Families of The Empire - Book Two

© 2024, Charlie Foxtrot

All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission from the publisher, except as permitted by U.S. copyright law.

Cover Photos: © 2024, Charlie Foxtrot

Ebook ISBN:978-1-7337401-8-0

Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, business, events and incidents are the products of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

Warning: This work contains frank and graphic sex scenes between the characters. While the primary plot is not about sex, the characters do have a varied and fulfilling sex life that is portrayed within the context of the story. If works of this nature offend you, don’t read this book. Consider yourself warned.

Acknowledgements: This work was first published by the author in serial format online, at storiesonline.net. A great many readers and proof-readers helped polish the story over time with their feedback and comments. I appreciate all of those who helped make this a stronger tale. -Charlie

Prologue

Into Autumn (part 1)

Into Autumn (part 2)

Into Autumn (part 3)

The Cold Blade Of Winter (Part 1)

The Cold Blade Of Winter (Part 2)

The Cold Blade Of Winter (Part 3)

The Cold Blade Of Winter (Part 4)

The Cold Blade Of Winter (Part 5)

The Cold Blade Of Winter (Part 6)

Prologue



"She's coming around," Kira said as she looked down at Talia Dennison, first Emperor of the new empire.

"Talia, do you hear me?" Ayako asked softly, leaning toward her long-time friend's ear.

"Uhmmm," Talia mumbled.

"Can you move your right hand?" Kira asked.

THe patient's hand twitched.

"Good. Now your left."

Her left fingers fluttered.

"Excellent. You're past the worst of it," Kira said. "Now it's just going to take time for you body to shake off the affects and for you to get some strength back."

Ayako sat back and then glanced at the tube feeding nutrients and medicines into the emperor. She held up a small syringe and looked at Kira, the former chief medical officer of "Man's Hope" while keeping it out of Talia's sight.

Kira nodded.

Ayako slipped the needle into the socket on the tube and slowly pushed in the plunger. Kira leaned close to Talia's ear and whispered. Ayako handed Kira a plastic and metal band which the doctor slipped onto Talia's head. Two pads rested on the patient's temples and she pushed an activation switch. Talia's eyes fluttered and then closed.

Kira and Ayako sat back and exchanged a look.

"We were lucky," Kira said. "If I hadn't gotten my team here as quickly as I did, we would not have been able to revive her. I can't imagine what would have happened if Darius had succeeded. We would have a short-lived empire then."

Ayako nodded. "We would have dealt with him, but the trust built with the people since landing would have been broken."

Kira rubbed her temples and sighed. "How will Talia react when she learns her loving son-in-law tried to overthrow the emperor? How will her daughter react?"

"Her daughter will be spared, but cannot be trusted with any power. I'll take her away with me. Her grandson will come to the capital to be with his grandmother. He will inherit the mantel of the Dennison line when Talia does finally pass. Hopefully she'll have enough time to get him trained."

"Barring an accident or another attempt on her life, she should be good for twenty or so more years. Of course, once she recovers and understands the depth of her family's betrayal, she may step down."

"No, we can't allow that," Ayako said. "Maybe in a decade, but not in the short-term. Our culture is starting to solidify with the academies and collegium. People are generally happy. The other colonies are faltering, as we expected. We have to remain strong, or the world will devolve and our race will be at risk."

"What will you do to Laura?" Kira asked, curious how Talia's daughter would be treated.

"My son needs a suitable mate. She will be tamed and used to benefit the empire," Ayako said.

Kira looked up sharply. "Your research?"

Ayako nodded. "Laura Dennison will be my final test subject. Her husband's life is forfeit. We'll not waste resources on him. She will be indentured and bound to my son. My family will continue through the bloodline of my friend's daughter, but she will have no power to threaten us ever again."

Kira nodded. "I'll take genetic samples from Darius. We don't want to lose any bloodlines."

"Take them yourself, today, Kira. Tomorrow, Ksogi will do his duty in closed session with the Senate as witness. We will then reinforce their oaths to the empire."

"It seem's barbaric, but I understand. I'll bear witness as well."



Into Autumn (part 1)





"I wish we had more classes together," Samantha said as we walked to the tram stop by the collegium campus.

The extension campus buildings were just south of Cardino, high on the bluff overlooking the sea.  In theory, you could walk to and from the harbor, but you would want plenty of time and not want to do it during the heat of the day, no matter how cool the sea breeze may feel.  The tram running down to the station in town was much more convenient.

"We're at different places in our studies right now.  I don't think you'd like the chemistry courses I'm taking."

"You think I couldn't do the work?" she asked.

"I don't know.  Have you already taken organic chemistry?  How about advanced physiology?"

She shook her head.  "I don't really understand why you are taking those.  It's not like you're going to pursue a medical career."

"Family tradition," I said.  It was our code phrase for some of the things she had been warned not to ask too many questions about.  "Besides, we should have that Early Empire History together next term, assuming you stay here for school."

She nudged me with her shoulder and smiled.  "Trying to scare me off?" she teased. 

I put my arm around her shoulders and gave her a little hug.  "Not in the slightest.  How were your other classes today?"

"Economic theory of the modern empire was alright.  It gives an interesting context to a lot of things my father and brothers have talked about around me, but it's not like I will be given a chance to apply it.  Constitutional law was dry, but I can't wait to see how it ties into Early Empire history next term.  I guess I'll have to stay around to see."

"I'll be taking them both next term, so you can help me with the Constitution," I said. 

Several classmates were at the tram stop waiting, so we joined them.  Samantha was much more outgoing and chatted with them easily while I just listened, as was my habit.

She had returned to Cardino three weeks after the season ended and settled into her family's house by the harbor.  Her Aunt was living there as well, but seemed to have much less focus on Samantha now that the social perils of the high season were past.  I had slipped into a new role in the family business, learning more of the club management from Master Geraldo and the sprawling, sometimes shadowy business empire of my grandmother, but had much more free time and was encouraged to spend some of that time with Samantha. 

We had dated, danced, sailed, and generally gotten to know one another.  We had both attended the opening session for the Senate, but she did not see the official swearing in ceremony for the new senators.  She alluded to my family's special status, but never asked a direct question.  I had smiled and deflected, trying to confirm nothing while enjoying the verbal sparring.  We dined at least once a week with either grandmother, her aunt, or both.

"Cosimo, what do you know?" I heard her ask.  I was startled out of my reverie. 

"Sorry, what?" I asked sheepishly.

"Some foreign royalty," Hiro Ongaro, the youngest son of Master Ongaro said. "Mother said they are passing through Cardino then back up to Romanifo before sailing home by way of the Free Cities.  Her guild is hosting them on their visit."

I shook my head.  "News to me.  If your mother is hosting them, I doubt they're staying at the club."

"It's a shame they missed the fun of season," Hiro said.  "Now they'll just have boring dinners and pretend to be tourists."

"We should do something to make them have a more enjoyable stay," Samantha said.  "I'll talk to my aunt.  Maybe I'll throw a small party.  Cosimo, can you find out who they really are before I make too much effort?"

It was one of her rare hints that the clubs were more than entertainment for the elite.

"I can ask.  I'd be surprised if the Grand Dame didn't know about visiting royalty."

Samantha smiled at me.

I sent grandmother a note as soon as I got home, and then began working on my homework.  The science courses were not ones to put off, I had learned.

"Master," Ten said.  "Your grandmother asked for you in her office."

I hurried down.

"Cosimo, how did you hear of this visit?" she asked without preamble.

I explained and she shook her head.

"The gossip of college students moves faster than the Imperial Security Services," she teased.  "Yes, there are a pair of royals coming, hosted by the Architecture and Building Guild.  They were in the Capital and asked to visit Cardino before returning home.  It's a Prince and Princess, from the Kingdom in the Clouds, northwest of the Free Cities."

I shrugged.  "I've not heard of them before.  Are they important?"

