candle in the window

Thank you all for your support. I hope you continue to enjoy my writing. I put a lot of myself into these chapters and appreciate positive reviews. PLEASE REVIEW!!!! (To the person who gave me the constructive criticism. Thank you for you input. I did notice that many of my chapters are plagued with errors. While I have no intention of correcting the chapters I've already posted, I'll keep your advice in mind in the future. Thanks again!)

Chapter 34

"Oh, these dresses are so cumbersome." Lady Raseleane pulled the bodice into place over her supple skin.

"But they are beautiful." Minna called from the other room. "Are you sure you don't want me to help. It is my job as..."

"I'm fine, thank you." She called back, interrupting the silver haired girl. "I just want to do it myself, as much as I can, I mean. I'll need your help lacing it up though."

"Yes, your majesty." she bowed out to habit more than anything.

(Demon speaking through telepathy)

(She's hiding something.)

"What?" she spoke out loud but just below a whisper.

(Look in on her.)

"I can't, she forbade me from..."

(I'm your master now!) The creature hissed. Minna felt a sudden tightening around her throat. She held her neck and gasped for breath.

(Do as you are told!)

"Y-yes." The silver haired girl managed, finally being released from her torture.

She walked slowly over to the doorway, suppressing her feelings of guilt and disloyalty. She convinced herself that nothing the queen would be doing with her dress could possibly help a demon's ambitions. A violet eye peered around the corner and saw her majesty slipping an arm into one sleeve. The girl gasped and jumped back, bumping a decorative table. A small glass globe fell off of it's stand and rang out as it struck a metal sculpture beside it. The girl gasped again, grabbed the globe then froze, waiting to see how much the queen noticed.

"Is everything alright in there?" Raseleane asked.

"Y-yes." the girl stuttered. "I was just, uh, dusting and, um," she put the globe back. "I'm just so clumsy. Ha ha ha. But no harm done. Ha ha ha."

"Be careful next time." She could hear a smile in her majesty's voice.

"Yes, ma'am." she barely answered, releasing her held breath.

(What was that?) the demon sounded intrigued.

"She, uh, must have fallen and bruised her arms." the silver haired dragon clumsily made excuses.

(In hand patterns? On both arms?!)

"There's so much going on. She probably doesn't want anyone to get the wrong idea." Minna's hands shook nervously, hoping the demon would just accept her excuses.

(Secrets have scandalous consequences, my dear. Remember that. Now think girl! What did she do before she gave you these new orders, not to look on her.)

"Uh, um, she was doing some counted cross stitch," she thought back, "reading, writing poems, and trying to help me win Kai-Ster-" Her violet eyes grew wide, making a connection she hadn't intended to.

(What is it?)

"Nothing." her eyes hid behind silver bangs.

(Spit it out girl.) the creature seemed to growl.

"Minna, I'm ready for your help." Raseleane called from her dressing room.

"Her majesty needs me." A smirk touched Minna's lips as she added a pinch of sarcasm to her voice. "And I have to keep up appearances don't I?"

(Defiant little...) the demon growled in her mind.

A moment later...

"Thank you." Raseleane spread her arms while looking in the mirror.

"Uh..." The young dragon maid was concerned about her majesty. She had been her hand maid for years now and they had become close friends. Why would she hide something like this? "It's a sunny day again today. It's probably going to be warm. Why not choose shorter sleeves?"

"Oh, well." Her majesty wasn't particularly nervous about the question.

"I'm wearing this dress for a very special reason. I want to ask Lykouleon to let me attend the festival of twelve this year."

"The festival?" Minna's brow wrinkled. "But you always attend the tribute ceremonies and some of the meetings and what of the balls? There's not time to..."

"Just for one year, I'd like to spend some time with the people not just their leaders and the leader's wives. I hate to say it but many of them are very dull. But I guess that can't be helped."

"But it's so important that you are there to support his majesty." The violet eyed girl urged her.

"Lykouleon can make excuses and it's not like I'm going to miss every function." Raseleane explained, "I just want to go out a little. It doesn't mean I'm abandoning him. Besides..." it was barely noticeable but, her shoulders seemed to slump a bit and the look in her eyes found a far off focus. "I get the feeling he's been avoiding me."

