Chapter ten: the next day

"Come on Kara," Joseph led her to the courtroom. "Oh no you don't," she struggled to get out of his grip. "I know what's going to happen next you're gonna want me to solve all of life's little problems for these people. Well think again busta' I have my own little life problem to face here," Joseph's grip tightened around her wrist. He was enjoying this. She refused to accept her birthright and that was fine but no one said she couldn't be force onto it. She wore silky maroon gown with gold trimming. Upon her soft brown hair was a gold tiara. She barely noticed it when Joseph slipped it on. She fought as hard as she could but the old man was too strong for her. It was just like when she was a child back in the days Joseph missed.

"You know I can hurt you," she threatened through her teeth still struggling. "Oh I bet you could," he paused to stop. "I urge you to try and hurt me, your highness." "Oh okay but records show you said it not me," with that Kara gathered the electrical current flowing freely through her body and released it shocking the old monk. He let go of her and she made a break for it. Before she could acknowledge what just happened she hit a clear wall that appeared out of nowhere. She fell back as the monk laughed hysterically behind her. He came up to her holding out his hand. "Your not the only one with powers, Princess," She looked at his hand as if it was a viper ready to attack. She timidly placed her hand in his. He pulled her up and quickly continued.

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The courtroom was packed with people from places near and far. Harper felt out of place. He was dressed as a king and everyone around him seemed like they were. His shipmates were standing next to him looking like they belonged even Trance who was thrilled to be in the room with royalty. Beka, Rommie, Tyr, Jolee, and Cole joined them and were filled in on everything that had happened. Greta was nowhere to be found.

"Hey chill it's gonna be okay," Jolee whispered into his ear. "Huh?" "Your hands they're shaking and you're sweating even though the climate is not anywhere near hot," she laughed. "Oh okay, sorry I guess." Hush fell over the crowd as Kara entered. Harper felt as if it were the first time he laid eyes on her. "I don't like this," She whispered to Joseph. "Sorry Princess but it is your birthright."

"Princess Kara!" a shout broke the silence. Kara turned toward the crowd. A man pushed through the gathering to get to the front. He burst out of the front line falling to his knees. "Your highness I was sent to deliver this message from Alaba," He handed her a scroll. Kara took it with great concern. Harper ran to her side as she opened it to read. "What is it?" He asked noticing the tears forming in her eyes. "It's a declaration of war Shay, He's not gonna give up Orion without a fight." "Then we fight."