Chapter Three
Maximus threw over the table in his lab. Fury filled him as he glowered at the muzzle. "What is your secret?!"
Sam Xium peered over his shoulder. "You do realise that talking to inanimate objects makes you look mad, right?"
"Thank you very much," Maximus snarled at him. "Is there anything helpful that you are going to share?"
"I only know as much as you."
"Then why are you even here?"
"Maximus? Who are you talking to?"
Maximus rolled his eyes as he heard his mother's voice. "Nobody, Mother."
"It's time to eat, come to the dining hall."
"Of course!"
He quickly righted the table, and shoved the muzzle out of sight before darting out of the room. Rynda was waiting in the corridor. Probably trying to make sure I don't sneak off and avoid our 'happy family' dinner. Maximus thought sourly.
"Look at the state of you! How long have you been in there?" Rynda shook her head in disbelief at her youngest. His clothing was dishevelled, his face smudged, and his hair looked like he'd been dragged thorugh a hedge backwards. She tried to smooth it as they walked. He jerked away from her.
"Leave me alone! I look fine!"
"You're a complete mess!"
"Am not!"
She narrowed her eyes at him. "Are you deliberately acting childish?"
"Are you deliberately acting like a-"
Whatever he was going to say was cut off by the alarms blaring. Rynda stiffened. Unauthorised access to the palace.
"Get to the bunker and stay there," she ordered.
Maximus darted off immediately; Rynda could only hope he'd done as she said. She moved as quickly as she could to the throne room, to find Agon. They'd have to round up their cousins and the other children as well...
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Medusa was in her room reading the massive history book Rynda insisted that she finish by the weekend when she heard the sirens blaring. She looked up, brow furrowing. What was going on? She slipped off her bed, and the door opened.
"Hello, little beauty."
Medusa screamed as loudly as she could as Banth smiled at her.
She moved away from him, increasing the distance between them until her back hit the wall. She wanted to run, but he was between her and the door, and grinning like a shark circling prey. She tried not to panic. Someone will have heard me, I just have to stall... "What do you want? How did you even get in here?"
"I came to see you, of course." Banth smirked mockingly as he walked towards her. "I missed you."
Medusa fought the urge to shake. "Leave me alone!"
"Now is that any way to speak to me?" He shook his head. "I thought you knew better than that by now..."
He was getting closer. Medusa's heart raced. Banth smiled.
"Still so beautiful..."
Medusa brought her knee up between his legs and slammed her palm into his nose. As he fell over in pain, she dashed into the hallway and raced as fast as she could towards Black Bolt's room.
"Somebody help me!" she screamed.
There was no-one around, however... except for Banth, who had recovered enough to chase her, cursing fluently.
"HELP!" Medusa screamed as loudly as she could, hearing Banth's footsteps overtake her.
"Is this any way to treat your lover?"
He'd caught up with her by now, and slammed his entire weight into her back so she fell to the ground. She turned over, meaning to get back to her feet, but he straddled her, clamping his hand over her mouth, laughing as she struggled. She tried to use her hair as a series of whip-like weapons to throw him off, but remembered too late it wouldn't work. Sure enough, Banth's skin took on its rock-like density, and her attack did nothing.
"Are you going to keep quiet now, sweetheart?" Banth caressed her face with his hand. "This doesn't have to be any harder than you make it..."
Medusa's eyes filled with tears. They'll think I went back to him!
"Didn't I make you feel beautiful? Didn't you beg for me to continue?"
She tried to pull his hand away from her mouth, but his rock-like skin prevented her from being able to budge him. You lied to me, you told me you loved me. You told me you loved me!
"Are we going to talk like decent folk now, pretty one?"
The tears rolled down her face. She didn't try to speak, turning her head away so she wouldn't have to look at Banth.
"Come now. Medusa, I have something I'd like you to do for me. If you do it, then you can have Crystal back. If you don't, I'll slice her throat in front of your eyes and then I'll kill you, too."
Medusa's heart stopped. "No!"
"Then will you do as I say?"
Numbly, she nodded.
"Here's what you will do, my little sweet, and make sure you do exactly this. In two weeks, the Festival of Mists takes place. That night, I want you to give the guards some wine mixed with a little drug. It will be provided to you. When the guards are sleeping, you'll open a door for me and my friends to come pay our respects to the royal family."
Medusa gulped. I don't think he means that in a good way... "And if I can't?"
