told him, using his own words to her earlier, and to let Wil know that she was not alone in her concern for his safety. Then she added, “And that the Kaiser should know. You are a guest of the Peerage Wil, this shouldn’t be stuffed under a rug.”

She took a sip of the champagne, she was used to being the one in charge and in control, tonight was no different in her mind, but she also knew Wil was a well trained professional. “The Research Center? Do you think we should?” She really wanted to see the Kaiser tomorrow and get back to RhyDin after today’s events. “We need to notify Wilfred’s next of kin as well you know.”

Azjah linked her arm with Wil’s before asking, “Did Dominik come speak with you?”

Baumann read the signs well, giving Azjah a brief bow, “If you will excuse me, dinner is about to be served, I will check on it.”

It was clear to Wil that Azjah didn’t understand that at this point, protocol was secondary to results. He also didn’t want to discuss Dominik with Baumann around. The fact that Baumann was already suggesting the hire of another bodyguard would indicate that the entire robbery excuse was already moot. He found it interesting how quickly the situation degraded. It wasn’t that Wil actually thought Baumann was involved, but in situations like this, everyone is a suspect until you’re sure otherwise. He’d seen far more unusual things than a Major Domo with multiple alliances.

He took the champagne glass in his left hand always keeping his right hand free to move. “Thank you, m’lady.” He took a sip with her, “Perhaps we can save the research center for a more relaxed time, and yes, his next of kin should be notified immediately.” The research center would be an interesting visit, but in reality, it was very low on his list of priorities at this time. Once Baumann had left the library, Wil looked at Azjah, “Yes, he did come to speak.”

Azjah nodded, “I don’t want to know just yet. This hit too close for me Wil.” She actually trembled then, the first time she had since realizing that bullet had been meant for Wil. She didn’t look up at him then, “Baumann can be trusted.” She focused hard on keeping the flute that held the champagne from shaking. And, she knew Wil didn’t approve of her trusting Baumann right now.

He gave her a smile, “It hit just a little too close for me, too. But, for tonight, let’s not be so ‘grave’. I don’t wish to worry or involve those who aren’t involved already.” Wil tried to lighten the mood with a little play on words. It’s not that the situation wasn’t serious, but he hated to see Azjah so worried. The I.I.S.C. had often sent him into situations where they had little expectation that he’d come out alive, so having someone who was sincerely concerned for him was a new experience, and one he was not quite sure how to handle.

Again, a change in topic, one that Azjah recognized all too well. “If all goes well tomorrow, we can leave the day after Wil.” Somehow, she didn’t think he would agree, but she could try. Her pale blue gaze lifted to his then, “It’s awfully hard not to worry, but how do you want to handle Wilfred’s arrangements?” He might keep changing the subject, but she knew how to be on course when she needed to be. “The media will be at our door in the morning at the latest. The shooting was in the news earlier today, but names were withheld pending notification of family, and I cannot imagine that there were two shootings on the Stadthalle.” One had already made extraordinary headlines, and it was only a matter of time before someone tracked it to Triberg.

Wil took another sip of his drink, “Actually, I was thinking that if all doesn’t go well we’d be leaving the day after. If it does go well, I might have to stay for a while.” He looked into her gaze intently, “Look, all we know for sure is that he was in the wrong place at the wrong time. For now, we should just say that he was my valet, I was on a shopping trip, and Wilfred was accidentally shot by someone trying to rob me. Okay?” Wil wanted to hear Azjah confirm his version of events.

Azjah considered his explanation for a moment, looking for holes in it, something that a too savvy reporter could tear apart. She couldn’t find anything in his tale that would arouse undue suspicion, and she nodded, “Alright, I’ll release that to the media.”

She then bit her lower lip, “If things don’t go well, I would want to remain to fight an unfavorable result.” She lifted his hand to place a kiss on his knuckles, “I don’t want to stay Wil.” Somehow, some way, she would get him off Rigel in one piece. Once that was accomplished, the hunt for whomever had tried to kill him could resume. She would make sure Fulco knew her expectations quite clearly.

Wil could see how worried she was, and he wondered what he could do to ease her fears. He leaned close, but not so close that it would look inappropriate if someone were to suddenly enter the library. He touched her chin, and looked confidently into her eyes with his deep blues. “Don’t worry. I have a few things to fall back on if necessary. Trust me, please.” He didn’t want to tell her what those things were, not yet. If he did, Dominik would know, and perhaps others would find out too. No one, not even Azjah, could know about the arrival of the Calisto.

A knock sounded at the library door, and the young woman who’d summoned Wil earlier peeked inside when Azjah acknowledged the intrusion, “Dinner is ready to be served,” she informed them before retreating from the doorway.

Azjah looked up at Wil, “Do you want to go to the dining room? Or shall we break with tradition and have a meal in here tonight?” She wanted to trust him, she knew intellectually what he was before ‘retiring’ from the I.I.S.C., but somehow the reality of it now staring her in the face didn’t help her worry. Finally she gave him a nod, “I will try not to worry, at least not overly much.” It was the best she could promise him.

“Let’s go to the dining room. I don’t want anything to appear the slightest out of the ordinary. If we stay in here, and if Dominik is right about the spies, they will assume that I found out about them, or at least that we know that I’m targeted, and that we are being cautious. I don’t want that. I want them to suspect that Wilfred never got a chance to say anything,” which, sadly enough, was almost true.

She set down her nearly untouched champagne; put a smile on her features, “Dinner is served Colonel.” Then she schooled her features and comportment into a serenity she didn’t feel.

Wil held out his arm to her in order to provide a proper escort to the dining hall, “I’m starving,” he whispered to her with a grin. “I hope the food doesn’t get cold while making the trip down the table.”

The girl opened the door for them as Azjah curved her hand over Wil’s arm and gave him a quiet laugh, “The Surveyor will see to it that your meal is at just the right temperature. If he does not, I’m certain that Baumann will find an appropriate replacement.”

The presence of the girl didn’t strike Azjah as out of place at all; but that she knew the precise moment to open the door for them clearly indicated that she had been listening for them.

Azjah peered up at him as they made their way toward the dining room, “I must show you how to seal the hidden door.” Her voice was soft enough that even Dominik would have had to listen intently to hear her. She knew about the hidden passages in the haus, and certainly some of the staff knew them too.

Wil simply nodded, as if she was talking about the dinner. He wasn’t sure what door she was even speaking of, but this was not the time for him to inquire. Again he changed the subject, “Smells delicious in here.” He walked her to her seat, “Nothing like a good meal to enjoy at the end of a long day.” He then moved to the far end of the table and took his own seat.

The first course was served, though she had no appetite for it, “Did you know Colonel, the Biotechnology center is where I obtained my chromatophores?” Banal chatter would be the dinner fare, and she fervently hoped that the chef had taken her seriously when she’d asked him to keep private meals shorter.

