Shadow in Glass

Chapter Two

It was the United Nations building, as Carrie remembered, but different somehow. Led by Lieutenant Fraust she walked into the building to the upper level offices temporarily assigned to her father. Fraust opened the door, and announced her as she walked in. It was clear everyone in the room was shocked by her presence. They leapt to their feet and bowed hastily.

"Barbara?" her father asked, standing at his leisure. "What on earth are you doing here? I was sure you'd be back at the hotel resting."

"No, no." Carrie shook her head. "I couldn't sit still, and I thought I'd come see what you were doing."

Her father looked at her for a moment, then motioned her into an adjoining room. Carrie followed and closed the door. He leaned against the desk, and considered her a moment more.

"Barbara, darling, are sure you're okay? Did Gerard put you up to this?"

Carrie laughed. "No, Daddy. Gerard didn't have anything to do with it. I was just tired of sitting around in the hospital room, doing nothing. I didn't think you'd mind if I tagged along."

He was quiet for a moment. "Are you sure, Barbara? I mean, I know this isn't really in your wheelhouse."

"Dad." Carrie sighed heavily; more lies to tell. "I know I was depressed and a little hysterical. But, I was nearly killed in that building. There were people who died to keep me alive. I can't bury my head in the sand and pretend that didn't happen—that none of this happened. I want to learn what you do, and how you do it, so perhaps I can do a good job when you step down."

He looked confused. "Wait. You told me a year ago you didn't want to rule. That you didn't want to be a queen who ruled. You'd let your husband be king. Gerard was the best choice for you. I'm spending time grooming him to be a king. He cares for you, and I don't know if he'll back down from the deal."

Carrie grimaced. What would ever make Barbara say something like that? "Dad, if Gerard loves me, it won't matter to him who wears the crown, will it?" Carrie leaned against the desk and folded her arms, realizing her father had done the exact same thing. He stared at her a minute, then blinked slowly as if he were clearing his eyes.

"This is not my daughter," her father said, finally.

"I have to be a different person now, Dad," Carrie said. "I don't know that being Queen is for me, but I'd very much like to see what you do every day so if I do decide to void the marriage contract, I'll know what to do."

"Void it?" Dad said, freezing in place. "Do you remember what that contract is worth?"

"No, I don't."

"Half of your personal fortune..."

"Just because I don't want to marry the guy?" Carrie nearly choked on the words. "Oh, come on, Dad. Don't tell me you didn't see right through that?"

"I did honey," he confessed. "But he seems to make you happy."

Carrie sighed. "I was more fucked up in the head than I thought."

"What?"

"I was more messed up than I thought," Carrie repeated.

"No, Barbara," he grabbed her arm, "you used a swear word. A serious one. I don't think I've ever heard you swear in your life. Your mother made sure you didn't use those words. They aren't lady-like coming out of the mouth of a princess."

"There's no one here to hear them," Carrie said, trying to gauge if he was amused or pissed off, waving her hand to stop her father from continuing. "Let's just say I wasn't rational when I made that deal. Why didn't you say anything?"