"Failing will be the last thing you ever do, understood?"
"What do you need me for? You got in here without any help!"
"Did I?" He chuckled. "Medusalith, there is much you need to know about your own people. We have a man who can reach into the minds of others. I'm not here..."
Medusa opened her mouth to ask what that meant, but Banth was gone. She blinked in surprise, slowly standing. "What?" she murmured, and then heard Gorgon's hooves on the floor, running towards her. He looked relieved when he saw her.
"There's a psy-intruder, we have to get to the bunkers. It's shielded from telepathic powers in there." He grabbed Medusa's hand and began pulling her along. "Black Bolt's waiting for you, he's nearly crazy with worry but Agon wouldn't let him come find you..."
She let him lead her, her mind whirling. She couldn't do what Banth said... but if the alternative was sacrificing little Crystal... I'll have to tell Agon and Rynda. The thought conjured itself from nowhere. They'll be able to protect my family, surely? If they believe me... Her stomach twisted. What if they didn't?
They were heading down a set of stairs when the king and king appeared at the bottom, heading up. Both looked grim.
"The danger has passed," Rynda said. "The intruder has left."
"What were they after?" Gorgon questioned.
"We'll have to find out," Agon snapped.
"Me," Medusa blurted. "He came to talk to me."
Everyone stared at her. She swallowed heavily, meeting Agon's eyes. "My lord, may I speak to you privately?" Her voice came out very small. He's never going to believe me...
Agon stared at her hard, and then putting a hand on her shoulder turned her about and shoved her back up the stairs. Gorgon made a protesting noise, but Rynda shushed him and told him to go fetch his cousins.
Black Bolt waited until Rynda's back was turned, then followed his father and Medusa silently. It's not eavesdropping, I'm just concerned about her... He rationalised to himself.
Agon took Medusa to his study and sat her down before taking his place behind his mammoth desk. He steepled his fingers and looked calmly at the young woman.
"Explain."
She took a deep breath. "I was in my room when the alarm sounded. Banth came in..."
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Black Bolt paused outside the closed door of his father's study. It was no good- even straining with all his might, he could only make out Medusa's muffled voice, then his father's curt voice, asking what sounded like a question. He couldn't discern any words. He leaned back against the wall to wait.
After a long time of this muffled back and forth, the door opened and Medusa came out, her face streaked with tears. Her eyes widened when she saw Black Bolt. "How-" she started, and then, her face a mask of shame and misery, she bolted away.
"Blackagar!" Agon came to the door. "What are you doing?"
Black Bolt folded his arms and narrowed his eyes at his father.
"That doesn't tell me anything."
The prince mimed slapping himself.
Agon sighed. "I didn't do anything to her. I promise."
Black Bolt raised a sarcastic eyebrow.
"The state you saw her in was not my doing!"
Black Bolt reached into his pocket. Then you won't mind me asking her myself.
"Well, I do actually, but I have a feeling you're going to do as you want regardless of what I say."
Black Bolt nodded decisively.
Agon sighed. "Go on, then. I warn you though, you might not like what you'll hear."
I will decide that. Black Bolt walked away, heading to Medusa's room.
Agon stared after him for a few minutes. I hope he can comfort her at least. I've never been good at things like that... Now I have to find a way to stop Banth and his 'friends' without endangering Medusalith and Crystalia... How to do that, though, he had no idea.
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Medusa was in her room, trying not to cry. Black Bolt must have heard everything. He'll hate me now.
There was a light knock on the door, and then it opened to admit Black Bolt himself. Medusa defiantly opened her mouth, but his expression wasn't what she had expected. He looked concerned. Sitting at the desk, he wrote on his paper.
Are you alright?
Medusa nodded.
What happened?
"Nothing." She stared at the floor.
He gently slid a hand under her chin and tilted her tearstained face upwards. He shook his head, meaning to convey he didn't believe her.
"I can't tell you."
Please. You can trust me.
Medusa blinked back tears. "I trusted somebody else not too long ago and it nearly got me executed."
Black Bolt blinked in surprise. Medusa, I swear I won't let anything happen to you.
She looked down again, twisting her hands together. A possibility occured to Black Bolt, an ability he hadn't used since he was a child. Could I even still do that? He concentrated, focusing on Medusa and trying to recall how this gift had worked on the rare occasions he'd used it with Rynda.
Please. He thought as strongly as he could, hoping she'd hear him. Please, trust me.