[Azjah von Drachen Walde]

Dominik’s first task of the night was to find the two who had been so uneasy with the reappearance of Colonel Savage. He found the Rotisser in the kitchens, where for the moment; people were too busy to notice the absence of a colleague. The roasting of meat was finished, so the absence of this one would raise no alarms. Dominik called him into the shadows before cloaking them both in darkness. He fed from the man and was quite surprised to discover the presence of drugs that are illegal in almost every civilized world. He took enough to assure a good hold on the man’s mind, but the acrid taste of his blood was extremely repugnant to him. He released the man with no memory of the event before fading out of the shadows.

The other one he would find amidst the pages. That one was of the most interest to him. Dominik spent nearly half an hour searching for the page, but found the girl no where inside the haus. He frowned. Most of the household staff resided within the structure, and she had been there earlier, yet during the meal she’d vanished? Well, he would find her upon her return, but for the moment, he needed to feed.

Dominik turned into mist and slipped into the night, where he could feel the presence of so much life all around him. But he had a specific destination in mind this night. The Imperial Palace beckoned him, with one person of keen interest. He knew that he’d never get near the Kaiser or his family, there would be watchers who could detect him, but there was a certain Prince he needed to visit.

Dominik paused and hovered near the palace as a low wisp of cloud that did not move with the wind. He was correct, the Palace was set with detection devices that would pick him up the moment he entered the structure. He would have to lure the Prince out of his suite and onto the balcony if he was to have a chance of creating a connection to the man.

It took him nearly an hour to find the right wing, and the right set of rooms, but he did find the man at length. He summoned Sheldon onto the balcony with some difficulty. The man had strong psionic shields, which could be broken, but it would be obvious that he was being assaulted, so Dominik waited, using slow but consistent summons to draw the man from within his closed rooms.

Inside, Sheldon grew restless, pacing the suite as the whiskey continued to slide down his throat, worsening the already foul humor he was in after his meeting with the Kaiser. “One hundred thousand troops! Is the man out of his royal mind?!”

He lit a cigar and paced further, pausing only to throw a fireplace poker at S’Djaar, who was not refilling his whiskey glass rapidly enough to suit him. Then he paused in front of the doors that opened onto the balcony. He reached for the access panel, not entirely certain why he wanted to go outside into the cold, dry air here on Rigel. It was nothing like his home, where temperatures were always warm and the air was always humid.

Sheldon swore nastily and retreated from the doors.

Dominik hissed and gave a stronger summons as the man retreated from the doors. At this point, he would simply break Sheldon’s barriers and erase his memory of it if he had to.

Sheldon blinked in pain as something battered through his defenses, but he did turn around and open the doors onto his balcony. Once he walked outside, Dominik drew the Prince to him and instantly smelled the missing page on him. She’d been here, recently.

He took Sheldon’s blood quickly, before his valet could worry and come for him, leaving a blank hole in the man’s memories, not even bothering to plant another. What he felt from Sheldon was beyond reprehensible. The man was little better than a ravening beast bent on the sickest forms of hedonism.

Dominik released Sheldon with a stumble that send the male crashing into the stone around the door frame. Let him awaken with bruises that he could not explain.

Dominik took to the Rigelian night skies as an owl, on silent wings. He’d gathered from the Prince that the page had been left on the edge of town, and he went in search of her.

[Azjah von Drachen Walde]

Azjah retreated to her rooms shortly after the last course had been served. She needed to make certain Fulco understood that the search for the would-be Assassin remained very low key. She also needed to give the press and the authorities a statement, and she faithfully set Wil’s words to electronic mail and sent it to the Kaiser’s peacekeepers, and the press. The morning would see several people wanting to speak with them both, no doubt.

Next she put her deepest regrets to parchment for Wilfred’s family. She would transfer to them twice Wilfred’s annual salary. The man hadn’t been with them long, but he certainly wasn’t supposed to die in service to Triberg. She signed the document and left a note for Baumann to see to it that the funds and the condolences were delivered first thing in the morning.

Finally, she rose and paced the rooms. ‘A spy in my home is one thing’ she thought, ‘but one with such hostile goals is something else again.’ She was used to the Kaiser having an informant in her house here on Rigel. It was simply expected. It was no different than some of the people she had working for her in other Peer’s residences. It’s the way of aristocratic life. But this was completely different.

She glanced at the panel that would slide open soundlessly at her touch; the one that would lead to the hidden network of passages within the haus. It was too early to make use of it, but tonight Wil would have to seal his side to prevent anyone from sneaking into his rooms. The notion that he might not be safe within her home brought a sick sensation to the pit of her stomach.

She paused near the tall windows, her fingertips lightly tracing the path of a raindrop as it slid down the glass. The morning would see her meeting with the Kaiser. Something had to go right. Something had to happen as it should. She went over the wording for her petition to Wolfgang. They had been allies when he’d stood against his sire on her last trip. Would they still be allies? Or had the last two and a half years changed him? The man who had hosted that odd dinner the other evening was unreadable.

Glancing at the clock, she set the lock on her own door to the main hallway. When she returned, she would unlock it, but she didn’t want Katarina to discover her missing. Then she activated the secret door that would lead her into a labyrinthine maze of hidden passages, though she knew the one that would take her to Wil’s rooms. She paused at that, despite her marriage still being intact, she thought of her father’s suite as Wil’s. She was truly taken with the man, and had no idea just when he had become so important to her life and her happiness, but he had.

She gave the darkness a wry smile and declined to trigger lighting. Doing that would alert anyone else who might be inside the passages. She closed her own panel and made her way through the darkness until she reached Wil’s rooms. Without thinking, she slid the panel open.

[Azjah von Drachen Walde]

Wil had returned to his suite after dinner, locking the door and removing his tux. He had been nonchalant with Azjah, to keep her as calm as possible, but he was anything but nonchalant about the attempt on his life. He certainly had no desire to die just as his life was beginning to take on real meaning. Loving and being loved was what life was all about, and he was finally getting a taste of that.

He put on a pair of jeans and slipped a 9mm in the back of his waistband. The blaster was far too much firepower while inside Triberg Haus. Wil moved over to the rain drenched window and looked out, not really expecting to see anything, but you never know when a figure will quickly slip behind a tree, and give their surveillance away. There was nothing out there, so he moved to the desk and sat down to make another entry in his journal. He had just pulled out his digi-pad when he heard a faint sound that could be nothing more than a mouse within the wall. He was about to ignore it, but then it looked like the wall was moving. “Son-of-a….” He did not complete his softly muttered thoughts, but reached around and pulled out the gun. He just sat there, in only his jeans, and calmly aimed the weapon at the growing hole in the wall.

Azjah slid the panel open, expecting to surprise Wil, but certainly not expecting to be facing down a half clad man with the barrel of a gun aimed at her. She remained in the blackness of the unlit stone walls, knowing that he didn’t really have a good target to shoot at as long as she was in the darkness, and let her voice emanate from the unanticipated hole in his suite’s walls. “Actually, I’m a daughter of a Duke, and I am afraid I came sans my favorite counterpart to that hardware you currently have pointed at me Colonel.” There was a hint of nervousness in her voice, but it was overlain with a soft chuckle as well.

