A/N: Sorry it's taken so long for this update... I'd been busy with some personal things and when I went away for the weekend a couple weeks ago I left it there. I finally got it back so on with the story... enjoy and please review!
Scapegoats
Zan stirred in the darkness as he rolled towards the middle of the bed. He reached over, slowly awakening from his slumber, to touch his sleeping bride and pull her closer to him. Ava nuzzled back into his body as he began kissing her down her temple to the nape of her neck. An arising Ava turned back, allowing Zan to ravish her mouth passionately as she wrapped her arms around him and cradle his head. Just as things began to intensify between the newlyweds, they were startled by a rapid knocking outside their bedroom door.
"What is that?" Ava looked behind him in the direction of the door.
"Ignore it Firecracker," he gave a coy grin before kissing her again.
She smiled at the nickname he'd given her and started to give in but then pulled back as the knocking continued. "What if it's important?"
"It's not." Zan smiled again before calling over his shoulder, "Go away."
"Zan," they both heard his sister's voice through the door. "Ava."
Ava sits up. "Is that…"
"Loni?" he continues for her then walks towards the door and opens it.
"I'm sorry for interrupting you but this is really important." Vilandra begins to pace around the room.
Ava gets out of bed, wrapping her silk robe around her. "Vilandra, what's happened? Is it Rath?"
"Is what me?" The General asked as he walked into the suddenly crowded room, then looked to Vilandra. "Your maid told me to meet you in Zan's quarters; what's going on?'
Zan steps towards his sister. "That's what I'd like to know."
"It's Sanaa," she blurted out a bit hysterically. "She said she was coming here; that there was something important she had to say; had to tell you and me." She breathed out heavily as she ran her hand through the top of her hair. "She never arrived and it was hours ago and I'm scared." She looked between her husband and fiancé. "What if something's happened?"
"Loni you have to calm down," Zan held her by the shoulders. "Why would she come out here at this late hour?"
"I don't know but that's exactly my point," her worried eyes stared into his. "I have a really bad feeling; I think she's in trouble."
"I don't want to make Vilandra more upset but what if her ship was attacked too," Ava added. "She would have to travel through that same beltway."
"Okay," Zan sighed. "We'll go check it out." The Prince looked at Rath. "How fast can you be ready?"
"I'll meet you downstairs in fifteen," Rath walks over to his princess and kisses her on the forehead before holding her face in his palm. "Don't worry." He looked into her eyes deeply before leaving the room.
"I'll let you get dressed," Vilandra said as she looked at Zan. "Thank you."
"I'll go with you," Ava glanced at her husband, then back at her sister-in-law. "We'll get Marit to make some warm chamomile."
"I'll call once we hear something," Zan kissed his wife on the cheek and then whispered in her ear. "Thank you for watching over her; I love you."
"I love you," she gave him a half smile. "Please be careful." She turned to the shaken blonde standing near the doorway to the sitting room. "Come on Vilandra." Ava took her by the arm, leading her through the door so Zan could get dressed.
The ship whizzed through the air at lightning speed, following by a second aircraft. Rath stood at the helm, glancing between the inky sky ahead of them and Zan, who was answering the call from one of Vanay's military aircrafts. They had asked for Larek's assistance since Lantis was between their worlds in case her ship had somehow gone off course.
"Prince Zan," the usual jovialness in his voice was replaced with a much more somber tone. "Have you found anything on your end yet?"
"No," it was an answer Zan hadn't wanted to give. "I didn't think you'd come out yourself."
"We've both known Princess Sanaa our whole lives," Larek paused as he stared into the monitor. "You know why I had to come myself."
He nodded. "Have you spoken to Queen Kathana yet?" Zan was concerned about how she was taking the news of her eldest daughter being missing.
"Yes," The King of Vanay answered. "She's doing as well as she can under the circumstances; of course she has her own ships looking as well." He shook his head. "Why would she leave at this hour, and on her own?"
"She told Loni she had to tell us something important," Zan sighed as he ran a hand through his hair. "This is my fault; she was trying to tell me something at the reception but I just put it off."