Medusa's eyes widened, her gaze shooting up to meet his his. "Did you just... how?"
He kept his eyes locked on hers, taking her hands in his. I used to use this ability to speak with my mother when I was little. As I got older though, when I found out why I could never speak aloud... the connection just faded. I didn't want to share my thoughts with anyone.
She looked startled. "But you'll talk to me?"
Yes. He held her eyes steadily. You can feel my emotions now, can't you?
She nodded, still looking stunned.
Then you know I won't ever do anything to hurt you. Whatever you say will stay between us.
She searched his eyes for a long minute, before letting tears fall again. Swallowing hard, she began to speak.
"I... It was a year ago. I always felt like I was a disappointment to my parents. I never thought that I would be anything except mediocre. And then I met Banth. He treated me like... like I wasn't a child. He listened to what I had to say. At least I thought he did. He told me that I was beautiful, and smart, and that I-" Medusa's voice broke. "That I was special. And he made me feel like it, too..."
Banth? I know that name...
"I found out later that he's part of the rebellion. He was... He targeted me because I'm your betrothed. He was hoping to shame both of our families, and..." Medusa hid her face for a moment before she looked up into Black Bolt's eyes. "He told me that if I loved him, I would... I would sleep with him. He kept telling me that he loved me. I thought it was true. I was afraid to lose him, I was afraid that I'd lose him. I didn't want to do it, but I wanted him to stay in my life. I wanted him to keep telling me that I was beautiful. So I did. I hated it, but I did it. And I got pregnant. Crystal's not my sister. She's my daughter."
Black Bolt didn't move for a few seconds. Medusa interpreted that as him being angry with her, and looked away, trying to move back. She was startled when he embraced her.
I am so sorry you had to go through that. I suppose it was the decision of our families to have you give her up and come here?
She nodded miserably. "I miss her... but it's better for her to be raised as my parent's child, rather than being illegitimate... and I wouldn't have met you, if none of it had happened. So I think things worked out for the best." No matter how much lying hurts. Too late, she realised he might have heard that. If he did, he gave no sign. His face was almost expressionless, though there was sadness in his eyes. She relaxed slightly in his embrace, enjoying the comfort, the first she'd received in a long time.
Black Bolt, meanwhile, was fighting to keep anger from his face. He didn't want Medusa to think he was angry with her, when she was clearly upset already.
If I ever meet this Banth... using someone's feelings like that, actully pressuring them into... He gritted his teeth. What sort of man does that, just to cause political upheaval?! He'll be sorry... He thought darkly, not projecting his thoughts to Medusa now. And Mother and Father... they treat her as though she's the one in the wrong, after everything she's had to go through! He had rarely felt so angry with his parents. He became aware that Medusa was crying again, and he caressed her hair, trying to reassure her that he wasn't judging her. She leaned her whole weight on him suddenly, as if she'd lost the strength to hold herself upright.
He held her tightly, resting his head atop hers, hating to see her in pain. They stayed like that for some time. Eventually, Medusa straightened, wiping her face, and met his eyes again.
He braced himself, not sure he wanted to hear this. What happened earlier, with Father?
Shuddering, she told him what Banth had asked her to do.
Black Bolt was surprised. Did he really think you'd do it?
She shrugged. "I don't know. It's out of my hands now. I've told your father. I just hope he finds a way to stop this without risking Crystal. If anything happened to her..."
Black Bolt looked thoughtful. If I'm understanding this correctly, all you're supposed to do is give Banth access to the palace the night of the feast, is that right?
"Yes..."
So it wouldn't exactly be your fault if the royal family weren't there when you did it. You'd have kept your part of the deal, so Banth would have no reason to retaliate, but no-one would get hurt.
She looked at him, eyes wide. "Do you really think it'll be that easy?"
It can't hurt to try, can it?
"I...I guess not."
It might be better if I present the idea to Father, though. I imagine you don't want to see him at the moment.
A knock on the door interrupted Medusa's reply.
"Medusalith! I thought I made it clear you weren't to have any of your cousins in your room?" Rynda's voice was angry. "I can hear you talking to someone!"
Medusa glanced helplessly at Black Bolt, who stood and set his jaw firmly. He marched over to the door and yanked it open.
Rynda jumped in surprise when she registered it was her firstborn standing in front of her. And he's just heard me chastise Medusalith, after he's already made it clear he doesn't like me treating her harshly...