"Lord Lykouleon? That can't be true. I know he loves you more than anything. Everyone can see that."

"Oh, I know that." she smiled tucking her hands behind her back. "I just think he's working through something right now and I am too. It's alright. Some times we each need a little space. It's not like we see each other every day anyway. Being married to the lord of Duces isn't like being married to a normal man. We each have obligations and standards of conduct that must be observed constantly and..." She sighed. "Sometimes it's a little tiring. I'd love to take a vacation and the festival is a perfect excuse. Don't you think?" She winked at the young girl.

"Y-yes." Minna tried to be as supportive as possible. Unfortunately, she wasn't sure if this behavior was aided the demon's suspicions or her own theories about the terrible bruises on her majesty's arms.

"I think he'll agree." The dark-red haired queen walked to the door way of her dressing room. "Oh!" Raseleane paused glancing at a vase of flowers. "Minna. Could you give those flowers to Kai-Stern? I want him to see them before they all bloom."

"Before they bloom?" Violet eyes looked at the multitude of shapes, sizes and colors of the budding plants.

"Yes." she nodded. "Part of the charm of such a bouquet is the flowers before they bloom, the transition and full bloom. I'm not sure how long it might be before I get the chance to visit Kai-Stern so could you deliver them for me?"

"Of course." She bowed obediently. The vase was heavier than she first imagined. Her arms were tested as she walked down the hall. She struggled against the weight of the cumbersome object, steadily making her way to the infirmary. "I think..." she felt the vase slipping in her hands. "I need help." She noticed Lord Lykouleon walking down an intersecting hall at the end of this one. "Lord...!" She called, his being a good distance away she made sure to shout, only to suddenly feel the constricting punishment of the demon around her throat.

(You fool! Never allow the dragon lord to come near you!)

"But..." The vase was still slipping and she couldn't breath very well.

"Ah..." Her hands seemed to let go as the heavy vase took gravity's invitation.

"Oops." Two strong arms caught her hands around the vase just as it started to fall.

"Devlin." She could breath again once the demon let go.

"M-may I h-help you?" His cheeks were burning and his expression hid behind black bangs.

"Uh," she was grateful for his help but his blushing made her acutely aware of his hands on hers. "T-Thank you." She let go of the vase slowly so that he wouldn't drop it. "I was, uh, delivering these to Kai-Stern on behalf of her majesty when...well as you can tell it's very heavy."

"Yes." He held the vase closer to walk with it. "The infirmary's just down this hall and to the left."

"Yes." She felt nervous walking beside him. Violet eyes looked away. Why was she feeling this way? She liked Kai-Stern no one else. Devlin is kind, but he's so serious. He's dutiful but some times obsessed. He was a terrible conversationalist and an even worse sense of humor. She shook her head to banish the blush from her face. She rationalized that she was only feeling that way because Devlin blushed first. He started it...Violet eyes opened wider. He...started it be.

"So, it's sunny...isn't it?" Devlin asked apparently trying to break the silence.

"Yes." Their footsteps echoing in the halls was a sure sign that it wasn't working. Still he was trying, he was probably more nervous than she was. That's probably it. Some guys are naturally shy, Minna could definitely see Devlin being that kind of dragon. "Devlin."

"Yes." he answered quickly, waiting for her next words.

"I noticed you're not in uniform today." Minna looked him over.

"Oh yes." the blue eyed dragon seemed a little calmer with something to talk about. "I'm not on duty today."

"That is a surprise. I think I've seen you work harder in these passed days than in your entire career."

"Y-yes." he laughed nervously. "I suppose you could say that."

"Is today a special occasion for you?"

"Oh. No." he shook his head.

"Then...?"

"Yes. Well you see. Security Officer Tetheus believes that perhaps I have worked a bit too hard."

"I can understand that. You looked so tired yesterday."

"Did I?" the brunet asked surprised to hear it. "I see."

"Will you be back to work soon?"