Azjah should know better than to surprise Wil, especially in light of the day’s events, but she also knew he wasn’t likely to fire into the dark at a target he couldn’t see clearly. And besides, she enjoyed the play on his imprecation too much to simply call out to him so that he would put down the weapon.

Wil just sighed and shook his head as a relieved smile crossed his face. He set the 9mm down onto the desk, “A Duke’s daughter is not quite the rat I was expecting to come through my wall in the night.” He got up and walked toward her. “You are indeed full of surprises, my love, but next time, a little knock might help put aside my suspicions.” He reached out his hand toward her.

Azjah stepped from the shadowed blackness, “I did not want to light the paths, nor to knock, it would alert anyone who might be in the network Wil. And you are going to have to seal this from now on.” She placed her hand in his and leaned conspiratorially close to him, “Actually, it’s Grand Duke, but who’s splitting hairs?”

He grinned and looked at his beautiful woman, once again realizing just how lucky a man he is. “Alert someone with a little knock? What do we have in there, the London Underground?” He bent down to take a look and came back up, “I don’t mind sealing it, but I sure would hate to keep you out, my sneaky woman.”

Azjah gaze him a long, slow, sweeping look up and down, taking note of his half clad appearance, and bared chest before saying, “And certainly no ‘son’ here.” She was enjoying teasing him still about that muttered imprecation. Then she gave him a small electronic card produced from her hip pocket. “I have keys to everything.”

She grew more serious then, “Things echo in stone, and it doesn’t take much for sensors lower down to pick up echoes in such an enclosed space my dear.” Clearly he did not realize the extent of the passages, nor the fact that they were built of stone. Every little noise magnified inside those passages, even if they could not be heard inside the rooms themselves.

Wil’s hands moved to encircle her thin waist as he spoke softly, “Why don’t we seal that thoroughfare off right now, before I have the uncontrollable urge to yell something crude in there.” His night was looking better already as far as he was concerned.

Azjah moved closer to him, loving the warmth of his hands on her waist, “I think I’d prefer that you put that mouth to better use than shouting,” she teased him as she stepped into his personal space.

“Oh?” She had surprised him with that comeback, but it was a very pleasant surprise. He moved his face against her cheek and whispered, “I think we had better seal that door quickly, or hang a ‘No Vacancy’ on it.” He ran his lips down her cheek and sent a shiver through her.

Azjah smiled up at him, “You have to learn how to seal it first, my dear. I want to know you won’t have unexpected guests in the night, or waiting for you when we return to our rooms.” While she hated having him alone in such large rooms, she was not forward enough to suggest a different arrangement.

She let her fingers slide slowly over his chest as she stepped back, “I locked Katarina out of my room, but I will have to return there lest she set the world afire to search for me and break down my door.” Sometimes having a house full of staff was a great inconvenience.

Wil pulled back and nodded, “I guess that would be a good idea, if you would show me, but do you really have to return? Can’t we just hang, ‘Do not Disturb’ signs on our doors?” He was teasing in one respect, but not teasing in others. He wanted some alone time with the woman he loved.

Azjah gave him a smile that spelled trouble without question, “A ‘Do not Disturb’ sign would scream just what mischief I am up to, and you as well. We need to educate you in the ways of living with staff keeping tabs on your every move my love.” Then she moved toward the panel that had slid closed once she’d stepped into the room. “Here is the control mechanism, it will respond to anyone’s touch, unless you have this….” She held up the small card, barely larger than 2cm x 1cm.

Wil just had to smirk at her responses to his teases. Oh, how he loved this woman. “Yes, dear, I’m ready to be fully educated.” He waggled his eyebrows at her before looking dutifully at the small control card.

Azjah paused and studied Wil a long moment. Trouble was indeed afoot tonight she thought as their banter had a light and teasing aire about it that surprised her given the day’s trouble. With a sassy wink at him, she said, “Did you know that custom dictates bedding ceremonies?” She maintained a straight face, though how, she would never know as she handed him the small card. The custom was older than time practically, but revelers always sought to end a wedding with a proper bedding ceremony, no matter their levels of intoxication. She reigned in her wayward thoughts, “This card over rides the open access, when you slide it into place, it cannot be opened from the other side except by the master key card.”

“Bedding ceremonies?” he mouthed with no little wonder when she turned to the door. He inhaled a deep breath and then turned his attention to the method of sealing the door. “And just who has the master key card? And is there only one?”

Azjah had missed the mouthed words, but she knew Wil well enough to know his mind was turning over that tidbit of information, “Oh, yes, we take the old ways very seriously in matters of Peers.” She was still trying very hard not to burst into laughter as she pulled the master key card from the other pocket. “There are two master cards. I have one.”

Wil grew quite serious at that revelation, “And who has the other one?”

She tilted her head slightly, would he trust her on this? “Would it suffice for me to tell you that it is held by the one person in this world you should trust?”

He looked at her with a raised brow, “The only other person on this world beside you whom I trust is now laying dead. Please tell me.”

Ah well, she couldn’t blame him for not trusting, she slid Wil’s card into place, effectively sealing the panel from intrusion before turning around fully, walking back into his arms and placing her head lightly against his bare shoulder. “The Grand Duke holds the other master key Wil. It is hidden in the mausoleum, and I am the only person who knew that.” And now she was no longer the sole keeper of that secret.

His arms moved to encircle her as he realized the irony in the words he had spoken regarding one now lying dead. He held her against his chest, “I love you,” he whispered. “Soon, all will be okay. I’ve got that feeling.”

Azjah melted against his chest, stealing this forbidden time for as long as she dared, “The sooner tomorrow gets here, the better.” Then she went up onto her toes to kiss him goodnight.

Wil’s mouth moved to meet hers, his lips parting in a kiss he had been dreaming about all day long. It was so difficult to get time to just be alone, and to be themselves. Moments such as these were neither wasted, nor taken for granted here on Rigel.

Warm velvet, that’s what came to mind as her lips met Wil’s in that kiss. Her arms slid around his neck, and she threaded her fingers through his hair as she murmured, “I believe you are right, it is always okay when I’m here.” She found Wil’s presence re-assuring and comforting, and best of all, exciting.

His hands caressed her face, “After tomorrow, there will be no need to hide our love.” His eyes moved over her beautiful features, “One more day. Just one more day.” He kissed her again, and then whispered, “You better get back to your room.”

She hated that he was right, but time was flying, so she reached to trace her fingertips along his jaw, “Under protest milord.” Then she took a reluctant step back and instantly missed the warmth he radiated.

He nodded, hating to see her go, “Under extreme protest,” he added in agreement, the emptiness already returning to his insides.

