Deserving of More

Chapter 19: Crimes Against The Crown

"Lieutenant?"

Oh, those young Corporals.

"Yes, Corporal?"

"The General would like to see you in his office, ma'am."

Ma'am. Ugh.

"Thank you, Corporal. I'm on my way."

The sight of Mike's office was welcome, actually. We hadn't spoken in a little while, what with me "taking a break" or whatever you wanted to call it. He forced a smile when I came in, but his eyes told me something was very wrong.

"Good to see you, Minerva," he said as motioned for me to sit. I did, as did he, and we looked at each other from either side of his desk. "I wanted to talk to you, in person," he continued, "Before I asked you to come to the coffee shop." I could tell he was dancing around saying certain words, and I knew why. Too risky.

"Is everything all right?" I asked, feeling the tension growing.

"No," he replied with a shake of his head, "It's not good news, I'm afraid." His expression grew serious. "Grace will no longer be with us."

At first, I wasn't sure I'd heard the words correctly. It made me feel strange. All I could do was blink.

"I won't get into details here," the volume of his voice dropped significantly, "I will tell you everything later. I just didn't want it to blindside you when I made the announcement. Please come down after your workday is over. A lot has happened in your absence."

"Yes sir," I said softly, still confused, "I will be there as soon as I can."

He nodded solemnly as I got up to leave.

"Minerva."

I turned towards him.

"I'm sorry in advance."

It was hard to concentrate the rest of the day. I wondered what Mike had meant. I wondered where Grace was. What had happened? What was the story? The writer in me was creating a number of them in my mind.

The walk down the hidden staircase had never been so long. It was a descent into the unknown. It was different at the bottom. Silent. The light tapping of my shoes on the floor seemed like explosions. I managed to find an empty seat at the large table in the center of the room. I looked around, and realized it was the chair Grace normally took. The air left my lungs as I watched the door of Mike's tiny office open, followed by the man himself. He took his place at the head of the table, and all eyes were on him.

"I'm sorry to say that we have been betrayed," he began, "Grace is no longer a part of The Resistance. She was not who she portrayed herself to be. For your own safety, I will not give any further details on the situation at this time.

What I will tell you is that this will not stop us. Grace's lies change nothing about Veronica or her behavior. Our mission is the same. To expose her and the truth. Please don't let this setback take away from our ultimate goal."

"Sir?" a familiar, quiet voice spoke.

"Yes, Cara?" Mike acknowledged my dear friend.

"If Veronica is deposed and Grace is not truly Queen, who would rule?"

Mike swallowed and closed his eyes.

"To be frank," he sighed, "It would be me." He paused, heavily. "I don't want you to think that that is my motivation in this. If that comes to pass, I would gladly abdicate when The Prince Royal comes of age. King is not a position I want. I'm a military leader, not a ruler. But I would do anything to save this kingdom from Veronica."