"Uh," he had a sweat drop on his temple suddenly and a strange sort of frown on his face. "No."

"No?"

"I'm on suspension, you see." he explained begrudgedly, "I don't know when I'll be back to work."

"Did you fall asleep while guarding your post?"

"Not at all!" Devlin seemed insulted from the suggestion. "Officer Tetheus told me that rest is vital to preforming well in one's duties. I know he speaks the truth and now I understand that I was too eager to atone for my carelessness."

"What do you mean?" Violet eyes blinked, she wasn't sure she heard him right.

"Uh," blue eyes glanced at violet pools. He couldn't tell her that he saw her that night and followed her away from his post. She might feel responsible. "Nothing. I was, just, talking to myself. Sorry."

"Minna?" Dr. Arvis stopped them before they reached the adjoining hall.

"Doctor," The black haired dragon nodded to acknowledge him, "how are you?"

"I'm fine thank you."

"Oh, Dr. Arvis. We were just on our way to the infirmary." she nodded in a courteous bow. "Are you going some where?"

"Actually, you saved me the trouble. I was about to deliver this to her majesty."

"Are you bringing those for Kai-Stern?" the doctor's smile was always so charming.

"Why yes, on behalf of her majesty." the violet eyed girl explained.

"How is he, doctor?"

"He's accepting a special treatment I've recently become aware of and I dare say he will make a full recovery." the doctor nodded.

"That's wonderful. Let's drop off the flowers now, Devlin."

"Actually," the doctor cleared his throat, taking an obstructive step before her. "I was just asked to find something to do so that the secretary and our lord can speak privately. So perhaps now is not the best time. It's good that I ran into you though...You can give this to her majesty." Arvis gave her a small jar and a knowing wink. Minna blinked with confusion at this. The jar had a silver top and it's contents was a light blue jelly like substance.

"What, uh, what is it?" She asked, assuming that this had something to do with that very obvious wink.

"I had a delivery to make and you saved me a trip." the physician leaned close to whisper something in her ear. "Don't worry, confidentiality is my policy." he squeezed the hand that held the jar, "You should have told me you fell. Just remember to put ice on it first thing to prevent bruising."

"Uh," the girl blushed, suddenly very nervous. "Of course. Thank you." the sliver haired girl smiled to avoid acting suspicious. He patted her hand and nodded.

"If you need any help, please don't be embarrassed. I'm a doctor, it's my job." he left with his hands folded contentedly behind his back and humming a merry tune.

"Miss Minna?" Devlin got her attention.

"Yes?" She snapped out an answer perhaps too quickly, she didn't want to seem suspicious.

"Did the doctor say something..."

"No, no. Everything's fine."

"If you say so." he shrugged with in reason. "Why do you suppose he had that bandage on his cheek?" Devlin asked, an eyebrow raised in confusion.

"She, her majesty..." the servant just stood there for a moment absorbing what just happened.

(She must have been using you as a cover story. This goes deeper than I suspected. She may be keeping this from the dragon lord.)

"But why would she keep such a thing from her own husband?" her voice was barely above a whisper.

(Secrets, my dear. Secrets. And I'll be more than happy to share.) The demon coed as the lady in waiting continued on her way.

"What do you mean? What do you plan to..."

"What did you say, Minna?" Oh yeah, Devlin was still here.

"N-Nothing! Don't mind me." she waved a hand nervously. "We need to find a place for those. The doctor said we'll have to come back later anyway." she started walking with out a clear destination.

"W-wait for me, Miss Minna." He tried to keep up but Minna made sure to walk a certain distance a head of him.

(You needn't worry about your precious queen. She's just a tool. You told me didn't you? You spoke about the albino with the queen. She left and was acting very suspicious when she returned. Have you even heard of math? Perhaps cause and consequence?)

"It wouldn't work." she mumbled, "Even if Kai-Stern is involved, if her majesty is hiding something, perhaps she'll have some kind of cover story. It'll be our word against hers."

(You mean the doctor's word, don't you?)

"What?" Violet eyes looked at the jar that had the queen's name clearly marked as the patient.