Azjah pulled Wil’s card and slid the panel open, “You will put this in place when I am through?” She held out the small card. Her fervent hope was that Wil would avoid temptation and remain in his rooms and not go wandering through the maze of passages that riddled the walls of the house.

He nodded, this was painful for him, “See you in the morning.” Then he mouthed the words, “I love you.”

At his promise, she stepped into the blackness that had allowed her to arrive; only her voice could be heard as a soft whisper as the panel closed, “and I love you, milord.”

She made her way back to her own suite when it struck her that twice this night she had called Wil ‘milord’, it wasn’t something she had ever called anyone before, not even the man she called ‘husband’. But, the title fit Wil, and it felt right.

Wil stood there a moment, just too touched to move. Then he put the card in place and sealed the door. He laid his open hand against the door, “Soon, my love.”

[Azjah von Drachen Walde]

Wil had returned to his suite after dinner, locking the door and removing his tux. He had been nonchalant with Azjah, to keep her as calm as possible, but he was anything but nonchalant about the attempt on his life. He certainly had no desire to die just as his life was beginning to take on real meaning. Loving and being loved was what life was all about, and he was finally getting a taste of that.

He put on a pair of jeans and slipped a 9mm in the back of his waistband. The blaster was far too much firepower while inside Triberg Haus. Wil moved over to the rain drenched window and looked out, not really expecting to see anything, but you never know when a figure will quickly slip behind a tree, and give their surveillance away. There was nothing out there, so he moved to the desk and sat down to make another entry in his journal. He had just pulled out his digi-pad when he heard a faint sound that could be nothing more than a mouse within the wall. He was about to ignore it, but then it looked like the wall was moving. “Son-of-a….” He did not complete his softly muttered thoughts, but reached around and pulled out the gun. He just sat there, in only his jeans, and calmly aimed the weapon at the growing hole in the wall.

Azjah slid the panel open, expecting to surprise Wil, but certainly not expecting to be facing down a half clad man with the barrel of a gun aimed at her. She remained in the blackness of the unlit stone walls, knowing that he didn’t really have a good target to shoot at as long as she was in the darkness, and let her voice emanate from the unanticipated hole in his suite’s walls. “Actually, I’m a daughter of a Duke, and I am afraid I came sans my favorite counterpart to that hardware you currently have pointed at me Colonel.” There was a hint of nervousness in her voice, but it was overlain with a soft chuckle as well.

Azjah should know better than to surprise Wil, especially in light of the day’s events, but she also knew he wasn’t likely to fire into the dark at a target he couldn’t see clearly. And besides, she enjoyed the play on his imprecation too much to simply call out to him so that he would put down the weapon.

Wil just sighed and shook his head as a relieved smile crossed his face. He set the 9mm down onto the desk, “A Duke’s daughter is not quite the rat I was expecting to come through my wall in the night.” He got up and walked toward her. “You are indeed full of surprises, my love, but next time, a little knock might help put aside my suspicions.” He reached out his hand toward her.

Azjah stepped from the shadowed blackness, “I did not want to light the paths, nor to knock, it would alert anyone who might be in the network Wil. And you are going to have to seal this from now on.” She placed her hand in his and leaned conspiratorially close to him, “Actually, it’s Grand Duke, but who’s splitting hairs?”

He grinned and looked at his beautiful woman, once again realizing just how lucky a man he is. “Alert someone with a little knock? What do we have in there, the London Underground?” He bent down to take a look and came back up, “I don’t mind sealing it, but I sure would hate to keep you out, my sneaky woman.”

Azjah gaze him a long, slow, sweeping look up and down, taking note of his half clad appearance, and bared chest before saying, “And certainly no ‘son’ here.” She was enjoying teasing him still about that muttered imprecation. Then she gave him a small electronic card produced from her hip pocket. “I have keys to everything.”

She grew more serious then, “Things echo in stone, and it doesn’t take much for sensors lower down to pick up echoes in such an enclosed space my dear.” Clearly he did not realize the extent of the passages, nor the fact that they were built of stone. Every little noise magnified inside those passages, even if they could not be heard inside the rooms themselves.

Wil’s hands moved to encircle her thin waist as he spoke softly, “Why don’t we seal that thoroughfare off right now, before I have the uncontrollable urge to yell something crude in there.” His night was looking better already as far as he was concerned.

Azjah moved closer to him, loving the warmth of his hands on her waist, “I think I’d prefer that you put that mouth to better use than shouting,” she teased him as she stepped into his personal space.

“Oh?” She had surprised him with that comeback, but it was a very pleasant surprise. He moved his face against her cheek and whispered, “I think we had better seal that door quickly, or hang a ‘No Vacancy’ on it.” He ran his lips down her cheek and sent a shiver through her.

Azjah smiled up at him, “You have to learn how to seal it first, my dear. I want to know you won’t have unexpected guests in the night, or waiting for you when we return to our rooms.” While she hated having him alone in such large rooms, she was not forward enough to suggest a different arrangement.

She let her fingers slide slowly over his chest as she stepped back, “I locked Katarina out of my room, but I will have to return there lest she set the world afire to search for me and break down my door.” Sometimes having a house full of staff was a great inconvenience.

Wil pulled back and nodded, “I guess that would be a good idea, if you would show me, but do you really have to return? Can’t we just hang, ‘Do not Disturb’ signs on our doors?” He was teasing in one respect, but not teasing in others. He wanted some alone time with the woman he loved.

Azjah gave him a smile that spelled trouble without question, “A ‘Do not Disturb’ sign would scream just what mischief I am up to, and you as well. We need to educate you in the ways of living with staff keeping tabs on your every move my love.” Then she moved toward the panel that had slid closed once she’d stepped into the room. “Here is the control mechanism, it will respond to anyone’s touch, unless you have this….” She held up the small card, barely larger than 2cm x 1cm.

Wil just had to smirk at her responses to his teases. Oh, how he loved this woman. “Yes, dear, I’m ready to be fully educated.” He waggled his eyebrows at her before looking dutifully at the small control card.

Azjah paused and studied Wil a long moment. Trouble was indeed afoot tonight she thought as their banter had a light and teasing aire about it that surprised her given the day’s trouble. With a sassy wink at him, she said, “Did you know that custom dictates bedding ceremonies?” She maintained a straight face, though how, she would never know as she handed him the small card. The custom was older than time practically, but revelers always sought to end a wedding with a proper bedding ceremony, no matter their levels of intoxication. She reigned in her wayward thoughts, “This card over rides the open access, when you slide it into place, it cannot be opened from the other side except by the master key card.”

“Bedding ceremonies?” he mouthed with no little wonder when she turned to the door. He inhaled a deep breath and then turned his attention to the method of sealing the door. “And just who has the master key card? And is there only one?”

Azjah had missed the mouthed words, but she knew Wil well enough to know his mind was turning over that tidbit of information, “Oh, yes, we take the old ways very seriously in matters of Peers.” She was still trying very hard not to burst into laughter as she pulled the master key card from the other pocket. “There are two master cards. I have one.”

