Firefly Light

Chapter 31

The next year went by uneventfully, almost boringly so. The roads were kept clear and as safe as they had ever been by the constant patrols. Trade with Armania and Mercedia increased to everyone's advantage and the roads were quite busy.

Alexander learned his job swiftly and became an invaluable help to her. It was quickly evident that Shen was wasted as a squire so they had him inducted directly into the army, the normal rules for training were waved due to the training he already had. He was given the rank of Lieutenant and assigned directly to Valerie Vair as her aide.

Seth Dillon served his sentence, was released from jail and promptly left town. The rumor was that he had been offered sanctuary at Taylorton by Cynthia. In fact, several of Cynthia's old chums had also disappeared in the past year without fanfare, notably including Kenji Sato and Natalie Cain, some of her favorite minions.

Knowledge of Keika's single status set off a storm of fan mail to her from men, and a number of women, from throughout the kingdom, hoping to convince her that they were the one for her. She ignored all of it and had every bit of the mail destroyed, unread. Spending a lot of her time on duty, she had only limited opportunities to meet new young men and no one she met sparked her interest.

Then, unexpectedly, in early May, 133, Keika's patrol was recalled back to the capital. They arrived at the city and went to the stables at the rear of the Royal Otani. Keika and Val went on ahead and let Lieutenant Dorsett handle getting the unit settled in.

They climbed the steps to the second floor and ran into the Chamberlain outside of his office. He rushed up to her acting very upset. He hugged her and said in anguish, "Oh darling child, I am so so sorry. We didn't expect you so quickly. Your father had intended to talk with you privately first....but they just happen to be meeting right now. He had no choice, no choice, but still.....it's heartbreaking." Jefferson then broke down into tears, buried his face in a handkerchief and ran into his office. The girls looked at each other in amazement.

Arriving at her father's office, Helen at first acted surprised to see them, stopped them to check with Joseph on the intercom and then motioned them in. Joseph was in discussion with two men who were seated with their backs toward her. As the girls walked in, her father looked up with the most solemn expression. "You make remarkable time, my dear. We didn't expect you quite so soon." The king seemed tired and depressed, uncomfortable. He stood up. "Well, here she is gentlemen. Please meet my beloved daughter, Royal Otani Army Major and Royal Princess Keika Elise Otani."

The men stood and turned. One was older and she knew from photos that it was the Ambassador from Mercedia. They had never met, in fact, the ambassador was completely ignorant of who she was. All the information and contacts the embassy from Mercedia received were heavily screened and data regarding Keika was one of the things screened out. But it was the other man whose presence came as a stunning shock. It was Devin, the younger brother from the valley, now a Captain. "You!" they both said in unison.

"My God," exclaimed Devin, "You have grown even more beautiful. I didn't think that possible.... and that outfit! Wow! And with an equally beautiful blond to back you up and provide you contrast at the same time. You look spectacular." She looked at him sideways, not sure how to react. "Thanks?" she replied cautiously and looked at her father. "What is going on here? Why have I been called off of patrol?"

It was the Mercedian ambassador who spoke next, "Green eyes? You mean to tell me that this Super Girl I have heard of from the valley is your daughter?" "That is correct." responded the king with a sigh. Joseph then met Keika's eyes, but she did not like the look of dread she saw there.

"Keika, sweetheart, the Kingdom of Mercedia has made us an offer that I do not feel we can afford to pass up. They are willing to give up their claim on the valley where we first met them and will sign a treaty recognizing the borders as the Kingdom of Otani has we have them drawn. They are also asking for a full military alliance and the formation a permanent bond between the two kingdoms. In order to seal this agreement, they have asked for the hand of one of my daughters in marriage with the heir to their throne, Prince Reginald." He cleared his throat, "......and you are my only remaining daughter." She saw the look of pain in his eyes.

The impact of what he was saying hit home like a war hammer blow to the skull. She was being married away for the sake of the kingdom; the very thing that her father had once told her that she would not have to fear was now her future. At eighteen years of age, her life was suddenly over. Her heart sank and her eyes dropped to the floor.

She heard Devin chuckle.