"You couldn't have known she'd take off like this chap," Larek replied. "You can't blame yourself Zan and besides, she's probably just gotten of course. I'm sure she's fine."
Zan wasn't sure if Larek was trying to convince him or himself. "I hope so." Still he couldn't stop the guilt he felt for not speaking with her earlier. He couldn't stop thinking about the last time he searched the Borgaran Beltway and he hoped against all hope that he would not find Sanaa the same way.
"I've got another transmission coming in from one of my ships," Larek's voice brought Zan out of his thoughts. "I will be in touch."
Zan nodded. "Thank you Larek."
Rath walked over just as the transmission was ending. "Prince Zan," he always used his title in front of others. "Jakub is calling on the radar transmitter."
Zan followed Rath to the other side of the ship where the graphs, charts, and radar screens of the surrounding area were. "Lieutenant Jakub."
"Prince Zan, General Rath." He nodded in respect. "We found a fallen aircraft in the northern region of Verdad."
"But that's heading towards Vanay," Rath was thinking out loud.
"That's why I didn't call right away since we all assumed she'd left Lantis but as we got closer we realized the ship had their royal crest on it," Jakub paused briefly before continuing. "It is definitely Princess Sanaa's ship."
Zan took a shaky breathe as he heard the news. "Have you entered yet?"
"Yes Your Highness and it pains me to deliver the news that she is gone," his voice was sympathetic. "One of Lantis' ships assisted us and the healers are here harnessing her aura; they said it was too late to save her." He sat there for a moment, saying nothing but looking like he wanted to.
"Is there something else Lieutenant?" Rath had come to know the young man well and knew when he was omitting something. "Jakub?"
"We found a communication device with a message," Jakub swallowed hard. "You really should see this yourself Your Highness." He paused as his eyes shifted to his commander, "Both of you."
Vilandra sat silently in the chair, eyes closed with her head down as she held the mimeograph of her childhood friend in her hand. She was trying, for the fifth time, to dreamwalk Sanaa but she could find nothing but a dark space and it made her fear the worse.
"Eeh," The Princess bellowed out loudly as she sat up and leaned her forehead into the palm of her upturned hand. "I can't see her at all." She shook her head.
Ava sat down next to her, putting a comforting hand on her shoulder. "I tried to link to her but I couldn't feel her either."
Vilandra put her arm down and opened her eyes. "Because she's dead."
"We don't know that," she turned to her sister-in-law. "We have to stay strong; she has ships from here, Vanay, and Lantis all looking for her and they will find her."
"This is all my fault Ava," her voice was low as tears formed in her eyes. "If I'd only listened to what she was trying to tell me…"
"How do you know she would've told you everything?" Ava questioned. "She may have been involved in something way over her head."
Vilandra gave her an inquiring look as the space between her eyebrows crinkled. "What does that mean?'
The petite blonde shook her head. "Nothing, I'm sorry. Now just isn't the time."
"Avalena," she pressed. "Tell me what you meant."
"Let me ask you something," she continued before Vilandra answered. "How well did she and Kivar know each other?"
"Pretty well I guess," the dark-eyed woman shrugged. "Why?"
"I saw them at the luncheon before and again tonight at the wedding and both times things looked pretty intense," Ava went on. "Maybe they were involved."
"No, Kivar was not involved with her," Vilandra got up quickly, trying to hide the agitation on her face.
"But if she was keeping that from you she could be keeping something else," Ava argued. "Maybe he knows why she was coming here tonight; he could be part of it."
"He isn't," her voice rose. "They were not involved."
"But how do you know Vilandra?" Ava finally stood up as well. "Maybe she did something and she hid it because of their relationship and…"
"They didn't have a relationship Avalena!" she yelled as she went to pace but Ava was blocking her. "Move out of my way!"
"Why are you getting so upset?" Ava questioned, her voice raised as well. "I just wanted to know how you can be so sure."
"Because he wouldn't do that to me!" she blurted out, then held her hands over her mouth as she breathed in and out deeply.
"He?" her sapphire eyes turned into slits as she squinted.
"I meant she," Vilandra arms fell to their sides as she tried to calm herself. "I'm just on edge."