Wil grew quite serious at that revelation, “And who has the other one?”

She tilted her head slightly, would he trust her on this? “Would it suffice for me to tell you that it is held by the one person in this world you should trust?”

He looked at her with a raised brow, “The only other person on this world beside you whom I trust is now laying dead. Please tell me.”

Ah well, she couldn’t blame him for not trusting, she slid Wil’s card into place, effectively sealing the panel from intrusion before turning around fully, walking back into his arms and placing her head lightly against his bare shoulder. “The Grand Duke holds the other master key Wil. It is hidden in the mausoleum, and I am the only person who knew that.” And now she was no longer the sole keeper of that secret.

His arms moved to encircle her as he realized the irony in the words he had spoken regarding one now lying dead. He held her against his chest, “I love you,” he whispered. “Soon, all will be okay. I’ve got that feeling.”

Azjah melted against his chest, stealing this forbidden time for as long as she dared, “The sooner tomorrow gets here, the better.” Then she went up onto her toes to kiss him goodnight.

Wil’s mouth moved to meet hers, his lips parting in a kiss he had been dreaming about all day long. It was so difficult to get time to just be alone, and to be themselves. Moments such as these were neither wasted, nor taken for granted here on Rigel.

Warm velvet, that’s what came to mind as her lips met Wil’s in that kiss. Her arms slid around his neck, and she threaded her fingers through his hair as she murmured, “I believe you are right, it is always okay when I’m here.” She found Wil’s presence re-assuring and comforting, and best of all, exciting.

His hands caressed her face, “After tomorrow, there will be no need to hide our love.” His eyes moved over her beautiful features, “One more day. Just one more day.” He kissed her again, and then whispered, “You better get back to your room.”

She hated that he was right, but time was flying, so she reached to trace her fingertips along his jaw, “Under protest milord.” Then she took a reluctant step back and instantly missed the warmth he radiated.

He nodded, hating to see her go, “Under extreme protest,” he added in agreement, the emptiness already returning to his insides.

Azjah pulled Wil’s card and slid the panel open, “You will put this in place when I am through?” She held out the small card. Her fervent hope was that Wil would avoid temptation and remain in his rooms and not go wandering through the maze of passages that riddled the walls of the house.

He nodded, this was painful for him, “See you in the morning.” Then he mouthed the words, “I love you.”

At his promise, she stepped into the blackness that had allowed her to arrive; only her voice could be heard as a soft whisper as the panel closed, “and I love you, milord.”

She made her way back to her own suite when it struck her that twice this night she had called Wil ‘milord’, it wasn’t something she had ever called anyone before, not even the man she called ‘husband’. But, the title fit Wil, and it felt right.

Wil stood there a moment, just too touched to move. Then he put the card in place and sealed the door. He laid his open hand against the door, “Soon, my love.”

[Azjah von Drachen Walde]

Azjah unsealed her door so that Katarina would not grow alarmed. Then she stood at the window, looking into the early morning darkness as rain continued to patter against the glass. Somewhere a clock chimed the hour. Three times the chimes were struck. In seven hours, she would stand before the Kaiser. Once more she ran through what she planned to say, hoping she could sway him to bend the rules for Peer marriages. Hoping he would see fit to grant her release from vows spoken before the previous Kaiser. If not, she would have only one choice, and it wasn’t one she wanted to consider.

She turned around to find Dominik standing motionless in the center of her suite. His metallic green eyes were eerie in the near darkness of her rooms. If it had been Gabriel, she would have called what she felt in Dominik absolute fury, but without the blood ties, she couldn’t be certain.

Azjah inclined her head to acknowledge his presence, “Dominik? Something seems to be vexing you deeply.”

The Dragonseeker’s eyes flared a deep crimson before he spoke in a tightly controlled voice. “I have just come from finding the two employees of interest.”

Azjah lifted one hand, “Dominik, do you know for certain they are tied to the attempt on Wil?”

He gave her a brief nod, “Yes.”

She motioned for him to continue then. It seemed that now she could hear the details. Before it was speculation, but now, there was proof, or so she thought.

Dominik relayed what he had found and as he described the scene he had come upon on the edge of town, Azjah grabbed the arm of a chair for support. ‘Two people in one day’ came the unbidden thought. She studied Dominik a long minute, “I need to get Wil off of Rigel, before this goes any further.”

Dominik gave her a bow and faded from the room, to re-appear inside Wil’s suite. “Colonel?”

[Azjah von Drachen Walde]

Azjah sat down at the computer interface in her suite. She accessed the highly encrypted network of DWI. For what felt like an eternity, she waited for the system to load the information she requested. In reality, the system responded in seconds. The file came up and she studied the image of the individual who seemed to be at the root of everything that had happened today.

Prince Sheldon Vadik Bogdan S’Raisassala
Reigning monarch on Volans system of planets ascended the throne in a violent overthrow of his older brother 6 standard years ago. (Link: Details of the overthrow)
Age: 32 standard years, 26 Volanian years
Marital Status: Widowed, three wives preceded him in death, all died violently. (A link for each wife appeared for further explanation)
Children: None known
Siblings: 1 older brother, deceased, 1 younger sister incarcerated on Serpens beta (Link: Biography for Princess S’Raisassala)

Volans political status: Economy has suffered for the last 50 standard years. There is very little industrial development on the planet, which is primarily agriculturally based. Exports have decreased for the last 6 years due to the current monarch’s policies which have alienated the closest planetary systems. (Link: Export status and valuation.) All economic indicators indicate significant lag status.

GDT tables
GDP tables (Currently falling at 11.4% annually)
Export tables
Manufacturing & Trade Inventories and Sales tables
Interplanetary Transactions tables
CPI tables
Money supplies

Volans has attempted to gain trade increases, and market access, through contacts with several interplanetary organizations, including, but not limited to: I.I.S.C, Rigelian Export Services, Cephean Trade Company, A.G.I.O., and other smaller trade groups. All have declined entry for Volans for various reasons. (Link: Documentation of all known attempted associations with trade groups.)

Volans currently suffers a severe depression in all services and financial areas. Emigration reached an all time high 4 standard years ago, but was completely cut off by the current monarch. Attempts to leave Volan’s is now punishable by death. To date, 14, 556 people are known to have been executed in the last 2 standard years for attempting to flee the Volan’s monarchy. (Link: Documentation of known executions.)

Synopsis: Volans system is currently in a deep state of lag, with little infrastructure remaining to change the fortunes of this system. Significant capital would be required to get Volan’s turned around in the life time of its current inhabitants. However, entrepreneurial investment is risky given the state of the current monarchy, which is known to have extreme volatility at very slight provocation. Investors are currently seeking alternative systems for growth opportunities.
Other links followed, and more was written there, but Azjah paused at this point. Was it possible that Sheldon sought to have Wil murdered because Volan’s was turned down by the I.I.S.C. for trade route access? Had Wil been a participant? Would Sheldon blame Wil for being denied access?

