Chapter 5

Amber nodded and looked toward the group before her “So when will the coronation take place, I am anxious to get that over with.” Jim stepped forward, “that is the one time I will be the most worried about her, as she will be more in the open and more vulnerable to attack.” The councilors nodded as he walked off with them.

As the coronation finished, Jim began to breathe a sigh of relief, it had been a hard week, watching her and keeping her safe, but now that she was the Empress, he could breathe somewhat easier. He knew the next week would be almost as hard, especially when they started the trials and the executions.

Amber didn’t relish her upcoming tasks, it would be hard, but she knew that she could get through it with Jim’s and now Mary’s help.

Might as well get it over with and start on it.

Stepping up to the dais, she took a deep breath and started the proceedings. “Council, I have called this Grand Judgment to bring to light the many traitors that WERE in our midst, the following are the confessions of the councilors that were, in part responsible for the death of Emperor Kenneth, my father and then the two that were the main ring leaders of the plot” As the confessions started, Amber slumped down in the chair, already tired from just the little she had done.

When they finished hours later Amber stepped up and spoke again, “These traitors will be publicly executed in the square tonight except for the main leaders, their families have been stripped of their titles and sent to debtor camp to work and prove their loyalty. I will not tolerate any more disloyalty and it will be dealt with swiftly.”

A week later, a thin, short man was taken to a cell deep within the palace, with Willow not far behind. As the doors were shut and guards dismissed, they said that the screams that came from that room were enough to curl your hair, and it was said that it went on for about a week before it stopped, and Willow emerged almost totally covered in blood.

Jim had rushed Amber to the Doctor when she started to feel pain. The physician looked on in shock as he stared at the results of the tests.

“Your majesty it appears the you are with child or I should say children” he stated in shock.

“Children?” she and Jim replied.

“Yes, it would seem you are having two,” he said.

Amber and Jim smiled, saying, “Thank you, Doctor. The Empire will know soon enough.”

Again Amber wasn’t looking forward to this next announcement, knowing that the council that had been reformed wouldn’t be pleased. Stepping to the raised dais, she took a deep breath as she prepared to let everyone know the news.

“Councilors and people of the empire, I have an important announcement to make.” She motioned for Jim to come up behind her while whispering “be prepared, I don’t know how they’re are going to react.”

As the crowd quieted, Amber began, “Not long after the tragedy and the loss of my family, I took it upon myself to continue the line; not being one to be told who I could be with, I made a decision on my own.” There were a few gasps from the assembly as she continued,” I, therefore, wish to announce that I am now carrying a set of twins, one boy, and one girl.” A louder gasp came from more of the people in the room. “The father will not be known at this time, as he didn’t want it revealed for his safety, and I agreed.”

As the commotion erupted in the room, the council members stepped up, Jim stepping between them and Amber. “Your Majesty, this is highly irregular. You can not do this without council approval.”

“Councilor, it is done, and the reason should be obvious from the fallout from the assassination of my family.”

Sputtering, the councilor backed away as Amber raised her hands to quiet the assembly. “Be happy my people, the line will continue and there are two heirs coming soon, so rejoice that the chaos is at an end.” Stepping back she almost fell, thankful that Jim was there to catch her as another gasp rose from the crowd and many tried to rush forward to help, only to be stopped by the new security that had been put in place by Jim.

“Thank you Jim, not sure I’d be able to make it if it wasn’t for you.” she gasped out as they quickly wheeled her out.

A year later, Jim was playing with the twins in the new outside compound. Amber peeked out around the door, smiling wide as she watched the love of her life and their children. Amber had escaped from her meeting to watch them play. She found she did that a lot lately, she had a bit of news for him and wasn’t sure how he was going to take it.

“So ... how are the most important people in my life?” she started.

“Great, now that you are here,” smiled Jim, always happier when she was near.

“I found out something interesting today, Jim,” she started.

“Oh, okay.” he again smiled.

“Uh...” she hesitated, “I’m uh...”

“What’s wrong?” he asked, worried now

“Oh, nothing bad, it’s just...” she bit her lip, “I’m pregnant again.”

You could hear the happy shout all over the palace.

The Black Willow

This story takes place before the Princess and the Captain.

In the cover of darkness he moved. Staying in the deepest shadows he crept along the edge of the manor. Looking at the slight sliver of the moon he knew that he didn’t have much time to accomplish this. He was paid a lot to perform this and it had to be done.

To think that the Lord of this manor had paid him for this. Avoiding the guards again he crept forward, eased the window open and stepped into the room. The moon shone fully into the room he could see the 2 cribs against the wall, the small bed next to them.

Damn it! Where was the boy? Shit, he was supposed to get all of them. Reaching for the two bassinets, he dropped a little, very little sleep potion into a handkerchief and briefly put them over the noses of each child. He made sure to keep them apart so he knew who was who later.