Grandmother shook her head.  "Not really.  They have managed to create a small kingdom by controlling the passes through the mountains used by what is generally called the western land route from the Free Cities to other states further away.  A couple of hundred years ago, they stopped two armies from overwhelming them in a single summer and have rebuffed several other smaller attacks since then.  They have just enough arable land to feed themselves, and good mining resources, but make quite a bit on taxing the trade that has to go over the two ranges that form their borders."

"Why are they in the Empire then?"

"The king visited with his betrothed before marrying twenty or so years ago.  They wanted some trade terms, or so they said, but I really think it was to see the Empire.  ImpSec has said they've tried some very low-level industrial espionage over the years but are not a real threat to anyone.  I suspect the trip is largely educational for his children.  Many states have asked us for educational assistance, but the Imperial policy is to refuse them.  They don't have enough of a foundation to succeed unless they start at a very young age, and then it's unlikely they would want to return to the lower technology of their home once they had a taste of Imperial life."

"What do you think of Samantha's idea to host a party for them?"

"I would encourage it, Cosimo.  Offer to host as well, if she needs assistance or have her contact me.  I'll send a note to Master Ongaro and find out how long they will be visiting.  We can offer them hospitality in the club also but want to make certain they are treated well and properly."

"Of course, grandmother," I said.

"Let's have breakfast on Seventh day, and we can decide on any plans.  Invite Samantha."

It was a command.  "Yes, ma'am."

I glanced at the clock and then decided on a quick stoll before dinner.  I knocked on the Dennison House door and Samantha quickly agreed to join me.  I told her what I knew.

"Are you taking me out on Sixth Day?" she asked.

"We hadn't made plans yet," I replied.  "Why?"

"I'm just wondering if I need to bring a bag, if we're having breakfast with your grandmother.  I'm not sure what she would think if I did."

While we had grown much closer, Samantha had stayed true to her promise not to sleep with me until we had a more formal commitment.  We had kissed and petted, but her boundaries remained resolute.

"We have guest rooms," I said deadpan.

I received an arched eyebrow look for my sense of humor.

"And it's not that far of a walk," I added.  "But," I continued before I ended up in too much trouble with her, "I would be honored if we could have dinner on Sixth Day, and you can bring a bag, or I can escort you home as you desire."

"No, I don't think I want to go out for dinner then," she said with a slight frown.

I was afraid I had actually hurt her feelings with my teasing and regretted it.

Then she grinned.  "I'll cook for you, in your own apartment, so we can dine in.  I've got no classes on Sixth Day, so you can go to school without me, and I'll let Twelve help me prepare a wonderful dinner.  I did promise to cook for you at least once, as I recall."

I laughed and agreed.

My apartment was filled with wonderful aromas when I returned home on Sixth Day, and I smiled as Eleven hurried to the hallway to welcome me home.

"Ten and Twelve are helping the mistress, master.  She asked that you refrain from the kitchen until called for dinner, sir."

I nodded and headed to my study to get my assignment finished while the new concepts were fresh in my mind.  I had just finished the last problem when Eleven returned with a glass of mulled-mint and lime water.

"Master," she said as she presented the drink.  "Mistress wished me to let you know that dinner would be ready in thirty minutes, if you wanted to freshen up."

I took the drink and a deep sip of it.  "Thank you, Eleven.  Did the lady indicate the attire for the evening?"

"It is casual, master, but she has a fashionable outfit that I pressed for her earlier.  You may want to be dressed smartly, casual," she said with a smile.

"In that case, I should take a quick shower," I said.

Eleven followed me to the shower and made certain I was well cleaned after she set out a blazer, pants and shirt for me.

The last rays of daylight were dappling the balcony as Eleven escorted me to the dining room.  Candles lit the table and Samantha stood at one end, smiling confidently in a white summer dress.  A beaded pearl choker adorned her throat and was matched by pearl earrings.  Her hair was pulled back into an easy ponytail, and she had a touch more makeup than she normally wore.  She looked amazing in the soft evening light.

"You look as good as dinner smells," I said as I crossed the room to give her a light kiss on her lips.  "I can't wait to taste both," I teased.

She blushed and then guided me to the head of the table.  I waited to seat her on my right and then settled myself.  Samantha nodded at Eleven, who hurried from the room.  Ten entered with a bottle of wine and poured for us both before Eleven returned with bowls of soup.  The clear broth was steaming, and the aroma was filled with pungent herbs.

Samantha waited on me to start.

The flavor was delicate, with a hit of spice and then a lemony, grassy flavor that faded to a warm peppery finish.  It was delicious.

"What is it?" I asked.

"An old family recipe," she replied before taking her own sip.  "I actually started the stock for this last night and brought it over with me.  Normally, we would make a huge pot of it during the summer and let it simmer for days, having some as a base for other dishes.  I'm glad you like it," she added.

"I don't think I've ever had something this light, yet full of flavor.  I do like it, almost as much as I like the cook."

She blushed but then encouraged me to keep eating.

"It goes well with the wine, too," I said.

"Twelve helped me with the pairing," she admitted.  "She's quite a cook herself.  You're lucky to have her as part of your household."

"I am," I agreed.

We chatted about planning the dinner she wanted to host as we moved into the main course.  It was a small, stuffed fowl, filled with summer vegetables, mushrooms and a light sauce.  It was excellent as well.

"If this is any indication of your hidden culinary skills, you should cook for the prince and princess," I said.  "It tastes amazing."

"Thank you, kind sir," she replied with a smile.  "I would be a nervous wreck if I tried to make enough for a full dinner party.  Besides, I can focus on cooking when you are tied up with study, but I could hardly devote appropriate amounts of time to my guests if I was preparing the dinner myself."

I finished the last bite on my plate and then sipped my wine.

"What if you had help?  Assuming I'm attending, my girls could assist."

She smiled.  "I was going to ask for at least Twelve.  We have staff that can serve, but I don't think our cook is as good as yours, if I'm honest.  Or we could host them at the club, if we wanted to keep our own stress level's low."

"Let's see what grandmother knows in the morning.  For all we know, they are eating at the club every other meal in the Capital.  They may prefer a more intimate dinner party for a change."

Samantha smiled and nodded.  "Let's see how dessert turned out," she said with the first hint of nerves I'd seen from her tonight.

Eleven cleared our places and Ten came back in with warm pastries with clotted cream for us.  I cut a bite of the flaky crust releasing steaming fruit from within and ate it carefully.

"You have found my weakness," I said with a soft moan.  "If you promise me to make these every night, I'll propose right now," I said.

Samantha was beet red at my praise but smiled broadly.

"Don't make promises you can't keep, Cosimo."

"I'm not," I insisted as I took a larger bite.  "This is perfect, just like the chef!"

She was all smiles as I ate, and she motioned Ten to pour us some more wine.  I glanced outside, seeing dusk had given way to night and that soft lights lit the harbor beyond the balcony.

"That was an amazing meal, Samantha.  Thank you, sincerely.  You definitely undersold your skills."

She grasped my hand, and I kissed her fingers.

"Shall we sit outside to finish our wine, sir?" she asked with a coy smile.

"Certainly, if that's what you desire," I said.  I offered my hand after I stood, and we adjourned to the soft couch in-front of the windows of my study.  Ten followed us with our wine and Eleven brought the bottle and ice bucket before returning to clean the dining room.

Samantha kicked off her heels and tucked her knees up as she curled next to me.  I kissed her offered lips gently, tasting a hint of the cream from her desert mixed with the fruit of the wine.  She purred when we finally parted.

"That was nice," she said.

"Almost as nice as that pastry," I said.

"Almost?" she asked.

I nodded.  She smiled in the soft evening light.

"I'm glad you liked it so much.  I really enjoyed making it for you.  This has been one of my happiest days in Cardino, if I'm honest."

"Oh?  Why?"

"You'll think I'm silly."

"Not at all.  I know I've enjoyed today immensely, especially since getting home. Why has it been a good day for you?"

She tucked herself against me more tightly and I felt her take a deep breath.  "Today brought back so many fond memories for me," she said finally.  "My mother used to talk while I helped her in the kitchen.  She would be telling me how to make that soup, and then say how much love there could be in cooking even simple dishes for the right person or people, for the right reason.  I didn't really understand until today.  Cooking for you, was special and realizing that made me appreciate my mother and feel close to her."