Black Bolt's eyes were dark with anger.
"What are you two doing?" Rynda snapped, deciding not to let her son's anger deter her. "You aren't married yet, there will be no dallying around behind closed doors!"
Medusa hung her head. Black Bolt glared at his mother, marching over to Medusa's desk and snatching a piece of paper and a pen. He wrote rapidly.
Father asked me to come and speak with Medusa, because she was upset. I don't know what exactly you think went on, Mother, but I can assure you nothing innappropriate has happened!
"I know you wouldn't do anything you shouldn't, Blackagar. It's not you I'm concerned about."
Medusa stifled a sob. Black Bolt clenched his fists, and firmly shut the door in Rynda's face, returning to Medusa's side, embracing her again. I'm sorry.
"She hates me." It was barely audible. Black Bolt's heart twisted.
My mother only does what she thinks best. She worries too much abut Maximus and me, sometimes. He scowled. If she was really concerned for me, she wouldn't have let herself be immersed in the Terrigen Mists while she carried me!
"She went through Terrigenesis while pregnant?!"
Yes. That's why my abilities are so destructive.
Medusa blinked. "I thought going through the Mist at a young age was dangerous, let alone..."
It is. But my father wanted to see what would happen if I was exposed in utero. Black Bolt broke eye contact with Medusa, shielding his thoughts again. And I really wish he'd just left well enough alone!
Medusa, despite herself, snuggled closer to Black Bolt. "I just... I just hope that Banth doesn't know I told about his plan. If something happens to Crystal..."
Father will protect your family. That's what the royal guards are for. Besides, how could Banth know?
"How did he get in here?" Medusa looked steadily at him. "How did he know exactly where to find me?"
Black Bolt met her eyes resolutely. I don't know, but it won't happen again. Even if I have to spend every waking moment with you. He meant his words, though the intensity of his protectiveness once again surprised him.
Medusa inhaled heavily. "I suppose we should go and tell Agon your idea now..." She glanced at the door guiltily. "Do you think your mother's still there?"
Black Bolt shrugged.
"You remember when I said I didn't want to marry you?"
He nodded.
"Well... I'm glad you're you, and not somebody else."
He raised an eyebrow, amused. Medusa went red- again.
"I mean... I feel safe with you. I..." She threw her hands up. "I don't know what I'm trying to say, really!"
It's alright. I think I understand. If we have to get married, at least I'm someone you can trust... My rugged good looks are pretty enticing too, though, right?
Medusa laughed. "Yes. They are."
His eyes sparkled. Wait, did she just agree that I'm good looking? His face reddened. She probably doesn't mean it, she's just going along with the joke... He stood up.
"Are we going to speak with your father now?"
Yes.
Medusa wordlessly slipped her hand into his.
Black Bolt's heart rate jumped. She's done that before, it means nothing! He chided himself, not wanting to get his hopes up. Even if they were going to end up married, why would someone as beautiful as Medusa actually want him? She only saw him as a friend. But earlier on she implied that she doesn't think she's beautiful... STOP IT. She doesn't need a love interest, she needs a friend. Still, he couldn't deny he liked the way her hand fit so well in his.
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Maximus quickly went through his labratory inventory to make sure nobody messed with his stuff while he was gone.
Everything was where he had left it, as far as he could see... he went to the hidden drawer in his desk to retrieve the muzzle. It was gone! He whirled, eyes wide, frantic.
"Looking for this?" Gorgon's voice made shivers run down Maximus' spine. His brutish cousin stood in the doorway, holding the silver muzzle casually, eying Maximus like he was something he'd stepped in.
"What are you doing with that?" Maximus snapped.
"What are you doing with it?"
Maximus lifted his chin. "I was trying to make a new, better model for Blackagar."
"Do you expect me to believe that?"
Maximus tried to look innocent. "Why else would I have it?"
"You tell me." Gorgon folded his arms. "Since this thing hasn't been seen since it disappeared the other day, coincidentally right after you vanished."
"I've been working on that for months! It's not the one that Black Bolt misplaced."
Gorgon raised an eyebrow. "Then you won't mind me asking your father."
"No!"
"I would think that you'd be glad for the opportunity to show off."
"It's not ready yet!" Maximus tried to snatch it back; Gorgon held it out of his reach. "Give it to me!"
"I think not. I think Black Bolt needs even your imperfect recreation. I'm sure you have other models to tinker with."