She frowned in concentration. Or, had Wil somehow been responsible for others also rejecting the Volan’s attempts to garner trade agreements? She stared hard at the image of Prince Sheldon, “Why? Why are you so determined to do this?”

The image provided no answers to her as she cleared her footprints and exited the system just as Katarina’s knock came at her door. It was time to begin the day.

[Silent Sources]

Sheldon woke with a splitting headache, and bruises that marred his face and body. He snarled for S’Djaar to bring him a glass of whiskey before attempting to move out of his bed. His mind searched for explanations for his current state, but only the blankness of forgetfulness met his quest for a reasonable explanation.

When the glass was set on the nightstand, Sheldon grabbed it, “Send a message to the Kaiser, I’ve a new offer for him to consider.”

S’Djaar nodded and exited the room, happy to be away from what appeared to be the promise of a very rough day for him. He located a page and sent the man off with the message for the Prince’s host. While S’Djaar had no idea what the Rigelian Kaiser could possibly want with Volans, perhaps it would be the change in the winds of fortune they needed.

At 08:30 another page rang the doors to the Prince’s suite of rooms. S’Djaar took the folded and sealed message in to the Prince who was surveying the damage to his face in the mirror. Without out turning around, Sheldon glared at his valet, “Well, what does it say?”

S’Djaar broke the seal and quickly scanned the contents, “The Kaiser is pleased to hear that you have reconsidered your position. He will see you at 09:15 in the main throne room.”

Sheldon’s brow rose, and he swore as the swelling and bruise pained him, “We have little time, get my things.”

S’Djaar had the Prince dressed in record time and out the door with just enough time to hurriedly make it from their rooms to the throne room. It seemed odd that the Kaiser was suddenly being so formal since everything up to that point had been fairly informal, as dealings with emperors usually went. The Prince of Volans was announced and he strode forward, pausing at the base of the stairs before being invited to ascend them before the Kaiser.

“You have reconsidered your offer for the Heiress?” The Kaiser took in the Prince’s decidedly poor appearance and the bruises as he spoke.

Sheldon made his obeisance to the Kaiser, “I have, Your Majesty. If it please, I am willing to promise 75,000 troops per year to your military, as well as provide 6 million metric tons of fresh agricultural products per year for the duration of 5 Rigelian years.”

Wolfgang’s brow furrowed, “You have not paid attention to Us. Your offer insults Us.” Wolfgang was enjoying watching the worm squirm. If he was going to make best use of this opportunity, he would get what he wanted and nothing less.

Sheldon blanched. The Kaiser was going to stand firm on the 100,000 troops, which would beggar his already dying economy. He ventured another attempt, “Your Majesty, 100,000 troops will demolish the workforce that I need to rebuild Volans. This woman’s money alone cannot do it. I need manpower.”

Wolfgang’s eyes narrowed dangerously at Sheldon, “With this deal, Volan’s safety and security become OUR responsibility. You will have plenty of manpower to rebuild your planet.” In essence, Wolfgang intended to dismantle the Volans military, such as it was, and take over the system through the marriage and controlling their armed forces. He would leave Sheldon with no option, and the knowledge that only using his cousin’s financial strength the way he wanted it used was Volan’s only choice for survival. Wolfgang liked that notion greatly.

[Silent Sources]

Dominik gave her a bow and faded from the room, to re-appear inside Wil’s suite. “Colonel?”

It was past 3:00 in the morning and Wil was asleep on his bed, dressed from the waist down, 9mm at his side. He was in his “alert mode”, so he slept in a half sitting-up posture against propped up pillows. He was normally a light sleeper, but in this position he was quick to awake at the slightest sound. Dominik's voice brought Wil's eyes open; his hand went to the pistol by reflex, but didn't pick it up, realizing almost immediately that the voice was Dominik's. Wil shook his head; "S*** . . ." he mumbled and turned on the light. He didn't like being awakened, but if it was Dominik at this hour of the morning, it was important. "What is it? What's up?" Wil asked quickly.

“I have just returned. I found both persons of interest. The Marchioness knows who they are, and you should know as well.” Dominik was elegantly dressed, as though just coming in from a fashionable night on the town. Immaculate in black and white.

Wil turned and got out of bed, brushing his fingers back through his hair. "Yeah, good point. So, who are they?"

It surprised him that Wil made no response to the fact that Azjah knew now who the spies were, but if he showed no inclination toward surprise, so much the better. “The one who spies for the Kaiser is the Rotisser. He was not party to what happened today, his nervousness was due to inexperience and his fear that he would be discovered. You pose a threat to his cover it would seem. The other . . . that one will take a bit of explanation. Do you require coffee? Having awakened the man well into what should have been his deepest sleep time was not missed by the Dragonseeker.

A brow raised as Wil went to put water on his face. "No...I'm fine," he replied, wiping his wetted face with a hand towel. "I don't know what kind of threat I pose. I'll be just as happy to leave as he'll be to see me gone. Who’s the other? That's the one I'm interested in."

“First, you should know I've been given direction to get you off Rigel.” Dominik remained unmoving as he regarded Wil. Every spy has a first assignment on their own, that the Rotisser was nervous and feared discovery by an agent for a very powerful group did not surprise Dominik, but he had access to thought processes that the Colonel did not.

"I'll go when it's time," was all Wil replied. Wil knew that Azjah wanted him out of harms way, but he was not about to leave Rigel when she was still on the planet. He would not desert her like Klinton – not now and not ever. He made her a promise and as long as he was alive he was going to keep it.

A ghost of a smile flickered across his features. “Somehow I thought you might say that. The other was a female, the page who summoned you for dinner to be precise. She vanished during the meal. I could not locate her within these walls, which was suspicious, but she would ultimately return here. Therefore, my next stop of the evening took me in search of the Prince. A bit trickier to get into the open, but I am, shall we say, irresistible when I put my mind to it." Dominik gave a slightly feral smile that showed only the elongated points of his teeth, and held no true mirth.

Wil went to the desk drawer, pulled out a cigarette and lit it up as he listened. "Yeah...I'm sure you're Mr. Irresistible." He exhaled and looked down, crossing his legs at the ankles as he leaned back on the desk, using it almost like a chair. "The girl seemed a bit odd when she announced dinner."

“You will find it interesting that when the Prince and I had our discussion, he smelled of the woman, a recent meeting, but she was not in the Palace. Nor had she been there.” Dominik watched for his meaning to register with the Colonel.

Wil looked up at Dominik. "She got to him quickly. He would know that his assassination attempt failed."

“Yes, he is aware that it failed. Did you know, Colonel, that this Prince has a rather serious temper?” Dominik knew how much the Prince hated the Colonel, was that knowledge reciprocated?