I heard the seriousness of her tone and quickly thought about how I had felt coming home to the heady aromas she had filled my world with.

"I love you, too," I said almost on impulse.

"What?"

"I said I love you, too," I repeated.  "Coming home today, for the first time, I knew my apartments were a home.  I have servants, but knowing you were making those incredible smells for me to enjoy, made me want to come in and help and share my day with you.  Then, you gave me time to focus on my homework, and I appreciated that since you know how I need to keep up on that chemistry course.  Finally, the meal itself and our easy conversations and gentle teasing.  I can't imagine not having you in my life.  I love you."

She hugged me hard, then kissed me to match.

"I love you, too, Cosimo," she said when we parted again.  "We've only known each other for a few months, but I can't imagine not being with you.  It's like we complete each other."

I nodded and kissed her again.

Our lips were locked, and our tongues were dueling when I sensed movement near the door.  I glanced to see Ten, Elven, and Twelve all kneeling by the doorway back inside.  Samantha must have noticed them as well.  She broke our kiss and snuggled into me and slipped her hand inside my jacket.

"Everything cleaned up, girls?" I asked.

"Yes, master," they replied in unison.

"You can wait inside," I said.

"Wait," Samantha said softly before they moved.  "Please move my bag to your master's rooms."

All three nodded and rose.

"Are you certain about that?" I asked softly.

I felt her nod against my chest and hugged her.

"We may share a bed, Cosimo, but I'm not having sex with you yet.  I just want to fall asleep in your arms and wake knowing you're with me."

I kissed her again and held her to me as the moon peaked over the hills above the city and bathed the balcony in soft pale light.

The next morning, I slipped from bed quietly, smiling at the peaceful look on her face and I pulled on casual pants and a shirt before stealing away from my room.

Twelve was sitting in the kitchen when I looked in.  "Please let Samantha sleep," I said.  "I'll be back in fifteen minutes or so.  We have breakfast with my grandmother, so you don't need to make anything for us other than some coffee."

"Of course, master." She hesitated, then said, "If this slave may comment, Lady Samantha is a lovely woman, master.  We all look forward to seeing more of her here."

I smiled, nodded and was on my way out.

One of my new duties as grandmother's gopher and special project manager was to visit the communications center in the basement of the house every morning, whether I was formally working or not.  Overnight, every club sent in their daily operations report, and I was expected to review them for any anomalies or issues that needed the grand dame's attention.  The staff made certain that copies of relevant sections were forwarded to our internal staff as needed.  Accounting, personnel, logistics, and much more were easily tracked, monitored, and managed by a handful of loyal staff.

An unremarkable door in the basement now opened when I placed my hand against the discreet palm-lock.  I stepped into the alcove and waited for the door behind me to latch shut.  There was no sense rushing the security precautions on this room.  Only after the door was locked behind me did the numeric keypad appear on the screen next to an inner door.  The digital number buttons were presented in a random order, requiring me to input my numeric user id.  The numbers then scrambled to a different arrangement, and I entered my personal access code.  Only then was a second palm lock presented, which required the opposite hand from the outside lock.  I passed inside and smiled at the two staff members manning the computer network inside.  Additionally, there were dispatches from outside the formal club structure.  I knew mother and father watched these as well but had found reviewing them started allowing me to form my own view into our broader operations.

Our house communications were as secure as grandmother and our ancestors could make it.  The ten people that staffed this particular room on a rotating basis were all well known to the organization and conditioned in a manner like the CIs trained by the club.  As part of our security precautions, staff never stood their watches with the same team members twice in a row, and two-person integrity was required to activate the system at the start of each watch.  Every communication was assigned both a unique transmission and receipt code that could be tied to the originator and the staff on watch when it came in.

When I had asked grandmother about our processes, she had cautioned me that the greatest weakness in any security system that connected elsewhere were the people running it.  Adherence to the hard learned lessons of our ancestors was required.  Some of the information our network transmitted was dealing with the top technical minds in the Empire, so our diligence was required.  When I thought about having the power to eliminate the Emperor, I understood why we had to be careful.  If the information we based our decisions on was compromised, the Empire itself could be compromised.

I logged into a supervisory terminal and ran through the traffic that we had received since my last review.  Most of it was routine.  A few items did pique my interest. One was a note on the foreign prince and princess traveling our way.  It appeared they had a discrete security team following them, in addition to the imperial security minders assigned.  That may mean they were more than they appeared.

I flagged that message for my grandmother, along with the report of inquires the two had made about the clubs.  I suspected the trip to Cardino was not a last-minute decision.  They wanted something from us or the clubs.  Interesting.

I finished up my review and double checked the items I had flagged.  They were then loaded onto a secure pad for grandmother along with the clubs operating summary for the day.  I activated the ID lock on the pad and checked its power charge before logging that I had her pad for delivery.

I wished the staff an uneventful watch, and left, carrying the pad with my finger on the fail-safe button.  If I let go of the button before grandmother's biometrics unlocked it, all its contents would be erased.  I'd asked why she did not enable a remote network connection so she could read the messages without the cumbersome hand-delivery process.  She had just smiled and said she wanted the chance to hear my opinions on the contents as she read.  I had found the discipline of the routine to be helpful, forcing me to consider the content and what she would think of it, even if I felt it wasted time.

"Good morning, Cosimo," she said as I knocked and entered her sitting room.  She was already up and dressed for the day, sipping tea before going down for breakfast.

I handed her the pad, ensuring her right thumb was on the small ident reader before releasing the failsafe button.  "Good morning, grandmother.  I think the prince and princess want to meet with you, or whoever they think controls the clubs based on some reported conversations.  They also seem to have a set of minders other than Imperial Security tailing them."

I had learned to lead with what I thought was most important information in the traffic.

She nodded, then looked at the pad to read.  It only took her a moment.

"Yes, but what would they want from the clubs?  The minders have been with them since they arrived in the Empire.  I've got your father back-tracking them.  I suspect they are traders hired for the role by their father but want to confirm that."

I nodded.

"And Cosimo," she said as I turned to leave.  "I'm glad to see your relationship with Samantha is progressing, but let's not mention these details during breakfast."

She was grinning when I looked back.  I should have known that there would be no secrets from her in her own house, or in the city for that matter.

Samantha was just stirring as I got back to my own apartments.  She seemed delightfully relaxed as she stretched her hands above her head and looked at me with a mischievous smile.  She looked delectable in her royal blue silk camisole that clung to her dancer's body in interesting and enticing ways.

"Good morning, love," she said as I stood staring.  "What had you up so early?"

I shook my head, crossed the room to lean over and give her a quick kiss.

"Just morning work routine," I said.  "Since getting off the day manager shift, I'm expected to take care of a few business items first thing every morning for grandmother.  I didn't want to disturb you."

"You didn't," she said as she threw back the covers and showed off her well-toned legs.  Impulsively, I dropped my head and kissed the inside of her knee.

"None of that, now sir," she said with a smirk.  "I'm not that sort of girl!"

I laughed.  "You spent the night in my bed, I'm pretty certain you are that sort of girl, but we'll both abide by the boundaries you've set.  We've got about thirty minutes before breakfast, so we should both get cleaned up.  Grandmother knows you spent the night here, by the way."

"You told her?"  There was concern and maybe a little fear in her voice.

"She told me.  You should know she is all seeing and all knowing about things that happen in her house and within Cardino.  It would be silly to deny or try to hide it."

"In that case, we should give her something to gossip about then," Samantha said as she climbed out of bed and headed for the bathroom.

I wasn't sure what etiquette applied when you declared you loved someone, slept in the same bed as them, but had not really slept with them yet.  I decided I needed to have some sense of control in my own home.

"Ten," I called for the girl I knew was waiting just outside the bedroom.  "Can you assist the lady once I finish my shower?"

