Fall of Ima (Cycles of the Lights series)

Chapter Fourteen

Priletoria- 2188 Iman Year

Immersed in advanced education and daily responsibilities, Meliora hardly noticed the seasons whirling past. The final month before the Ima's renegotiations crept upon her. She was made cognizant during a morning briefing. "You've only General Guyak left to shadow to complete your education," Scholar Halder reminded. "You'll soon be ready to become active monarch at the planetary negotiations."

The Princess read desperation in the council's eyes and her stomach somersaulted. She gulped knowing they needed her to make a decision. "I'm aware," she responded to their implied need of her ascension. Meliora wasn't ready to declare her mother deceased, no matter how badly Priletoria needed a ruler.

After the briefing, Meliora stole to her room and studied a calendar. "Two more days," she told herself. "I'll wait two more days to hear from Mother. Then I'll make a decision." The officers' on Jema had continued to report unsuccessful attempts to locate the Priletorian monarch.

Not feeling particularly social, Meliora took meals alone in the library. She stayed up two nights with study books open, but praying for her mother's return was what kept her awake. The morning of the third day came and no messages arrived from Queen Vesper. Nothing had come from her since the letter and Euterpe bird two years ago. Meliora felt cold inside. "What if mother's really dead? Shouldn't the school of sorcery have sent word?" She didn't allow herself to entertain the thought long for fear it'd immobilize her.

Meliora returned to her room and dressed alone. She took her time, feeling unprepared to face the world. After an hour or so, she steeled herself and emerged. She was greeted by the sight of Jedrek slumped against a wall with a volume in hand. Upon hearing her steps, he closed the book and offered a hand.

"I asked General Guyak for leave," he still wore his cadet uniform. "You don't have to do this alone."

Her head bobbled. "Please join me to the library. I've correspondence to write to the other kingdoms." A sniffle came at the end of her words. Meliora pressed the back of her hand against her lips. Having been silent for two days, speaking drained her emotionally.

The two made their way to the eastern wing. Taking the spiral staircase, they emerged into the semicircular room. Her father's books caught sunlight streaming through windows. The former King's grandiose desk sat at the center, carved from a warm shade of Carpecillero blue wood. The crest of Priletoria displayed on the front. Rugs in vibrant reds, greens and gold absorbed sound, leaving the room quiet, save for the Euterpe bird.

Meliora allowed Jedrek to scoot out the heavy seat. She lowered gingerly and retrieved clean sheets of parchment. With care, she wetted her pen. Meliora drummed her fingers in thought as Jedrek nestled near a window. The Princess set to drafting several letters. She'd rehashed words in her mind over the last couple of days. In them she addressed the issue of Queen Vesper, and offered a solution.

It took several hours, but once completed Meliora straightened her back and faced the windows. The glass separated the peaceful scape from her world of worry, unknowingly threatened by impending imbalance. Before them, Jedrek sat reading. In their privacy, a leg folded sloppily to his chin.

Meliora blotted the pages to ascertain the ink had dried. Satisfied, she sealed each letter with the Priletorian crest. She called for royal messengers and ordered half of them to deliver the letters to the addressed kingdoms. Others she sent through Priletoria, summoning representation from all villages. They were requested audience at the palace in two days. She wished to give them more time, but Priletoria had little to spare.

After the messengers departed, Meliora leaned back in silence. Jedrek lowered his reading material and pondered if he should speak. After a moment, she shifted her gaze to him. Meliora's eyes appeared a darker shade of green. "Please escort me to my room," she asked sweetly, despite her aura of sorrow.