Wil had to laugh having submitted a similar evaluation of the man’s character in his report to the I.I.S.C. two years ago. "That’s the rumor.
I've not had the pleasure of experiencing it personally. I'm sure it's only a matter of time." Wil took another drag on the cigarette. "Perhaps just hours."

“What I gathered from him was that he had met the woman at a small pub at the edge of the city. After leaving the good prince with a few mementos of our meeting, I went to seek her. We have a new problem." Dominik's hands were tied for the moment. That the Prince had hired a would be assassin was bad enough, but until it could be proven, he dared not remove Prince Sheldon as a threat.

"Don't tell me. She drinks bad whiskey."

“Our lead will not trouble you again, Colonel. That is the good news. The bad news is that we have no idea from where the next attack will come." Dominik decided to spare the man the graphic details, but he did need to understand that this Prince played dirty, and played for eternity. "The fine Prince beat her into an unrecognizable state before turning her over to three vampire. Have you ever seen what a vampire intent on a maximum adrenaline rush is capable of doing?” Dominik remained absolutely motionless, and without expression, but he knew Azjah had felt his rage earlier. “Before she died I was able to learn that it was she who fired and killed Wilfred. For her failure, she suffered her fate.”

Wil twisted his lips and shook his head in disgust. The girl couldn’t have been any older than twenty. What a waste. "No. I can't say I've seen what a vampire would do. I've tried to avoid that situation." He didn't mention being a double agent to bring down Count Longden's request for new shipping lanes. "They didn't give her an "A" for effort, huh?" That was bad news indeed. He could have used the information that she could have provided. "I would expect that we'll be getting a replacement if Sheldon is given enough time. You would sense that, right?"

“That much goes without saying Colonel; which is why the Marchioness wants you off Rigel.” Dominik had a problem. He worked at the moment as Gabriel's surrogate. His responsibility was the Marchioness. His allegiance belonged to her as well for the time being. Therefore, he 'should' remove the Colonel from the planet per her direction. However, the man was no fool and was better trained than a lot of body guards and smarter by far. His presence could be a blessing if today didn't go as they hoped. He was torn, let him remain, or remove him?

"Yeah, well that's not going to happen until the Kaiser releases her from her marriage and gives his blessing on . . . well, on Azjah and me."
Dominik knew their feelings; there was no reason to even try to hide the truth. After another draw on the cigarette Wil added, "Hopefully, that's only seven hours away."

“If you decline to accept my assistance in leaving the planet Colonel, I trust you have a plan to protect your back?” The man very likely had his own measures in place, Dominik only needed to discover what they were.

Wil looked up at Dominik with a smirk and then pushed himself off the desk. He would not let his ship come to mind, clearing his thoughts by putting something completely different there. "I try to always have a backup plan," he said, giving Dominik a wink. He was actually starting to like this guy.

Dominik gave Wil a brief bow. “Then I leave you with two further pieces of information. First, the woman died by my hand. It was the kindest thing to do. Secondly, never forget that it is the Marchioness I will protect, even if it means going against your wishes.”

Wil put out the cigarette in the ashtray on the desk. "Thanks for the info, Dominik. I'm counting on you to protect her; and don’t you ever forget that I’ll be protecting the Marchioness, even if it means going against your wishes. Have a good . . ." He looked over at the clock, ". . . a good morning."

As Dominik faded from view he said, "Good rising to you, Colonel. I shall be where I said I would at all times." And he was gone.

Wil paced around the suite for awhile, thinking about what was said. "The Kaiser has the Rotisser for a spy, yet he could always get all the info he needs from Fulco. Odd. Why two spies, and one who is not very professional at that?" If given time, he'd have to look into this. "And sleaze bag Sheldon used the girl and then left her for dead. Why do that? She'd be in the position to try again before any of us were onto her. Perhaps it was just his damn anger at work, but now he'll have to give up the assassination attempt or very quickly find another to do the job." Wil doubted he would have the time now. "It's all very interesting", he was thinking as he turned out the light and climbed back into bed for a few more hours of sleep. There was still a lot more thinking that needed to be done.

Dominik headed for the lowest reaches of the house, wending his way through the black tunnels of the house, lost in thought. "Human stubbornness, or human arrogance?" He shook his head as he settled in to listen to the waking household and the people in it.

[Silent Sources]

Sheldon mottled with suppressed rage as he realized where the Kaiser was going. He'd be damned if Volans would fall victim to the Colonial presence this match represented. And yet, he needed the infusion of money that was being dangled before him. His useless advisors had not been able to secure either investment, or alliances that could bring badly needed resources into his world.

Sheldon choked on the bitter draught he was being served. Once he had the woman's money, he could renege on his deal with the Kaiser to send troops. It would buy him time to gain a different ally and keep Rigel from invading when he pulled his support. Besides, accidents happened all the time on Volans. With his fortune secured, he would have no more need of the woman.

Prince Sheldon straightened slightly before once again lifting his gaze in the Kaiser's direction. Behind him the doors opened and closed, but he couldn't turn around to see what or who had entered. "If it please Your Majesty, I have reconsidered your minimum requirement for this transaction. Volans is prepared to agree to your terms."

Kaiser Wolfgang's eyes slid toward the door, noting the woman standing there on the arm of the I.I.S.C. Colonel, waiting for her announcement into the presence chamber. He also knew that Sheldon had no idea she was there, as clearly the man did not possess eyes in the back of his head. "Those were my opening or base starting point Prince. It was the minimum entry for negotiation discussions. What else will you include in the deal? Do not forget, you have competition."

Sheldon nearly turned purple. "What has the other offered?" Negotiation was not the Princes strong suite.

[Wil Savage]

Katarina had done her very best to make Azjah presentable for this meeting given Azjah’s insistence that she wear black. The pale hair simply didn’t work with unrelieved black as far as Katarina was concerned, but unable to dissuade her; Azjah wore a morning suit of black silk crepe, a black silk blouse that buttoned high up on her neck. Her hair was upswept in a severe chignon, and the usual platinum picks were replaced with a black hat and veil. The insignia pin in the hat was her crest. The shield’s field is azure, chevrony doubly cottised, which means the field is blue, with very thin lines of ermine forming the shape of a chevron, repeated in two tiers with three rows in each tier. The griffon is segreant in or (gold) with tongue and claws in gulles (red). The right supporter to the shield is a rampant unicorn in white, and the left is a winged stag in brown. The helm above the shield is gold (or), presented affronte, with grills. (Gold is only used for royalty proper, whereas the other peers use silver, presented in profile with grills. Lifetime peers, or Knights and baronets must use steel, presenting affronte, without grills). The motto is displayed beneath the shield in tiny gold lettering with azure background. Around her neck she wore on a gold chain the insignia of her holding as the Marchioness of Triberg. It reached nearly to her waist, and was all the jewelry that could be seen.

She peered into the mirror. For all intents and purposes, she looked the part of a woman going to a funeral. And in a way, she was. She slipped into the wrist length black gloves.