"Of course, master," she said as she came into sight.  I tossed the casual clothes I had pulled on for my morning chore into the hamper and stepped into the shower.  Eleven was close behind me, already lathering a large sponge with soap as I wetted my hair.  A blue draped figure stopped outside the glass wall a few minutes later, transformed into a shapely skin-colored outline and then flipped her long hair up and tucked it into a cap before stepping around the glazed partition and into the large shower.

I could not help but stare once again.  She was incredibly beautiful and clearly uninhibited in showing me her body, even if she was not planning on having sex.  She took a moment to look me up and down.  She smiled at the compliment starting to rise below my waist.  She stepped in and wrapped her hands around my neck, giving me a full body kiss that curled my toes.

She stepped back, noticed my full erection and grinned.  "I guess you do like me at least a little," she teased.  "Eleven," she said.  "Make sure you take care of your master when he gets home today."

"Of course, Lady," Eleven replied with her own smirk.

I leaned in and gave Samantha one more kiss, then finished rinsing off and stepped from the shower.  Ten was there with a towel to greet me.  A few minutes later, as I was pulling on a pair of loafers, Samantha was sitting before the mirror, naked but mostly dried while Ten brushed out her long lustrous locks and Eleven fetched her small makeup bag.

I stepped behind her, pushing Ten aside and leaned down to kiss the nape of her neck and along one collarbone.  She sighed and leaned back as she looked into my eyes through the mirror.  I delicately traced my fingertips down her arms and then hugged her while teasing her nipples with the lightest touch.  She turned her head and kissed me, her eyes now filled with lust.

"We need to head out in five minutes," I said and gently tweaked her nipples.

"Cosimo!" she shrieked, and I backed away.

"Turnabout is fair play, milady."

She laughed and then shooed me along.  I went to the kitchen for a cup of coffee before we left.  I knew we had about three times as long as I had told Samantha.

We made it to the dining room with two minutes to spare.  Samantha was in a very fetching blue sundress, the same royal blue as her camisole had been, and low heels.  She had the lightest touch of makeup, highlighting her eyes and lips, but not hiding her beauty.  Grandmother greeted her warmly, as if she had just arrived.

"It must have been a beautiful day for a stroll over this morning," grandmother teased.

Samantha was having none of that.  "It looked nice from the balcony, but I haven't yet been outside," she replied.

Grandmother laughed.  "Good for you, girl.  Don't let gossips like me ever get the upper hand.  Well played."

Samantha grinned and then I seated them both.  Once coffee or tea was poured and breakfast was ordered, grandmother jumped right into the topic at hand.

"The Prince and Princess of the Kingdom in the Clouds, son and daughter of the King in the Clouds, will be visiting Cardino for four nights, arriving in two days.  They are hosted by the Architect's and Builder's Guild and are ostensibly visiting to get Master Ongaro's opinion on the construction of a new royal residence in the kingdom.  They have also sent a request to Master Geraldo as the general manager of the club here to meet with someone about possibly purchasing some club trained criminal indentures."

I quirked an eyebrow at grandmother.  That had not been in the morning message traffic.

"Samantha dear, would you like any assistance in hosting a dinner party for them the day after they arrive?" she asked smoothly.

"I'd be happy to assist you, Lady Rheingold," she replied.  "I think it may make more sense for you to host the dinner, given the local business interests."

"Nonsense," grandmother countered.  "You are much closer to their age, and a member of the aristocracy.  They are royalty, even if it is from a relatively small state outside the empire's direct sphere of influence.  You are a more appropriate hostess."

"But you're...." she stopped herself.

"I meant to say, you play a much larger role locally than I do.  I'm just the third daughter of a Senator."

"Never apply the title 'just' to yourself dear.  No other senator or their direct family is in Cardino now.  It is your right and your duty to be hostess, and I and Cosimo will support you however we may."

Samantha beamed at the compliment my grandmother was paying her.  "As you wish," she finally said.

"Excellent.  Now, what can we do to help?  How big of an affair do you want?  Is it to be social or a mix of business?"

"I'd suggest a social focus," I volunteered.  Two sets of eyes swiveled to look at me.  I had groused enough about the silly social season that I understood their surprise. "They have spent how long in the Capital talking business?" I asked.  "The train from the capital will arrive around sixteen on the day after tomorrow, so they'll have all of the following day to talk business if they need too.  They'll be ready for a little break by the time you have the party.  Make it a social event," I concluded.

"It will have to be relatively small then," Samantha said after nodding at me and returning her attention to grandmother.  "We don't have enough time to make it a large affair.  Do we know their ages?"

"Eighteen," grandmother replied.  "They are twins.  They've told people the trip was a gift from their father, and they wanted to see if they could get some imperial assistance in building and staffing their home."

I played a supporting role for the remainder of breakfast, offering a couple of suggestions for the guest list, including the suggestion to invite Cynthia Toscano, who was even closer to their age.

As breakfast was finished, it seemed that Samantha had a plan, and I had a to-do list to help her.  Grandmother reminded me that today was my day off, so I should take care of everything I could before getting back to work on Eighth Day.  I escorted Samantha home, promising to send Twelve over with her bag and to assist in any way needed and then got on to my appointed chores.

By the time I returned home in the late afternoon, I was tired from running errands and hand delivering invites to a small dinner for twelve.  I thought of Samantha's command to Elven with a smile only to be met by Devon on the stairs.

"Grandmother?" I asked.  He nodded, and I followed him to her office.

"Cosimo, Devon has finally gained a lead in Romanifo on those scientists," she said without preamble.  "They arrived from the Free Cities and sailed back two days after the meeting with Muskeleon and the other conspirators.  One of them just arrived back in Romanifo but is staying in the free port section of the city, so ImpSec can't nab them."

"ImpSec?  When did we start involving them?" I asked.

"We had to get some cooperation to trace their movements last time they were in the empire.  Now that we have proof, they are conducting research and possibly creating proscribed technology outside the empire, we must involve security, and if we catch them, the judiciary."

"Edict Eighteen," I said.

Devon nodded.  "'No city, state, organization, or individual shall trade with parties outside the empire in technology relating to energy generation, computers, telecommunications, or medical technology, or any other technology, knowledge or device proscribed by a Ministry of Commerce.'" he quoted.  "If they are making a longevity treatment outside the empire, with knowledge originally developed here, they are breaking imperial law.  If they knew of the purpose behind their work, they are guilty of treason as well."

"If they're in the free port of Romanifo, how do we get them?"  I asked.

"We have ways," Devon said without elaboration, "But I think we would be better getting eyes on them to follow and find the others.  My contact is trying to find out what they're doing and will alert me if they book passage or leave the free port."

"That makes sense.  Why the urgent update?" I asked.  It had been a long day.

"I have a suspicious nature," grandmother said.  "I find the coincidence that we have royal visitors who will travel from the empire to the Free Cities in a few days and at the same time we have a member of the cabal show up in Romanifo when those visitors will be transiting through that same free port."

"And the unknown minders our royal visitors have," I added.

"Yes."  Grandmother quickly filled Devon in.  "I don't want to grab the watchers yet," she said.  "I think we should grab them as soon as the royals enter the free port, though.  ImpSec will stop providing protection at the gates to the free port.  They will be the port master's responsibility then.  We can grab the watchers and have some agents planted on their return ship as well to see if our doctor contacts them."

"It seems a bit of a stretch," I said.  "Would this king send his twin children to the empire to meet potential traitors?  What would they be seeking to gain?"

"Don't prescribe our values to a foreign monarch, Cosimo," grandmother said.  "Remember they don't have the advantages we do.  By the time these kids are this age, they should be married off for the good of the kingdom, especially if they are the line of succession.  Even with excellent care and hygiene, most people outside the empire will only live to fifty or sixty years old.  By the age of eighteen, they are well into their majority.  We need a complete report on what is known about the Kingdom in the Clouds.  These two may not even be in the line for succession, which would make them very valuable pawns," she said.

She paused to think.