(Even if she used you as an excuse the doctor must obey confidentiality. He will identify the patient and the treatment if ordered. If her majesty wants to use you to cover for herself again, you'll be there to UNcover her. Ha ha ha ha.)

"But how could I..."

(Go to the security office and tell the black dragon what you know. No need to lie. Just the facts as they are may be condemning enough.) The girl held her breath. How did this happen? Why her? How could she get out of this situation?

"Devlin, I'm sorry be go to the security office?"

"But the flowers are for Kai-Stern aren't they?"

"Please..." Minna couldn't show her face to him. She was ashamed, being used like this. But perhaps Teteus could see through the demon's plot.

The dragon clan will deal with it's own. If there is any crime to be investigated. Tetheus would surely get to the bottom of it. And yet, every step closer to the security office felt like a step closer to impending doom. Like walking up to the chopping block for treason...but what else could she do?

Outside the infirmary moments ago...

"But your majesty..." A dragon fighter stood in his way.

"It's alright," Lykouleon smiled naturally. "I accept full responsibility. Besides how does an invalid pose a threat to me. I can fight as well as any of you and my sword is right here. Besides, you're right outside if I need any help." he tried to convince them. "So please step aside."

"We have to obey." The first one growled to the other.

"Please," the second fighter knew his orders, not to allow Kai-Stern to get out and not to allow Lord Lykouleon in but, frankly, the Dragon Lord out ranks the Security Officer. He must obey. "Don't hesitate to call for assistance." the dragon fighter gave in.

"Of course." Lykouleon nodded, shutting the door behind him.

"He said he'd take full responsibility." The first one took consolation in these words.

"Shut up." the second shook his head, not consoled at all. The door opened suddenly, much sooner than expected. The dragon fighters jumped when the doctor came practically skidding out of the infirmary entrance and the door was shut again without a word. After a moment of stunned silence...

"I suddenly have an errand to run." The doctor straightened his robes and hair and let out a breath. "Excuse me." he walked away, leaving pair of mystified dragon fighters.

"What do you suppose he's doing in there?" The first one asked the second.

"Shut up, I said." an irritation mark sprang to life threatening the safety of his partner.

Alfeegi's office...

"It's so good to have you back." the young lady who assisted the chief secretary carried a stack of paperwork across the room. "I can't handle this all by myself. I had some help of course, the Secretary of State helped as much as he could."

"Ruwalk?" The paper rustling stopped as the strawberry blond paused.

"Yes." she came back to Alfeegi's desk with two books. I appreciated him taking time away from his schedule."

"I thought he was assisting with Kai-Stern's work."

"He told me there wasn't much to do." she opened the pages that had been book marked and laid them out for crystalline copper eyes to see clearly.

"His new assistant is a very capable woman apparently. I'm a bit envious, I could barely hold your office together for three days let alone the weeks Kai-Stern has been away from his duties." She shrugged.

"Kai-Stern's assistant?"

"Yes. I believe it was you who recommended her appointment, correct? She's blond with blue eyes and...What was her name?" she put a finger to her chin in thought. "Miss Shizell, wasn't it?"

"I see." Alfeegi scratched his quill on the parchment before him then glanced back up at one of the books.

"By the way..." There as a sudden knock on the door that interrupted the young lady. "Excuse me." she nodded to him before answering the door.

"Oh, thank you." She accepted something from the messenger. "Chief Secretary, You've received a letter from the Dragon Knight of Water."

"A letter?" Alfeegi rose from his seat. "I expected him back by now."

"Here you are."

"Thank you." he opened the letter and skimmed it. Alfeegi folded up the letter and began to write one of his own.

"Is there something the matter?"

"I need you to do something for me."

"I'll be busy here for a bit longer. Perhaps you wouldn't mind taking this to the Appointer." He folded the new document and put it in her hand.

"A meeting?"

"Yes. I must meet with his majesty and the others."

"Is it urgent?" She asked with concern.

"I will let them decide." Alfeegi sat back down to his work. "Please go with hast."

"Of course." She left in a hurry.

"I think..." he glanced over a map he had must sketched, "it looked like this."