Katarina retrieved her robe of office. The crimson velvet mantle is very heavy; the train trails behind a distance of 1.75 yards. There are 3 ½ rows of ermine, with the edging 4” in breadth. The coronet would rest atop the hat since the hat was a requirement for day time and yet the coronet was also required, is comprised of 4 strawberry leaves in gold, 4 pearls raised upon points of the same height as the leaves, in an alternating pattern. With the robe secured at her throat, and the coronet secured over the crown of her hat, she moved down the stairs.

Wil was in the Marquess’ suite and preparing for the formal audience with the Kaiser. He was dressed in the I.I.S.C. dress uniform of a ranking agent. The uniform was black with gray areas on the arms, cuffs, and the high collar at the neck. There was gold filigree also present on the sleeves and where the jacket fastened in front. The black pants had a similar pattern of gray stripes down the outsides of both legs. Over the pants were his black, spit-shined boots that rose up to about 2” below the knee. The colonel insignia was gold and represented a planet within a circle of protection. Two of these were on the stiff, high collar in two places.

Savage had one more detail to attend to before he headed down to meet the Marchioness. He sat down at the desk and pulled out the digi-pad. He initiated the log-on and the familiar “Waiting” notice appeared. He then wrote the following message:

Colonel William S. Savage reporting.
If you receive this message, it means that I’ve either been murdered or incarcerated on Rigel at the hands of Kaiser Wolfgang and/or Prince Sheldon of Volans.
If alive, the Marchioness Azjah Caer should be contacted and protected.
If alive, Prince Sheldon should be terminated at once as detrimental to stability.
If you receive this message it means that Rigel and its Sector should neither now, nor ever again be considered for the hyperspace trade lanes. It is to be considered too volatile and too inconsequential to provide any beneficial trade to the greater galactic community.
I’ve kept the Class VI Prototype fighter craft hidden and secret. You’ll be able to locate its signal in the Rigel system. It is currently cloaked and shielded.
Respectfully submitted in accordance with all I.I.S.C. regulations.
W.S.S.

He set the message to be sent at 1200 hours local time. Unless he interfered, there was no way to prevent the message from reaching I.I.S.C. headquarters. If all went well, he would delete the message. If it did not go well, his instructions would be carried out and the Kaiser would find himself under I.I.S.C. investigation. Wil shut down the digi-pad, slipped it inside a hidden area of his uniform (I.I.S.C. clothing was designed for concealment of essentials), and headed to the foyer.

Fulco had the car out front, and Azjah met Wil in the foyer. “Shall we?” Azjah was outwardly the picture of calm composure, but inside, she was certain her bones were comprised of rubber and her insides naught but Jello.

The driver handed the guards at the palace gates the summons from Lord Chancellor Denning, indicating that indeed the Marchioness was expected today in the throne room. They were escorted in silence to the audience chamber, and the doors were opened, but because the Kaiser was having audience with the Prince from Volans, the Major Domo did not immediately announce them, and so they stood, just inside the doors waiting for their announcement into the Royal Presence.

Azjah’s hand rested atop Wil’s arm, and he could feel a slight tremble in her touch. Wil stood solid as a rock, determination set like flint upon his features. He gave her the slightest of nods to say that all is going to be fine. He hoped he was correct.

[Wil Savage]

The Kaiser’s brow rose fractionally at Prince Sheldon’s question. “Suffice it to say that I am currently more kindly disposed toward the Baron’s offer than I am toward your own meager proposal.”

The Kaiser decided to let the Prince ruminate on that, “You are dismissed for the moment. I have other obligations this morning.”

As Sheldon gave a bow that screamed pure rage, and simultaneously the Major Domo announced….

“Her Grace, Azjah Telyria Danaan Caer, the Marchioness von Triberg, Baroness von Drachen Walde has arrived. She is escorted by Colonel William Samuel Savage representing the I.I.S.C. into Your Imperial Presence.”

Azjah slid a glance up at Wil before they moved forward toward the stairs that would ascend to the level of the throne. She paused at the bottom of the stairs, dropping into a full Court curtsey as she went gracefully to the floor before the Kaiser to await his command for her to rise. The crimson velvet fanned out around her in a pool.

Wil escorted Azjah on his left side and walked with military posture and poise that was a stark contrast to the poor appearance that Prince of Volans had just presented to the Kaiser. Wil bowed down and remained upon one knee with his right hand to his chest, waiting with Azjah for the command to arise.

The time had finally come.

[Wil Savage]

Sheldon slid a glance at the woman who now held an elegant curtsey with the ease of long practice. Was she worth promising more to the man in the throne? He noted the formal robes of her station in Rigelian Peerage. She looked every inch the wealthy woman the Kaiser had dangled as bait for he and the Baron from Deneb. But such women were often cold fish in terms of sport. It might be amusing for a time to teach her the baser ways of life.

He took his place in the side gallery to wait and to watch.

His attention then slid toward the man at her side. Why was he here? His assassin had failed her mission abysmally, and so he’d have to find another way to pay the man back for his poor reviews of Volans. But that was a separate matter and did not explain just what Savage was doing in the company of the heiress. He wasn’t aware that the trade police trafficked in escort services.

Azjah and Wil rose together when the Kaiser finally spoke. “Ah Marchioness, We are pleased to see you gracing Our presence once more.” He then glanced at Wil, “Colonel, again We see you in the company of Our lovely Cousin. We are certain the Marquess approves.” It was a statement and not a question as the Kaiser motioned for them to ascend the stairs.

Wil bowed his head in respect and then looked up to the Kaiser. “Your Majesty, I’m both humbled and honored to be in such highly esteemed company.” He didn’t say anything more that might indicate whether he was referring to the company of the Marchioness or of Kaiser Wolfgang. He then started up the stairs, fully aware that Prince Sheldon was intently watching the proceedings.

Azjah moved up the stairs on Wil’s arm. “Your Majesty honors us.”

Wolfgang took the document handed to him by one of his aides. “You have come with a petition for Us to consider, according to this, yet the substance of your request is not defined.” He looked at her a moment, “Please, state your request.” He had already noticed that she wore black, as though in mourning. This would work out beautifully. With the Volan’s prince there to witness events that would guarantee him a speedy acquisition.

[Azjah von Drachen Walde]

Sheldon perked at that, if there was a Marquess, how could this woman be offered? And if there was a Marquess, that made Savage’s presence even stranger. He now paid even more serious attention to what was being said.

Azjah ascended the stairs carefully, pausing two steps past the top step to assure that she would not accidentally take a fall down the marble stairs. The crimson train still draped over the top step to pool on the next tread down. “Your Majesty, I have come to seek an unusual request of You. It requires a bit of an explanation, if You would indulge Your loyal servant?”

Wolfgang motioned for her to stop. Then he looked at Wil, “Are you standing as surrogate for Our missing Marquess?”