"That doesn't explain your comment," Ava looked in her eyes. "Vilandra."
"You just misunderstood what I was saying," she ran a hand though her hair.
"I don't think I did," Ava looked at her.
"Would you stop interrogating me, I mean who are you?" her voice became icy. "The gossip queen; they, this is none of your business!"
"You interrupt my wedding night and pressure my husband to go on a dangerous search and tell me it's none of my business and then you're keeping something that could help this situation," Ava seethed. "How dare you?"
"How dare you," her voice became huskier as anger flashed in her dark eyes. "Don't you dare act like you are the only one who has someone out there; Zan has been your husband not even a whole day but my brother his entire life." She glared at the smaller woman in front of her. "And Rath is my betrothed who I've known my whole life and Larek who is like my brother is out there looking for my best friend and you have the gull to want to discuss a slip of the tongue!"
"I just want to know who we have to be worried about," Ava looked her straight in the eye. "But we can discuss it when Zan and Rath get back."
"Is that a threat," Vilandra gave her a wicked smile. "I promise you that you are way out of your league and I am not someone you want to cross."
"Vilandra!" Maya shouted as she entered the room, still sounding regal. "Avalena; what is going on in here?" She walked towards the center of the room and looked between them. "I should not have to remind either of you that this is not the time to be having arguments. I plan on entrusting my kingdom; this whole planet and my people to the two of you but perhaps I am mistaken."
"I am sorry Your Majesty," Ava replied.
"I am too Mother," Vilandra continued. "We're both just tense about everything, right Ava?" Although she was still visibly upset, her eyes were pleading for her to agree.
"She's right," Ava decided to let it go for now. "We're just worried; have you heard from Zan?"
Maya nodded yes. "That's what I came to tell you. Jakub's crew found her ship."
Vilandra could feel her heart speeding up. "Is Sanaa…" she couldn't quite bring herself to say the words.
"I'm sorry honey but she's gone," Maya answered her unspoken question as she wrapped her arm around her daughter.
"Are Zan and Rath on their way back now?" Ava sensed there was something else the Queen had not said.
"No," she breathed out deeply. "Apparently there's something on the ship he felt they should see themselves."
"Something on the ship," The Princess repeated, pulling back. "Like what?"
"Maybe an answer to why she was coming here," Ava theorized.
"I don't know," she looked at the two young women in front of her. "But I have a feeling whatever they found will only bring up more questions than answers."
Zan and Rath arrived fairly quickly after Jakub's call, meting Larek and his troops there as well. The small ship was visibly damaged on the outside from the crash but the inside was mainly in tack, only having a few loose wires and some broken items.
Sanaa's body was still lying near the controls as two healers stood over her harnessing her energy into stones and a clear globe. Her body had a few bruises but they came to the conclusion that the gash in her head was what killed her. They agreed that she must have been unconscious for quite some time and quietly slipped into death, or at least they hoped.
"Your Majesty," Jakub rushed over to Zan, Rath, Larek, and Larek's Sic.
"Is that it?" Zan looked at the orb in the lieutenant's hand.
"Yes Your Highness," the young man placed it on the control panel island next to them. "We haven't listened to the message but based on the letter…"
"What letter?" Rath interrupted,
"Felino," Jakub called to one of the soldiers. "Bring the letter."
Felino did as he was asked and handed it to The Prince of Antar, before saluting and walking away.
Zan squinted as his eyes scanned the words, his head shaking as a shocked look spread rapidly across his face.
"What is it?" Larek reached for the metallic parchment in his friend's hand. After a moment his eyes grew wide with disbelief.
"What does it say?" Rath asked.
"That she betrayed us," Zan tried to hide the hurt in his voice.
Larek handed the letter to Rath whose facial reaction was much the same as the other two.
Zan cleared his throat. "Play the message."
His Sic raised his hand and concentrated his energy on the blue orb sitting upon the island. Suddenly a burst of white light rose from it and the images of a man and woman talking was encompassed in the light.
"Is that Nadia?" Zan asked.
"And Evan," Rath scratched at his eyebrow.