"Cosimo, I want you up at the library tomorrow. Educate yourself on everything you can regarding the Free Cities and their relationship with this kingdom. Devon, contact ImpSec to get whatever they're willing to release.  I'll call in a couple of other favors.  Cosimo, your girlfriend's dinner party just became much more interesting to the Empire.  You need to get as close to these royals as you can, without alerting them to your interest.  Devon, I want eyes on their watchers as soon as they reach town.  There is a mystery here, and I want us to sort it out before it slips by."

Devon and I both nodded.



"It was nice of you and Lady Samantha to invite my brother and I for dinner with more people our age," Princess Emma said as I seated myself next to her.  Samantha was next to her brother, Prince Ethan, at the opposite end of the table.  Emma was a strikingly attractive young woman, with delicate features.  Her blue eyes were piercing.  She carried herself erectly, always standing or sitting straight as if making up for her petite stature.  It was clear she was used to being at or near the center of attention.  Her brother was larger, full of life and laughter with a boyish air.  They were both very likable.

"Samantha was happy to arrange it.  We attend school with most of the guests and thought you might want a little reprieve from formal functions and trade discussions."

Her smile was enchanting.  "We do.  At least I do.  Can you tell me more about your school?  I never thought to ask to visit a school in the Capital."

"Of course," I said.  "We're all at the collegium which is a school of higher learning.  Most people attend the public academies when they are younger, and then enter the collegium, one of the guild schools, or an academy of the arts if they are so inclined."

"What is the difference and does everyone go to one or the other?"  I could tell she was genuinely interested.

"The junior academies are required for all subjects of the empire to attend starting at five and going until they are at least fifteen, or formally apprenticed in a craft.  All subjects receive a foundational education in reading, writing, speech, mathematics, mechanics, logic, biology, fitness, the fine arts, and civics.  This is deemed the minimum knowledge required to be a productive subject of the empire.  Many of us take additional courses at what is called the senior academies.  This gives us stronger foundations in the core subjects and prepares us for advanced study."

She shook her head slightly.  "Your basic education is more than anyone except the nobility receives in our father's kingdom.  Why do you insist on such a standard?"

Obviously, she had received at least as much of an education.

"To participate in the plebiscite and contribute to the empire, it's felt that is the minimum level of knowledge needed.  Our people need to be able to read, understand, and ask meaningful questions to perform their roles in society.  They need at least basic mathematic skills to handle their own or their family finances.  They must understand how to question and articulate positions for civic discourse, and we believe a healthy body and mind make for happier people.  Even an unskilled person needs to be able to interact with society at large."

"We have less than a ten percent literacy rate in the Kingdom," she admitted.  "Mother insisted on our education, and most nobles have similar views, but they view it as a distraction for our commoners," she said.

I wasn't sure how to put my thoughts, so instead asked, "And what do you believe?"

She considered my question.  "I think education is feared, since an educated populace is more likely to challenge rules and direction from the nobles.  My family owns the country and exchanges the land for fealty from the other nobles.  That fealty lets the king and his advisor set the agenda for the country.  The people that actually do the work would question those same nobles if they were educated."

It was my turn to shake my head.  "But it also prevents them from engaging their own creativity and drive to accomplish more in their lives.  Here, a common subject is limited only by his or her own drive and work.  They can rise to be a high guilder if they apply themselves.  Master Toscano, Cynthia's father is an example of that," I said to draw my other dinner companion into the conversation.

Cynthia, sitting to my left, nodded.  "Father is always driving me to learn more and explore more, to find my passion and pursue it.  He loves to tell the story of being raised on a vineyard and realizing what he learned in his basic science classes explained how the vines grew and why the grapes were sweet.  That led him to ask how fruit was turned into alcohol.  That was the start of his journey to his guild and reaching high guild status.  Now, the future emperor knows his name, his wine, and his craft.  That came from his education and own drive," she concluded proudly.

Emma looked at Cynthia for a moment.  "I'd like to hear more and see more as well.  Tell me about your own path," she said to Cynthia.

"I did well in the junior academies and found I enjoyed painting.  Father insists I spend at least two years in the collegium honing my ability to manage a household or business but has agreed that I can pursue art as well. He made a strong enough case that I came to agree with him, even though I could strike out on my own now that I'm eighteen. I’m hoping to be accepted into the Academy of Visual Arts in San Mateo after next year.  I know the life of an artist is difficult, but I want to try.  If I don't succeed, I'll have enough knowledge to support myself in a business management role."

"What of marriage and a family?" Emma asked.

"In time, I'll find the right person," Cynthia said confidently.  "If it happens soon, I'll know how to run a household and look after a family.  How are things done in your kingdom, princess?"

For the first time this evening, her pleasant smile faded.  "My brother will be betrothed upon our return to our Kingdom.  I suspect mother and father are deciding now.  Once he is married, most likely in the spring, I'll be matched to one of my father's nobles and married off as well."

Cynthia and I could see the displeasure her fate created.

"There's no one you would wish to marry?" Cynthia asked.  "I mean, surly your parents will at least consider your feelings, won't they?"

A cold smile returned to her.  "I've always known this was my fate.  People outside your empire don't have as easy a time in life as you seem to enjoy.  Don't dwell on it," she added.  "I try not to."

Soup was served, giving us a pause in the conversation.  After we all tasted the thick broth, Princess Emma spoke once more.  "I'd like to see your school," she said.

"I'm sure Hiro could bring you there tomorrow," I relied.  "I doubt you'd want to sit in my chemistry class."

"No," she shook her head. "I meant one of your junior academies.  I'm sure even my education would not let me understand your more advanced subjects.  I'd like to see how you educate your younger population."

I thought for a moment and then nodded.  "I think we could show you the local school in the morning.  Would your brother be interested as well?"

She glanced at the far end of the table then looked back at me.  "No, I don't think he would care."

There was more left unsaid, based on her tone.

"So, what's it like traveling the world?" Cynthia asked.  "I mean, I've only been on the train to San Mateo once, with mother to go shopping before the high season this year."

Emma gave a small, fleeting frown.

"Traveling from the Free Cities to Romanifo was an experience, but even it hardly prepared me for your trains.  After the nearly two weeks on the road from our kingdom to the Free Cities, I thought the inn we stayed in before boarding was heavenly.  Then the ship was even more luxurious.  But your train from Romanifo to the Capital was a wonder."

"Tell me about the Free Cities," Cynthia insisted.  "I've heard of them but can scarcely imagine them."

"For me, it was more of the same of what I grew up with, only dirtier and more crowded.  The air can get foul, depending on the breeze and where you are, since they seem to like having their smithies and brewing plants near the harbor.  But our inn was clean and pleasant with excellent food and a bath house in an enclosed garden.  I had never imagined such luxury in an inn.  Of course, your clubs here make it seem a hovel now.  Master Ongaro's home is as luxurious as that inn."

The next course was served, and then Cynthia shifted the conversation once again.  "So, shopping in the Capital must have been exciting," she said.

Emma nodded and smiled once more.  This one reached her eyes.  "I did enjoy myself.  Seeing the latest fashions here has been eye opening.  I had several dresses made for me, including this one," she said.  She was wearing a striking blue dress with a cinched waistline and a cluster of pearls on the single shoulder strap.  A delicate silver necklace with diamond earrings and a small tiara completed her look.

"I was amazed that the fitting and finish of the dress only took a day," Emma continued.  "Actually, all of the adjustments for all I bought only took two days, which is unheard of at home or even in the Free Cities.  Your machines make you all so much faster."

"What else did you buy?" I asked, wanting to avoid her thinking about the relative situations between the Empire and the rest of the world again.

"I purchased several travel outfits and accessories.  It will be getting quite cold by the time we get home, so I wanted to be prepared for that season on the road."

"Oh?  How cold does your kingdom get?" Cynthia asked.

"It will likely be snowing in the high passes by the time we get home.  Before the winter solstice, most of our kingdom will be covered in snow.  Travel even within our borders will virtually stop, except for my father's mountain patrols."

Cynthia shivered dramatically.  "I can't imagine living in snow for a season.  Here, it rains and gets cool enough that we don't want to linger outside much, but I've never heard of it snowing."

"If you're dressed for it, it can be fun," I said.  "You should try skiing sometime, Cynthia."

