Firefly Light

Chapter 30

Joseph tried to concentrate on his paper work, but was worried about his youngest daughter. She hadn't shown up for breakfast, and had not been seen outside of her room yet and it was 10:30 AM. She had left a message at the front desk that she would be reporting in late this morning. That wasn't like her at all. She was a morning person and was not one to stay in her room late. There was a lot on her shoulders, especially for one so young, and he tried to give her as much space as possible...it was Sunday morning, but he was thinking of checking on her anyway.

His intercom buzzed and he answered. "Your Highness, there a guard out here who says he needs to speak with you." Helen said. "Well, send him in." the king replied. The door opened and one of the older Praetorian Guards, Sergeant Freeman, entered hesitantly and came to attention in front of his desk. "Please, stand at ease Sergeant. It's good to see you. What can I do for you?" "Sire, I hesitated to come to you, but in the end I could not follow an order the Princess gave me last night. I have children that are my very life and the oldest is a daughter the same age as her...in fact she is one of your daughter's friends. I come not only for myself, but for the other guards that were on duty last night when the Princess returned home at 3:00 AM. We are all very concerned about her. We don't know what happened to her last night, she refused to tell us, but she handed me this and told me to burn it. She told all of us to say nothing and she will be angry with us, but we felt you had to know." The guard handed him the remains of her dress...and her panties. "Is she ok?" Joseph asked. Freeman shook his head, "She was uninjured physically....there was no blood, but she seemed shaken, dazed....sad."

Joseph spread her torn underwear out on the desk, then stood up, held the dress out by the shoulders and let it fall to its length to see the damage. His face became increasingly furious and red. He finally growled, "Seth Dillon, you slimy scum sucking bastard, I will have your head on a pike!" Freeman came to attention again, "Requesting permission to man that pike, sire!" The king's angry eyes met the Sergeant's, "I appreciate that sentiment, Barney, but this punk's head is mine.... I will, however, allow you to lead your crew to arrest him." The sergeant delivered a sharp salute, "It will be our distinct pleasure, my king. May I inquire as to what condition we can deliver him in...he might fall down a flight of stairs or something, uh, accidental might happen."

The king, despite his fury, had to chuckle. "Barney, I would love to tell you and your men to take him outside of the city and do whatever came to your imagination.....but (he sighed) we are a nation of laws....neither of us can do as we wish, in any criminal case.....even when it involves my darling daughter. Damn it!! (he grabbed a stapler and threw it across the room) Just find him, arrest him and take him to the jail...unharmed. We will then start the regular legal process." Freeman was clearly disappointed, "As you order, my king. I will call you as soon as we have him in custody." He turned to leave. "And....Sergeant Freeman....." the man turned, "Thank you and your men for your concern for my daughter." The Sergeant regarded him for a moment. "We love her too, sire. She gives freely of herself to this kingdom and anyone who needs her. She gives so much and asks for nothing in return. She belongs to all of us. How can we not love her? As your soldiers, we would follow you, her or the Crown Prince to the gates of Hell.....and then we would kick the Devil's ass and hand you his head and his throne." He turned and left.

Keika was standing in front of the mirror, brushing her hair. She was dressed in her summer gray uniform, the one with the three quarter sleeves and pants, with canvas shoes instead of boots. It had taken her all morning, and a very long meditation, but she had finally gotten herself together and ready to leave the room. There was a knock at the door. "Yes?" she said as she continued to brush. "Keika?" it's me, "Are you ok?" "Come in," she said as she dropped the brush and moved toward the door. Joseph entered and they immediately embraced. "I know what happened, darling. The guards told me, but please don't be angry with them, they only did it because they care about you." he said.