"Did you seal it up?" Nadia walked towards her husband.
"Yes," he looked around. "Where are the girls?"
"Upstairs sleeping," she peered at him. "You look rattled; you have to calm down when the officers come to deliver the news."
"We killed my brother and his wife Nadia; I think I should be rattled." Evan looked at her with disgust.
"We didn't exactly kill them Evan," she said matter-of-factly.
"No, we just set it up and that's a big difference," his tone was sarcastic.
"It is different and besides we'll take care of their girls." She placed a hand on his shoulder and looked him directly in his eye. "You promised me a good life remeber; a beautiful home and now you will keep your promise." She took a breath. "Now where did you put it?"
"In the grounds of their home under the arenberry tree," Evan sat down on the old settee. "Our new home."
"It will be okay honey; we'll get through this and then we just won't discuss it again." She sat down next to him. "Just like it never happened, okay? It'll be a tragic accident and no one will ever know."
He nodded. "No one will ever know."
The transmission ended just as suddenly as it had begun. They all stood silently; taking in everything they'd just heard.
"Avalena's aunt and uncle," Larek looked to Zan and Rath. "You two don't seem surprised."
"It's something we've suspected for some time but we never had any proof," Zan replied.
"Until now," Rath offered, a small smirk in his eyes.
Zan nodded in agreement, already knowing what his friend was thinking.
"Jakub," Rath turned to his lieutenant general. "Head up a team to search Evan's grounds in Comoros." He then turned to Felino. "Get me a scroll from the ship."
"Yes General," he gave a salute before exiting the shuttle ship.
"When I'm done writing the order you'll take it with you and present the document to Evan and Nadia for the search," Zan said looking at Jakub. "And you'll have them taken into custody immediately for multiple murders and acts of treason against The Royal House of Antar."
Jakub and Felino, accompanied by six other soldiers arrived in Comoros fairly quickly. It hadn't taken Zan long to write the order and they'd taken off immediately.
As they walked up to the house, they surveyed their surroundings. It was a nice area, full of noblemen and woman and it was a shock that anyone in their position would be charged with such crimes.
Jakub knocked on the door, trying to control his anger. The King had been very good to him and he couldn't wait to bring anyone involved in his murder to justice.
"Hello," Nadia opened the door slowly. "How can I help you soldiers this evening?"
"I have a pressing matter to discuss with you and Evan by way of Prince Zan," Jakub said with control. "Is your husband here?"
"Yes," she answered coolly but her eyes showed her fear as Jakub and Felino walked past her into the foyer.
"Nadia," Evan called while walking down the stairs. "Who's down…" his face turned white before softly finishing the question, "…stairs?"
"I have something for you," Jakub motioned for Evan to stand next to his wife and then waited for him to comply. "We have a search order to check your home and its grounds." He handed him the scroll.
"For what?" Nadia's eyes grew wide.
Jakub looked at her smugly. "For evidence in the murders of Kristoff and Iselda of Comoros and those of King Zaid, Duke Hansan and Duchess Anash."
"The Royals," Evan looked shocked and scared at the same time. "We had nothing to do with that."
"Who's told you this? Was it Ava?" Nadia voice heightened. "She's been married to The Prince one day and this is what she does!"
"She has not yet learned of your treason madam," Felino answered.
"Officers," Jakub continued. "Check the house thoroughly; start with the grounds near the arenberry tree." He watched as they split up and handed two plastic looking ropes that were intertwined to Felino. It looked like two crazy eights put together and was actually made of a metal called clazinc that was not easily manipulated by powers.
Jakub pulled out a trithium amplication generator and set it before tossing it in Nadia and Evan's direction. He and Felino stepped back as a white light came from the device and emanated up the culprits' bodies, knocking them to floor. Felino walked over to the now unconscious bodies and slipped the clazinc cuffs over their wrists.
"Cravin," Jakub caught a glimpse of one of the officers searching the sitting room. "Accompany Felino in transporting the prisoners to the holding cells."
"Yes Sir," he gave a salute before helping Felino guide the now powerless Evan and Nadia to the transport ship.