The younger lady shook her head.  "No thanks.  I've tried water skiing and did not enjoy it."

"That's totally different," I said.  "Even if you don't like the actual skiing, the mountains in the winter can be very picturesque.  You should visit them sometime."

She smiled at me and batted her eyes.  "Are you inviting me on a trip, Cosimo?  I'm sure Samantha would have some objections, even if my mother and father did not."

I laughed.  Princess Emma looked confused when Cynthia joined in.

Cynthia saw her look.  "Cosimo here is quite the catch, and Samantha seems to be the lady he's decided to let catch him," she said before launching into an abbreviated description of the high season.  That led to other questions from Emma about our social customs, and a vivid description of some of the parties, from Cynthia's perspective.

By the time dinner was finished, I was not certain I had been at the same high season Cynthia talked about.  Her perspective was both broader and much narrower than mine, focused as it was on the goings on of the first-time participants from the city's high guild families.

We adjourned from the table and coffee was served in the library overlooking the harbor. "What has surprised you most about the empire?" I asked as we sat in a pair of comfortable chairs separate from most of the others.

"The dichotomies of your technology, I think," she said after taking the first sip of her drink.

"How so?"

"You have screens and pads capable of holding complete libraries but spend a day traveling to cross your continent rather than use the technology when you need to meet, even though we've been told it's possible.  You can travel that distance in a day or less but use sailing and steam ships to visit the Free Cities for trade.  You can build fabulous towers of glass and steel, but make your smaller cities look like something my own people could build.  It's as if you want to hold yourselves back," she said.

"We do hold ourselves back.  How much of our history do you know?"

"The history of the empire?  Not much, I guess.  You've always been either a threat or a promised land to our people.  In the Free Cities, they seem to love your goods and hate your people for not being more open with your technology.  Everyone seems to think of the contradictions you present."

I nodded.  "We're taught that when mankind came to this world, they were fleeing even more advanced technology that our ancestors had created and abused.  Many of the people wanted a simpler life and so chose to renounce most technology.  A few chose to keep the technology but limit its usage to prevent the problems they had fled.  The very first emperor and senate passed several edicts in the Imperial Constitution to prohibit that technology."

"The port master went over them, since we are expected to abide by imperial law while here," she said.  Then she snorted.  "Like we have the knowledge to make machines capable of thinking or reproducing themselves."

"That's only edict one," I said.  "Edicts two and three are just as important to answer your questions.  The edicts prevent creation of the sorts of data networks that would allow a machine intelligence to influence mankind.  Evidently, our ancient ancestors created artificial intelligences and allowed access to global data and communication networks which gave the machines the ability to influence men and track the effectiveness of their subversive efforts.  We're taught that the first three edicts are about preventing us from treading that path once again."

She looked doubtful.  "How could a machine influence people with access to such tools?"

"They weren't machines like a ship or a train," I said.  "They were intelligences that could create messages and pictures that looked fully real.  People would see the messages or images and believe them.  If enough people saw them and then acted, the data networks tracked their reaction and knew the tactic was working.  They could then send more messages to more people and get a stronger reaction.  Eventually, these false narratives create such fragmentation of the populace that civil war broke out.  Since the machines were so intelligent, one side added them to their defensive forces.  The other side figured out how to make the machines make more of themselves.  Once the two machine factions combined, the end of mankind on the world was ordained.  It was that war that drove our ancestors to flee and end up here."

"I don't think just having communications like that could cause harm," she insisted.  "How could being able to send messages or talk across the empire do something bad?"

We had discussed this from a theoretical perspective in one of my classes, but I wasn't sure she would believe me.  I thought about the information I had gleaned from the library.

"You said the Kingdom in the Clouds will be snowbound by mid-winter, right?"

She nodded.

"Suppose all the nobles received a message from you father that they were to assemble all able-bodied men to march to the western pass fortresses as soon as possible to prevent an invasion.  Would they, do it?"

"If father commanded it, then yes," she said.

"And with your short growing season, if all the men were on the move west when spring broke, what sort of crops would you have at harvest?"

She considered her answer.  "We would have to buy more from the Free Cities to survive."

"Which would mean?" I asked.

"Our reserves would become depleted.  The Free Cities would press their claim to absorb us."

"Now, what would happen if every noble except your father got that message and believed it was real?  What would your father do when he got reports his nobles were assembling for no reason?"

"His guard would be up, but he would send patrols out and find out why they were assembling."

"Would he?  What if he just used his communications network to ask?"

Her eyes widened.  "If the messages to assemble were false, nothing would ensure the answers he got were not false as well.  I think I begin to see.  Surely there is a way to verify the messages."

"There are, but they require painstaking details be tracked or calculated.  Just the sort of thing that is often automated using similar machines.  The chain of trust is very fragile when it comes to dealing with such secrets.  That is what our third edict is intended to address.  No contract or agreement can be ratified over our communications networks; they must be agreed to in person."

She was quiet for a moment, thinking.

"Okay, but why the old architecture and building styles?  Why the archaic travel to our coastal neighbors?"

"Your people, your ancestors, did not want the technology.  We travel in lower technology transport to respect your ancestor's wishes.  We honor our own builders and heritage with our architecture. I think Cardino is much nicer with its stone paved streets and traditional architecture.  The capital is all polish and glamour, but here feels warmer and welcoming, don't you think?"

She looked at me and then smiled.  "I do feel more welcome here, Cosimo.  Thank you."

We sipped our drinks in companionable silence for a few minutes and then Ethan stood and announced it was time to be returning to Master Ongaro's.  I joined Samantha in wishing them all a good night and seeing them to the entry way of her home, standing by her side with my arm around her waist.  Once all the guests were safely way, she hugged me and gave me a passionate kiss.

"Thank you for all your support in this, Cosimo," she said once our lips parted.

"It was my pleasure, love," I said followed by a quick kiss.  "It looks like I'm volunteered to escort Princess Emma to the junior academy tomorrow.  Would you care to join us?"  I asked as we turned back to the sitting room off the entryway.

Samantha sighed.  "I wish I could, but I need to attend lectures tomorrow.  At least I won't have to tolerate more of Ethan's stares and leers," she added.

"Problems?"

She shook her head.  "He's just a little juvenile and full of himself.  You get the impression that he does not get told 'no' very often, especially by women.  He's cute," she darted a glance at me, "But, superficial.  I would not want to be alone with him," she concluded.

I lifted her fingers to my lips and kissed them softly.  "Then you won't be alone with him, so long as I can prevent it."



Into Autumn (part 2)





Princess Emma was surprised to see the open pavilion area with the children sitting in mixed groups. "This does not look like any classroom I've ever imagined," she said.

I nodded. "This is the morning assembly. Once children demonstrate the basics of reading, writing, and math, they are moved out from the classrooms and into learning groups. Today is a mix-day, with groups formed from all age levels. Tomorrow is an age-group day where they will be in their year groupings, and then they'll have a gender-day where girls and boys will be grouped for activities. The academy meets for seven out of ten days. The groupings are rotated to create different opportunities for interaction, learning, and teaching. For today, The older children have been given the objectives for the day, and will ensure the discussions are held and the scheduled activities are completed. The instructors," I pointed at several adults circulating in the pavilion, "will monitor groups to ensure things are on track."

"That seems strange," she said. "My tutors were all much older and I was forced to learn and repeat what was taught. I only had a handful of times I was with other children." There was a hint of sadness in her voice.

"We do that for the youngsters, but once they reach a certain point, where they can articulate their thoughts effectively, we move them into groups like this. The older children are given responsibility to the younger ones. In turn, they have to be able to explain what they learned when they were at this stage, which reinforces their own understanding. If they realize they can't explain it adequately, they ask an instructor to help." I saw a teenage girl motion to one of the instructors and pointed it out to Emma.

The instructor listened, and then sat down with the group. Soon he was pointing at different students and asking them clarifying questions until heads started to nod. The girl that originally summoned the instructor was listening intently, nodding as well. Once all the children were nodding, the instructor turned the group back over to the young girl. All of them pulled out small tablets and began writing notes.

