The General's Daughter

Chapter 20

A few weeks later the emperor called Nakita into the palace. He did so without Prince Zander finding out. There was something that he needed her to do for him and he was afraid that his son would try to stop it.

Nakita had been at home when they had come to get her, so it didn't take long for her to show up at the palace. When she stood in front of the emperor she bowed to show her respect. "Your Majesty, what can I do for you?"

The emperor smiled. He wasn't surprised that she had realized that he had something he wanted from her. "So smart. You're right. There is something that I need you to do. I spoke to your father about what I needed first and he said that you would be the best for the job."

"Whatever it is. I will do my best. What is my mission?" Nakita asked.

"There have been rumors of a rebellion lately and I would like you to investigate and find out everything you can about it. I had some of my people try to find out where the rumors were coming from but didn't find out anything," the emperor explained.

"I am not surprised by this. I remember, when I was on my way to Terra, I overheard some people talking about trying to get at Prince Rory. I thought after hearing that that something like this might eventually happen. Usually when there is someone trying to do harm to someone of the royal family, that means rebellion." She had always thought in the back of her mind that things to do with those that had tried to harm Prince Rory might crop up again.

"You do have a point. I wouldn't be surprised if the rumors is linked to the same people that were behind that." The emperor thought for a moment to make sure he wasn't forgetting to tell her something. "I almost forgot... I haven't told Zander about this, so when he finds out he will be mad. But I also knew that if he knew about it before I spoke to you about your mission that he would try to stop it. I know he cares about you and doesn't want you in danger.... But the safety of the people is more important than what my son wants. I hope you understand." The emperor didn't want anything to happen to her, he already saw her as a daughter, but he took the safety of the people seriously. He also trusted General Warfield's judgement. If the general said his daughter would be the best one for the job, then that's who would do it.

"I understand, Your Majesty. I agree with you. I will be careful. I don't want anything bad to happen to me either. As soon as I know anything I will let you know." Nakita was silent for a bit while she thought of what her first move should be. "I know where to start looking first. With where I need to go first you won't see me for a little while. I am not sure how long it will take to look into my first lead."

The emperor frowned. "You have an idea of where to look already?"

"Yes. When I went to rescue my father and brothers with those three we discovered that my mother had had contact with someone from Dromland and might have given them the information that led to their capture. But I don't have the evidence that will prove it. If I did, I would have already told you about it." Nakita would be very surprised if her mother wasn't involved in this.

The emperor scratched his chin in thought. "After finding out the way she treated you, who is an amazing young lady and daughter, it is no surprise that she might be in on these other things too. When you find anything out let me know."

"I will do that." Nakita paused for a moment while she called Jade, her green parrot. He flew off her body and landed on her hand. "When I have news, I will attach a message to this guy and send it back to you. At that point, if you have any information or instructions for me, you can send it back to me with him."