Geminus

Chapter Six - The Super Soldier Project

I was back less than five minutes before Thomas walked into my room without knocking. His face was like thunder, he clearly wasn’t happy.

“You will decline this role.” He muttered handing me a letter. “You must.”

I looked down, the envelope had a royal crest on it. I opened it, already half knowing what it entailed.

Dear Imogen.

Your post is changing. You will be upgraded to a royal official. With this comes certain obligations. You will be required to welcome our army recruits to the royal army. You will be required to read them our rules.

Any insubordination by members joining will result in reporting and execution. You must abide by this.

Oliver has put great faith in you. Don’t let him down.

The Queen.

I swallowed hard and looked at Thomas. His face hadn’t changed. “You must decline.”

“It’s the queen’s orders.”

“One she is only asking to make Oliver happy. She does not want you where she cannot see you. You are only a thing to her Imogen. Not a person. She will throw you in a dungeon for treason as soon as she can.” Thomas replied, his voice more hushed. “Declining will make her happy, and keep you safe.”

I frowned, I never could figure out what Thomas was fighting for. He seemed to care far too much for me. But in a world where nothing was really as it seemed. I wasn’t sure it was me he actually cared for.

“I’m in the real world now Thomas. I’m supposed to act like a twin. This is a job.”

“I implore you… please rethink this.”

“Tell me who you are, and why you care so much and I’ll rethink it.” I attempted to sound strong, but failed, I sounded more like a mouse on steroids. Thomas sighed and shook his head.

“I’m just a dumb fool who didn’t stop someone I loved from making a terrible mistake. I would hate to see you do the same.”

“Your sister?”

Thomas nodded. “She let her heart rule her head. She fell in love with a man, a powerful man. Someone with more clout than her. She fell pregnant. Had a child and was killed shortly after. The man, by law should have met the same fate.”

“He didn’t?” I gasped.

Thomas shook his head and then shrugged. “The rules only apply to some Imogen. Her lover was on the grand council. He was spared his life. He’s still there. The truth about his indiscretion hidden.”

Nausea passed through me. The regiment only applied to some. The royals were untouchable.

“Now you understand why I worry so greatly that you should meet the same fate should Oliver’s plan fail. He will live on, but you… and anyone else involved will perish.”

But we had to try… what option was left.

“You remind me so much of her, so strong willed and defiant” He whispered. “Please reconsider Imogen.”

I shook my head. “I understand what you are saying Thomas. But I’m more imprisoned here and now than I ever was in the underground. Returning to a dungeon doesn’t scare me. I must try. Don’t you understand?”

Thomas’ shoulder dropped and he stepped away from me. “As you wish. I will help you as much as I can Imogen, but there is a line I cannot cross.”