"But, they just talked," Emma said. "Do they get tests? Who administers them? I don't understand."

"Tests come later, but not just on random facts or figures. This mixed-group will be together for the entire term. The age and gender groupings get mixed up some over the course of the term. Near the end of the term, each grouping will have projects to work on where everyone has to contribute. They will have to complete the project, as a group, and achieve a passing grade on their overall effort. They will also be graded on individual work and knowledge to pass to the next level. Some will have oral presentations and others will have written work to assess their group and individual scores.

"What sort of projects?" she asked.

I thought back to my own schooling. It was in a different city and part of the empire, but I was certain it was similar to what these kids would face. "The first project I remember in a mixed group was figuring out the fastest way our group could harvest an apple orchard."

"That just sounds like work. You went out to harvest in school? What learning does that give you?" Her voice was incredulous.

"It wasn't just a task, we had to figure out the best way to get the work done. We collected our own data on how fast a tree could be harvested by our group, then took different approaches to working on multiple trees safely with the smaller group members helping steady ladders or pull carts with baskets on them. Once we knew the fastest method we could clear a set of trees, we had to work out how many teams were needed for a single row, then calculate the total orchard size. The older members had to figure out storage and transport costs and then calculate what sort of effort could be done by adults. We then had to write up our recommendation and present it to the owner of the orchard as well as the instructors and the foreman. They gave us feedback and graded our efforts. Applying the logic, math, and communications skills we had learned that term reinforced our learning more than any test."

She frowned, but nodded. "I suppose having to apply what you learn would reinforce the lessons. What if someone doesn't want to participate?"

"Let's ask," I said as the group we were nearest stood up. I caught the eye of one of the older students.

"My friend is from outside the empire, and curious about our schools. Can she ask you some questions?"

The group all nodded and clustered around us. I motioned Emma to speak.

"Cosimo," she said motioning to me, "told me about the type of projects you'll do later this term. What happens if you don't all do your fair share of work?"

A young girl, not the oldest and not the youngest raised her hand. Their leader nodded at her. "If you can't do the work, the group must help you. If you won't do the work, the group will shun you."

Everyone was nodding.

"Shun you?" Emma asked.

The girl nodded. "If you are shunned, you can't participate in the final presentation, and you won't be able to be passed out if the group passes. You don't want to have to go back to a different group and repeat all the lessons for the term. Who would want to do that?"

Emma did not look anymore comfortable with the answer. "Have you ever shunned someone here?" she asked.

Two of the children nodded.

"What happened?" she asked.

"Ionia got shunned last term," a young man said. "She refused to help set the pier, even though she was the one who was in charge of the design and calculations. She just wanted to tell our group what to do, not to help do it. We took the calculations and did the work and got the pier built in the time allowed. When it came time to test the pier and explain what we had done, Giselle tied Ionia up and left her in a classroom while we were graded. She was furious, but since we all agreed to shun her, she had to repeat the term."

"Do you think that was fair?" Emma asked.

Several children snorted or laughed. Finally the first girl raised her hand. The leader nodded again.

"Why do you think the world should be fair?" she asked Emma. "Logically, we know that's a false statement. The world has no obligation to treat you the same way it treats me. You are pretty. I'm not. Should we expect the same man to pay us both the same amount of attention? We are all given the same opportunity here in school. We all have an obligation to make the most of it, if we want to succeed. Ionia did not share that belief, it sounds like. Why is it fair for the group to work hard and she get the same rewards for only working on what she wanted to work on?"

All of their heads were nodding.

"But what if she wasn't able to do the work she was asked to perform?" Emma countered.

The young man spoke up. "She didn't want to get dirty doing the work. Setting the pier had to be done at low tide, and it was messy, hard work. Ionia thought that was beneath her and refused. As a result, we all had to work harder and stay in the cold water longer as we did the work. She was older and could have helped the smaller members by lending a hand. It was no question to anyone that she should be shunned for that attitude."

Emma frowned, but then looked at me before speaking. "Thank you all for explaining this to me. I'm sorry I interrupted your work."

The leader of the group now spoke up. "It's our pleasure. You've let us share some of our group's knowledge with you, and possibly kept some of our newest members from learning a hard lesson as well. When we get to the projects, we all help as best we can, and we all succeed, right?"

Heads nodded.

Emma watched them go as they went on their way toward a different section of the academy.

"That girl was only ten or eleven," she said to me. "I know adults in my father's kingdom that would argue against her and lose. Our serfs all talk about 'fair' treatment from the nobles. Our nobles all talk about my father treating with them fairly, especially if their own failings have put them in a poor situation. Your empire is astounding for the mindset you embrace," she concluded.

"The imperial constitution espouses that subjects of the empire are responsible and accountable for their own actions once they reach adulthood. Children learn at the academy and from their parents, who are accountable for their children's actions as well. Parents mostly ensure children are safe and that the lasting consequences of their choices and behavior are survivable. I remember quite a few lessons that were not enjoyable, but ones I'm unlikely to forget."

Emma shook her head and took my arm as we moved from the pavilion. "I'm not sure I or Ethan would do well here," she said. "Are the children from all classes?"

I nodded. "We don't have a lot of the aristocracy here in Cardino, especially children of those families. This is more a vacation town for the upper class. The normal guild and plebeian families will send their children here. If an Aristocrat family lived here, they might send a child to the junior academy, but would probably move to the capital or San Mateo for their time in a senior academy to ensure they were well prepared for the collegium. High guilder families frequently do the same."

"No boarding schools?" she asked. "Mother always threatened me with a boarding school in the Free Cities when I misbehaved."

"There are some, but I don't know much about them. Our normal junior and senior academies are all I've attended. Since parents are responsible for their children, I'm not sure what sort of arrangements would have to be made for boarding a student away from their family. I'm sure it happens, but I don't know about it. I'm much too young to be concerned about things like that."

She laughed at my words.

We went through the building holding the younger classes, seeing children standing at boards, sitting at desks, and clustered around tables before arriving at the gymnasium.

"The academies don't just focus on student's minds," I said as we stepped into the large covered room with a towering ceiling.

Four mixed groups were there, all in loose fitting shorts and tops. One group was on mats, stretching in unison. Another group was playing a game with a ball and two goal nets, kicking the ball and working on plays to get around the defenders. The third and fourth groups were in a relay race. They were racing the length of the gym, solving a problem on a board, and then racing back.

"Math in the gym?" Emma asked when she saw what they were doing.

"Not just math," I said. An older student arrived at the board and a sentence appeared. He used his fingers to circle a word, then another, before turning and running back to the starting point. The next person had to use the two words in a new sentence.

"Why do that?" Emma asked.

"It reinforces lessons again, while also exercising their bodies. Watch," I commanded. "Their performance level will set their next task."

The next person arrived and read the sentence, then wrote another beneath it. The board cleared suddenly and flashed all blue and a count-down timer appeared. The student ran back to the group and they all raced for the door.

"Where are they going?" Emma asked. I just motioned and we followed them out the door.

They were running down the sloped lawn outside, staying together heading for the cool blue water at the edge of the campus. Emma and I strolled at a more sedate pace. She gave a little gasp of surprise as they reached the pebbled beach and pulled their tops off and shucked their shorts and shoes. Boys and girls hurried into the water and began swimming strongly toward a blue buoy anchored off-shore. One of the older students reached the buoy and held on as the others circled it and headed back to shore. Another older student stayed with the last of the group to ensure everyone was accounted for. The buoy tender resumed swimming when about half the group was past her. She caught the leaders as they reached the shore and waded out.

"She's naked," Emma said with a frown.

"So?" I asked. "The water is warm enough, as is the weather here. All of her group are swimming the same way."

Emma watched another pair of classmates rise, staring intently, but then looking away. This pair had been boys.

The group stood with their backs to us, watching the rest of the group swim to the shore and shouting encouragement. A few of the older children waded back out in the water to help the younger ones manage crossing the light surf zone. Once they were all back on firm land, they grabbed their shoes, pulled them on, and walked back toward us carrying their clothes. They were all talking animatedly and laughing. Emma watched them while trying not to stare.

