39 The Shadowy Road #4
“And we’ll have to give him royal dispensation to accept certain honorary Imperial titles, in the interest of furthering our international relationship.
After all, I have this feeling he and I will work closely together to ensure stability in this quadrant of the galaxy. One might even say… intimately.”
The prince turned his baleful gaze upon me, and for a moment, I feared he would throw away all I had done for the Commonwealth just to spite me.
Then, Colonel Boleslaw stepped forwards. “A fine idea, Your Majesty. I’ve spoken to our Queen about it, and she is in favor. Of course, our monarch cannot dictate policy without parliamentary approval, but her words do carry some weight in our society.”
Emperor Astrid smiled gratefully at Boleslaw.
“Your Queen is a wise ruler.” Returning her attention to the prince, Astrid said, “I trust this will not be a problem? Any irregularities regarding Captain Boylan’s legal status with regards to his actions at my jubilee will doubtlessly be cleansed from his record before you deliver him to me.
I cannot have a blemished ambassador at my court. ”
Prince Aureli scowled, but he managed to say, “Yes, well, I’m certain we can clean this up and have your preferred diplomat by your side in a matter of days.”
“Don’t make me wait too long,” the Emperor said. “And don’t forget to transfer his hoversteed with him once it’s been repaired.”
“Your Majesty, I don’t believe there exists a force in the universe which could keep that hoversteed from the captain’s side,” the prince said, and with annoyance written across his face, Aureli signed the armistice.
I would have expected a cheer to go up, but a collective sigh of relief was all the assembled dignitaries could muster. As the crowd began to disperse, I turned to Astrid.
“This was not what we discussed.”
Astrid shrugged coyly, a motion most distracting in her strapless dress. “You wanted the freedom to return home. I wanted my lover to be happy at my side.” Suddenly, Astrid reached out with her recently healed arm and grabbed me by the lapels of my tunic.
“I am the Emperor, my dear. I get what I want.”
And then she kissed me.
When we broke apart, I was gasping for air, feeling twenty years old and carefree as a cadet again, yet desiring more. I suggested we retire upstairs, but Astrid shook her head.
“Your envoy is leaving, my darling. Run along and arrange your affairs. I’ll see you soon enough, and thereafter we shall have all the time we need to explore our futures together.”
I could not resist pulling her into a final kiss, which the Emperor tolerated with a laugh before pushing me away. I stumbled down the stairs to meet my delegation.
“Good show, old boy,” Archduke Darius said as I rushed past. I waved to him, and noticed he was arm in arm with Princess Marie, who waved cheerfully back. I was happy to see them still together and hoped I would see them again soon. I would have to speak with Astrid about that.
“Are you quite ready to leave this world?” Prince Aureli haughtily demanded as I trotted towards him.
A sudden thought hit me. “Actually, I’m not quite packed…”
“Your things, sir.” Wiktor appeared behind me with Ingvar-like timing holding two packed trunks.
Boleslaw smiled. “I took the liberty of sending your man to fetch your possessions. I hope that was all right.”
“Perfectly fine,” I replied. “Wiktor knows exactly how I like things.”
The prince stormed towards the portal room in a huff while Boleslaw lingered behind. “You did well, Captain. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you were born to be a spy.”
Inspired, I let my mouth speak its own piece, without my brain getting in the way. “Not at all, Colonel. I was simply the right man for the job.”
“Indeed, you were,” Boleslaw replied before she marched off after the prince.
I stood for a moment, letting the other Allied delegates draw ahead. I watched with particular pleasure as several armed demons escorted Lady d’Lyre towards the portal room.
“Wiktor,” I began slowly, “I’m going to need a gentleman’s gentleman when I’m serving as Ambassador to the Empire. You wouldn’t happen to know someone suitable for the job, would you?”
“I’ve always wanted to tour the Empire, sir.”
“I thought I only had you on loan for the Emperor’s jubilee. Don’t I have to return you to the Queen’s service?” I asked.
“As Royal Ambassador to the Voidstar Empire, you are entitled to a Royal Guards detail. I shall be happy to include myself in their number, sir.”
“You won’t mind leaving behind the excitement of the capital?” I asked.
Wiktor gave me a professionally patronizing look. “Sir, if I may be frank, these last few days have taught me that the most exciting place in the galaxy will be by your side.”
“Well said. Come along, then.” Stepping towards the waiting portals, I felt a smile creep onto my lips, spreading to cover my whole face despite my best efforts. For the first time in years, I found myself looking towards the future with joy, excited to have the chance to finally live.