A Way of Honor (Champions of the Crystal Book 2)

Chapter 9.2

Sabrina looked at the lengthening shadows in the Throne Room as the last rays of sunset shone through the high windows facing the throne. It had been a very long day, even with short breaks every two hours and a longer break for lunch. They had decided to forego the dinner break, however, hoping to finish in time for a late meal. Mara was still, by some feat of willpower, managing to sit up straight on the throne and appear to really listen to the oaths being made. She never missed a cue or got a word wrong. Sabrina was impressed, and somehow it made her feel better about the oath she was scheduled to take.

They were finished with the government representatives (including those from the provinces), major landholders, and the ambassadors—including Éllina's mother, the ambassador to Belathyn, Sabrina noted with interest. Now there were a smattering of offworlders who came to reaffirm their worlds' treaties of alliance.

The Royal Chamberlain, an astonishingly old woman whose every movement was a study in dignified grace, beckoned, and Sabrina slipped off her chair at the side of the dais and went to the side door.

"It is nearly time for the household staff to take their oaths. All of them take a personal oath, even down to the cleaning staff," the Chamberlain said. "There are only twenty of you at this time, and you will go last."

"Last?" Sabrina said, surprised. "Everything else has been by order of rank."

"Yes," the Chamberlain said, "but because your oath includes responsibility for them, it is considered proper for them to take their oaths first, while you watch."

"Okay," Sabrina said. She didn't really care, anyway, as long as they all got to leave sometime soon.

There was a pause, and four young boys came forward. They were Her Majesty's pages, Sabrina realized, and hurried to get in position behind the four women she had been told were the junior ladies-in-waiting. There were also four maids and four members of the cleaning staff, besides the personal secretary and two chauffeurs. But at last it was Sabrina's turn, and the entire room seemed to wake up, either interested in her because she was an alien, or just anticipating the ceremony's end. She walked forward, conscious of all the eyes on her, not least those of the people she would shortly be in charge of—and the woman in whose charge she would be. She knew that this would be one of the most important points of her life. After she made the oath, she would no longer be just Sabrina Devon. She would be Mistress of Her Majesty's Private Household.

What an odd career move, she thought, and then decided perhaps it wasn't. She would surely use her knowledge of psychology in trying to manage the most prestigious and complex household on the planet and be Mara's friend and adviser at the same time.

At last she reached the large, plush cushion at the foot of the throne, on the wide step up to the dais. She carefully knelt, placing both knees on the cushion and straightening, her hands clasped in front of her. Most of the others had bowed their heads as they took their oath, but she looked up into Mara's face, hoping to find reassurance there. Mara smiled warmly, her violet eyes warm with encouragement.

"I, Sabrina Marie Devon, born on the non-aligned planet of Earth," Sabrina began, her voice gaining strength as she recited the oath that had been composed especially for her by Rassir, "pledge myself to the service of Maratobia ya Tassan nar Miahn, Queen of Praxatillus. I swear that I will work for your well-being and comfort at all times and above all else, and that whatever you require of me I shall do, even to my own death. I pledge my absolute and unending loyalty and devotion to you and, through you, to the people of Praxatillus. I do this freely of my own will and in no hope of any reward. If ever I break this oath, I will submit myself to your justice."

Oh God, what have I done? shrieked a voice in her mind as the words reverberated through her, pounding home the realization that her life was no longer her own.