"They're all going to the sauna now before they dress for lunch and afternoon assignments," a voice said behind us. We turned and saw one of the instructors. "I'm Master Erwine," he said. "I'm one of the heads here at the academy."

I introduced Emma and myself. "I hope us dropping by isn't a problem," I added.

"Not at all. We often have folks drop in, but usually family members who happen to be in the area. Princess Emma, we don't often get people from outside the empire visiting. Would you be willing to talk to some of the students? I'm sure they'd be fascinated to hear about life outside the empire."

Emma blushed. "Thank you, but I don't know that I could share too much. Our worlds are so different."

"All the more reason to share experiences. Please?"

Emma nodded reluctantly.

"Excellent. I promise not to keep you too long, as I'm sure you have other things to do today."

We went with the master, and he arranged a stool in a different pavilion for Emma and groups of students gathered around. She answered questions and asked several of her own for the next hour or so. By the time it was over, I could see she was drained and rescued her.

She held my arm as we left the academy and walked back toward the harbor along the coastal road.

"Did you see all you wanted to at the academy?" I asked.

She nodded, distractedly. Then looked up from the pathway along the road. "It opened my eyes quite a bit," she said.

"Oh? How so?"

"At home, we talk about the evil empire, forcing people to support the emperor," she finally said after walking a short way. "Nothing could be further from the truth, could it?"

"I'm not sure how to answer that," I said. "I don't think the empire is evil, no matter what traditions have been passed down through your people. I also don't believe we are all good. We try to put checks and balances in place to keep us from becoming evil, however."

"I don't mean the political structures, I mean the culture. Most of those children are better educated than our population. If we were faced with a challenge, my people would be the children while yours would be leaders thinking and planning. Do you know the question that I can't stop thinking about?" she asked.

I shook my head. "No, what?"

"A little boy, maybe ten years old asked what made my father a good king and what makes my brother more fit to rule than myself or any other noble in our kingdom.

"I tried to answer it as I have been taught. I said that our tradition is that the eldest child succeeds to the throne and that my brother is the eldest. I tried to justify that he has been trained since birth to understand the nobles and our kingdom. He has travelled with my father over the past three years, learning of our people and their needs. His entire education has been focused on him ruling in the future, but he still has much to learn."

"Was the boy satisfied with that answer?" I asked.

"Not really. I didn't want to tell him what I really thought," she said after a pause. "In truth, I don't think my brother will be a good king when his time comes," she admitted.

"Why's that?"

"I think he's too selfish." She looked at me for a reaction, then continued. "I mean, I love him, and my father, but if there comes a time in the near future when he needed to make a decision that was better for him or better for our people, I know what he would do."

"Isn't that what experience is for? Surely he'll see your father make similar hard decisions and follow that training. Isn't it possible that's why he'll be betrothed once you get home so he will have a wife to temper his impulses? History has told us that having children and wanting a legacy is important for taming man's nature."

"That's just it!" she exclaimed. "You and these children learn from history. We don't. My father is the law in our Kingdom. His nobles may be able to close the passes and have some control over trade inside and outside the kingdom, but he controls our army. The people mostly try to survive. Here, your people can argue with anyone. I could not tell the difference among those students as to to was an aristocrat, a high guilder, or a simple plebe. I know there are class differences, but you all have the same opportunity that we deny everyone at home."

Her cheeks were flushed as she spoke.

"I was shocked by the that one group stripping and swimming all together even though we saw plenty of casual nudity in our travels here. Your comment that about the temperature made me think more critically. Yes, it's colder at home, but the real difference is that your culture demands people be accountable for their own actions and equips them for that. At home, girls would be afraid, since running around naked would lead to rape, pregnancy, and possibly becoming outcast by their family. Boys would think nothing of it, except bragging to their friends. Eventually, if they developed a taste for it, they might have to live with the consequences of their actions, but most likely not for several years. That's why I am never alone with a group of boys or men at home. My father's word is law, but there are words he doesn't even know to speak!"

I thought about her words. I knew there was truth in them, but I also knew that she was forming an idolized view of our own society.

"We're far from perfect, Emma," I said. "We have our own classes of users and abusers. Our laws try to hold them accountable, but even still we have people who think only of themselves." I went on to tell her a little about the plot against the emperor hatched by vain-glory men who thought they deserved more.

"In the end, none of our laws or culture stopped them from trying to dominate and set themselves above others. The result was hundreds of their household members, mothers, daughters, sons, being placed in indentures."

"They are still alive," Emma countered. "At home, anyone who plotted treason would be killed, along with their families. I've seen your indetures here and in the capital. Even they live better lives than most of my people."

"What would you have me do?" I asked softly. I had thought a trip to the academy was a simple curtesy. It had taken on much greater meaning for Emma.

"The history I've been taught is that we stood apart from the empire when we came to this world centuries ago. My distant ancestors staked a claim to the high meadows that formed our kingdom and sought to live in harmony with nature and one another. Peace was the path we were supposed to pursue, but that turned into isolationist thinking when we were attacked for the minerals available in our lands. Only a century ago did my great grandfather block the Free Cities from annexing us and the Gannonex from conquering us for the gold and minerals in our hills. Father decided that we had to trade for stronger fortunes and convinced his father. He was betrothed to my mother, and she's the one who insisted my brother and I receive the best education in our country and made sure we both came on this journey. She's the one that warns me that we can't ignore our history unless we want to fall to the same perils, but we only know scraps of the history that matters. Those children have a better grasp of the perils we face than I do, and I'm one of the best and brightest in my father's kingdom. When I return home, I'm damned to become a pawn to politics, regardless of what my mother and father want! What I would have you do, Cosimo, is keep me here. Keep me from my fate."

"That is something, I can't do, Emma. But there may be something to be done to help you."



"Cosimo, what have you done?" Grandmother asked as we sat alone in her office.

"I simply gave Emma a chance to have a modicum of control in her own life, grandmother."

She tsked at me and shook her head. "You may have signed a death warrant for her, Cosimo. She'll be married soon after arriving home. A two year birth control shot could mean her husband believes her to be infertile. Depending on his station, he could beat her or divorce her, or take some more extreme measure to secure his own line. Their culture is not ours! You had no right to interfere."

"Grandmother, she is terrified of walking alone amongst men of her father's kingdom. All I did was give her a small peace of mind that if she is attacked or raped, she won't become pregnant."

"But you used the club to give her that. What if we are accused of damaging her? Her father may feel we have taken something from him and use that as leverage. I just spent the afternoon saying no to her brother a hundred times, so this gives them a reason to ask again."

"Ask for what?" I asked. I had heard that Ethan had met with Master Geraldo and grandmother while Emma and I were touring the academy.

"They want trade with the empire. The have negotiated some contracts for rare minerals our electronics industry needs, but want more. They want an embassy and a club to anchor the far end of the trade route in their kingdom."

"A club? That seems ambitious," I said.

"What they really want is to add slaves to the trade mix. Somehow, because of our training and the value of our club-trained indentures, they thought we would traffic in lives with them."

"That seems vile," I replied.

"Look at it from their viewpoint, Cosimo. They don't really recognize the difference between our indentures and slaves as many nations outside the empire practice it. To Ethan, he sees cleaner, better behaved versions of what he considers slaves, and assumes that is all they are." She paused with a sigh. "What's done is done. They have only two more days here. Let's see if they do ask once again, and if they do, we'll worry about it then."

I sat still, thinking.

"Would our house benefit from having business relationships outside the empire?" I finally asked.

Grandmother looked at me. "What do you think?"

"These scientists from Muskeleon," I said. "If we had eyes and ears outside the empire, we would likely know where they are already. If Muskeleon could hatch a plot to work on foreign soil, I'm sure others can reach the same conclusion."

Grandmother stared at me for a moment, looking as if I had said something incredibly offensive or something very clever. Finally, "If we were to establish such a presence, how would you go about it?" she asked.

That was a preview of Families Of The Empire Book 2. To read the rest purchase the book.

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