Maximus wished he'd come up with a better lie. "Yes, but-"
"What's going on?" Gorgon's father, Korath, stepped into the room, presumably to see what all the shouting was about.
"Maximus stole Black Bolt's muzzle and now he's trying to tell me he was making a new one."
Korath gazed at his son for a long minute before turning to his nephew. He wanted to hear both sides of the story before jumping to conclusions. "Maximus?"
The younger prince remained stubbornly silent, his face sullen.
"Maximus."
"Doesn't matter what I say, you'll just believe him anyway!" Maximus replied hotly. "Get out of my lab!"
Korath's eyes narrowed. "You do remember that I am the adult here, not you?"
Gorgon knew this would end badly- that particular tone in his father's voice meant that Maximus was on thin ice, but he doubted his cousin knew that...
"I'm the king's son! You have to do as I say!"
Korath put a hand on Gorgon's shoulder. "Come along. We're going to tell Agon that his son put the city in danger."
Maximus went white. "No!"
"Too late, Maximus." Korath and Gorgon left.
Maximus slammed the door to his lab shut. Stupid, stupid, stupid! He was going to get into such trouble! Turning, he kicked his workbench violently... and felt the panel shift. Frowning, he opened the secret compartment. He didn't remember this... He must have made it just before his memory was wiped. A bunch of papers fell out. There were nonesensical scribbles on most of them, but the last one... His eyes widened.
"Medusa has a child?!" he gasped. "Why would they erase my mind over that?"
A calculating expression spread over his face. "I'll have to ask Medusa..."
"Are you sure that's a good idea?"
"Sam! Why are you back?"
"Because I'm your friend of course."
Maximus snorted. "What do you know about this?" He brandished the papers.
Sam Xium was silent.
"Well?"
"Well, why would they erase your memories over something like that?"
"I have no idea."
"Don't you?"
Maximus's eyes narrowed and then widened. He gasped. "Are you... Are you telling me that Medusa's child..."
"You're a father, Maximus. Of course your parents wouldn't want you to remember that. They've probably erased or manipulated Medusa's memories, too, so she doesn't remember how much she loves you."
Maximus scowled. "So telling her wouldn't do any good... is this all because my parents want her for my brother?"
"Yes," Sam sounded as though he was commiserating. "As long as they're in charge, you'll never get what you rightfully deserve."
Maximus' eyes gleamed. "Sam... how much do you know about the rebels?"
"Not much. I know that your father hunts them at every turn, afraid that they will bring chaos to his rule by overthrowing him and the council. What are you thinking? Would you join them?"
"If I do, then they have a legitimate claim to the throne! Me. King." His eyes shone. "For the good of the people, of course."
"Of course."
"I'd have to find out where they are though, and how to contact them..." Maximus' eyes lit up. "If I build something that can listen in on all broadcast frequencies, I might hear something useful!"
"Yes, you could do that. Or you could go find them."
"Find them? Nobody knows where they are!"
Sam nodded once. "True, true... But they'd find you, wouldn't they?"
"But I'm not allowed to leave the palace alone..."
Sam snorted. "You're willing to join a rebellion but you're afraid to break a rule?"
Maximus flushed. "Don't talk to me like I'm a baby!"
Sam folded his arms. "Prove I don't need to. Go now."
"Fine!" Maximus glared at Sam. "I will!" He stood and marched to the door, slamming the door behind him.
"MAXIMUS!"
He jumped, turning in surprise and fright at his father's raised voice. Agon was marching towards him, clearly furious.
A second too late, Maximus remembered where Korath and Gorgon had gone... He contemplated running away, but had a feeling that would only make Agon angrier. Time to play innocent... "Yes, Father?"
"Korath tells me that Gorgon found Blackagar's muzzle in your labratory."
"No, he didn't. He found a prototype I've been working on to improve comfort and control."
Agon wasn't convinced. "Show me, then."
"Uh..."
"Show. Me."
"I can't. Gorgon took it. And my plans have all disappeared. Somebody broke into my lab! Probably during the invasion!"
"Fine." Agon grabbed Maximus' upper arm and led him back to his lab. "You can tell me what's missing." And I'll finally get a chance to see exactly what you get up to in there.
Maximus scowled the whole way, abruptly going pale when he realised he'd left his notes about his altered memories in plain view. If Agon saw that...
"My notes and papers are missing, that's it!" He squirmed to free his arm from his father's grip.