"I brought you some tea dear," Lili sat the tray down in front of Ava. "Where's Princess Vilandra?"
"Downstairs with Queen Maya," she picked up the cup and took a sip. "Thank you Lili; I'm so glad you're here."
"Me too," the older woman sat next to the younger blonde. "I am sorry all of this happened on your wedding night."
"So am I," Ava gave a half smile. "But I knew life would never be boring with Zan." She took a deep breath as she changed subjects. "Is Ema still asleep?"
"You know Emilia," Lili mused. "She always could sleep through anything."
"Yes she could," Ava's smile slowly faded as an inquiring look took over her features.
"What is it?" Concern spread across the maid's face.
"What is that?" Ava picked up the folded white card on the tray with the words 'My Sweet' written on it.
"I didn't notice it earlier," Lili looked at the paper with curiosity. "Open it up."
Ava did as she was told, scanning the few lines.
"What's it say dear?" the maid questioned.
"My Avalena," she read aloud. "Do not fight what is about to happen for your own safety. Accept the easiest truth; I will always do my best to protect you, Zsar."
"Zsar?" Lili repeated. "But how did it get on the tray?"
"Because he knows many people," Ava stood up. "Even someone who would work in The Palace." She walked towards the door.
Lili stood up as well. "Where are you going?"
"To get answers," she said firmly. "I need to end this before it gets worse."
"So you'll pay him a visit?" Lili continued before she could answer. "We'll you're not going alone then."
"No, not him." Ava answered. "I'm going to see his allies."
The maid looked at her inquisitively. "You mean…?"
"I'm going to pay my aunt and uncle a visit."
Zan and Rath walked into the conference room where Maya, Vilandra and the members of Eca, sans Jakub were waiting.
"Where's Ava?" Zan asked as he took his seat at the head of the table.
"I'll go find her," Vilandra offered.
"I think you should hear this first," Zan motioned for her to sit down. "I've called you all here because during the search for Princess Sanaa of Lantis we discovered enough evidence to arrest those responsible for the deaths of my father, Duke Hansan, and Duchess Anash."
"These two culprits also murdered Lady Iselda and her husband Kristoff," Rath quickly added. "They had been working with Princess Sanaa of Lantis."
"I don't understand," Vilandra looked between her brother and betrothed, her shocked expression mirroring those of the concel members. "Are you saying..?" She couldn't quite bring herself to ask the question.
Zan cleared his throat. "Princess Sanaa was involved in the attacks on The Royal Ship." Zan continued, "She was working with Evan and Nadia of Comoros and we've since taken them into custody as well as one of our officers, Faraje."
"Faraje," The Princess repeated.
"He was the same officer who left you," Rath glanced at her and then turned to the rest of the group. "He left Princess Vilandra in Charis during the attacks and we have reason to believe Zsar is involved as well."
"Why would you say that?" Viala was the first member of the council to speak.
"He has known for sometime about Evan and Nadia's roles in Avalena's parents' deaths." Zan replied and then turned to his sister. "Will you get Avalena for me before we continue?"
She nodded, realizing her brother knew she could use a minute alone to process all of this. Vilandra walked out of the conference room and down the hall, her steps slow as she tried to wrap her mind around the fact that her best friend had betrayed her in the worst possible way.
As she rounded another corridor in the maze of hallways she stopped suddenly, almost running over her smaller sister-in-law.
"Avalena," her eyes were wide. "Zan sent me to look for you." Her eyes squinted at the card that was gripped in the other girl's hand. "What is that?"
"It's…" Ava was stopped as Vilandra snatched it from her hand.
Vilandra's eyes ran over the note.
"I found it on my tea tray," Ava said when the dark eyes suspiciously met her own.
"Is that where you were headed?" the tall blonde questioned. "To see Zsar?"
"No" she shook her head. "I hoped I could get my aunt and uncle to tell me something." She breathed out as a bitter taste formed in her mouth. "They owe me answers at least."
"You mean after what they did to your parents," Vilandra saw her nod.
"Zan told you," it hadn't really been a question.
"Well you'll have plenty of time to talk with them later," Vilandra handed her back the card. "Besides, they're not going anywhere anytime soon."
Confusion spread across Ava's face. "What do you mean?"
"They found proof tonight that they were involved in the murders of my father, The Duke and Duchess," her small smile was bittersweet. "And proof of what they did to your parents too." She took a breath. "I'm happy they'll be brought to justice but…" she shook her head.
"It doesn't bring them back," Ava continued for her, returning the same bittersweet smile. "I'm sorry about earlier and about your father, if I hadn't told you before."
"I know," She replied. "Me too, about everything."
After Vilandra rejoined the conference with Ava, the meeting continued and several names including Kivar were mentioned as possible co-conspirators. Just as things were wrapping up, Jakub entered the room.
"Excuse me everyone," He gave a respectful nod in The Royals' direction. "Your Majesties."
Zan motioned for the Lt. General to come forward.
"Council members," Jakub did as he was directed. "While searching Evan and Nadia's home we found proof of their alliance with Princess Sanaa as well as Zsar."
"So he is definitely involved?" Zan questioned.
"Yes Your Highness," his answer was confident. "It appears that he has funded and used his business connections to aid Princess Sanaa in her attacks."
Rath furrowed his eyebrows. "Attacks besides the Royal Ship?"
"It proves that she was behind the rebel movement," Jakub paused briefly. "And that would make her responsible for the attack on Princess Vilandra during the riots in Charis."
"Sanaa was behind that?" Her tone was uncompromised but the momentary flash of hurt in her eyes was clear.
"Have there been any other conformations?" Maya asked. "I know that Zsar has been quite close to Ambassador Kivar."
"We have quite a few clues suggesting he was not involved but I haven't ruled him out yet," the Lt. General did his best to answer her underline question. "We still have to check out a few more leads."
"Since this meeting is almost over I should head the rest of this myself," Rath looked at Zan as he stood up.
"Very well," the acting king stood up as well. "Nacedo; Vipan," he looked to the two shapeshifters. "You should go with them; they may need your expertise."
"As you wish," Nacedo said as he and Vipan joined Rath near the door.
"I will keep the rest of you informed and I trust you'll be discreet around all the ambassadors not present," Zan watched as everyone nodded in agreement. "Then we are adjourned."
As everyone besides Ava exited, Maya came behind her son and place her hand on his shoulder. "You're handling this well; I'm very proud of you my son."
"Thank you mother," he smiled at her as she squeezed his should reassuringly and then exited the conference room.
Ava nodded a goodbye to her mother-in-law before walking up to Zan and taking his hand, intertwining her fingers with his. "How are you holding up? I know you felt really close to Sanaa."
"I should be asking you that," he looked down at her. "It must be difficult for you because Evan and Nadia are your family.
"It's bittersweet," she replied softly. "I'm glad they're paying for what they did to my parents, your father, and the other royals but it's still hard." She exhaled deeply. "I am so angry with them but part of me still cares about them and wishes it was all some mistake." She shook her head. "I still can't believe Sanaa was involved."
"Me either," he sighed deeply. "She was like family to me and for her to do something like this it's…"
"Unfathomable," Ava offered and watched him nod. "And poor Vilandra; she was supposed to be her best friend."
"I'm worried about how this will affect her," Zan looked out into nothingness. "I'm not sure how much more she can take; she's been through so much lately."
"So have you," Ava almost laughed. "This has been some wedding night."
"One that we should be getting back to," he bent down to give her a soft peck on her forehead. "I just need to check with the guards in the detainment area first; make sure they know who's cleared and who's not."
"We do have to be careful," she said as the note left on her tray flashed in her mind. "Don't be too long."
Zan saw the concern in her eyes. "You're worried." It wasn't a question but she nodded yes anyways. "It'll all be over soon," he wrapped his arms around her. "Don't worry."
"I hope so," Ava said softly as she returned his embrace. Still she couldn't shake the feeling that there was something or someone else bigger involved and that they'd only caught who they were meant to. Accept the easiest truth. But could she really accept that Evan, Nadia, and Sanaa came up with this themselves or were the just the scapegoats?