Agon peered inside the lab. "There appear to be some papers right here." He reached for them.
"No!" Maximus yelled.
But his father was already reading them. His face went blank.
Maximus groaned and hid his face. Should I pretend that I haven't figured out that I am in fact a father? He decided that was for the best, and waited, nervous, for Agon to look up.
"Maximus, there is a reason why we erase your memories."
"That doesn't mean that I don't want to keep them." Maximus glowered at his father. "And I don't suppose you'll tell me /why/ you keep tampering with my mind?"
"Because you use these things as weapons when they should be kept secret. If our enemies found out that Medusalith has had a child with a man who is not her betrothed-"
"And who is that father?" Maximus challenged quickly.
Agon's face hardened. "That is none of your concern."
"I think I know who it is," Maximus hissed, anger flaring in him. "I know I know!"
"If you're so confident, why ask me?"
"You can't keep my child and beloved away from me!" Maximus screeched, losing control entirely. "My daughter! My love! I don't care what you've done to Medusa's memories, I'll make her remember that it's me she loves!"
Agon's jaw dropped. "What?" he gasped.
"Don't think that you can hide the truth from me, I know what the truth is!"
"Where is blazes is this coming from? You've never met Medusalith before!"
Sam stood behind Agon. "He's lying."
"You're lying!"
"Medusa is in love with Maximus," Sam continued,
"Exactly!" Maximus shouted. "She loves me!"
Agon looked behind him before turning back to Maximus, his face suddenly very white. "Maximus... who are you agreeing with?"
Maximus rolled his eyes. "Sam. He's standing just behind you." Why does Father sound nervous?
"There is nobody behind me."
"Now you're going to pretend that Maximus is crazy, aren't you?" Sam hissed. "What a terrible father!"
Maximus narrowed his eyes, clenching his fists. "So you assume I'm mad now?"
"I never said that." Agon fought to keep his voice even, despite his younger son's disturbing behaviour. Maximus' eyes were unfocused, and he continued speaking to thin air.
"Yes, I know... there's no point, he won't listen..."
"Maximus!" Agon spoke sharply, hoping against hope that this was some kind of joke. "Maximus, look at me."
"What?"
"Are you telling me you actually think there's someone else in this room?"
"There is!"
Agon nodded, trying to breathe evenly. "Come with me."
"Why?"
"Just do as I ask." I'll take him to the medical wing, and sedate him. That'll do for now... I'll have to arrange some psychiatric tests for later. There's something very wrong here. He clamped a firm hand on Maximus' shoulder as they walked, so the boy couldn't run off. Thankfully, once they were out of the lab, Maximus ceased speaking to his hallucination. Still, Agon moved fast, moving swiftly into the medical wing and injecting Maximus with a sedative without a word of explanation.
When he was convinced Maximus was sufficiently drowsy, he led him back to his bedroom. He left quickly, closing the door, leaving Maximus asleep.
Hesitating only briefly, he locked the door. He can't roam the halls. Agon exhaled heavily, resting his head in his hands. Disaster after disaster... what am I going to say to Rynda?
He was still standing there, face grim, lost in thought, when Blackagar and Medusalith approached.
"What are you two doing now?" Agon snapped, not wanting to deal with the teenagers at the moment. He noticed that they were holding hands, but while that should have made him happy it only made him mood worsen. What had this little minx told Maximus, that he would believe himself to be her child's father?
They exchanged looks, and then Blackagar wrote a note quickly, passing it to his father.
I had an idea of how to solve the situation with Banth.
Agon groaned softly- he'd almost forgotten about that! One more thing to worry about... "What did you think of?"
He studied Medusalith while Blackagar wrote rapidly. What in her genetic structure had created a perfect child like Crystalia? It couldn't have been Banth's DNA- Agon had seen his other children! But why did this perfect, or near perfect, genetic specimen have to be... her? Why did she have to waste herself with the likes of Banth? And what had she done to Maximus?
Blackagar handed his father the letter he had written explaining the plan.
Agon read it, his brow furrowing. "It's a good idea..." He looked up at Medusalith. "Though it puts you at some risk."
"I understand. I'm willing to risk it." Medusa's face was determined. "There is a catch, though."
Agon frowned.
"I get my daughter back."
"Out of the question!" Agon barked, forgetting for a moment that this was something Blackagar shouldn't know about.
Crystal will be restored to her, Father.
Agon's eyes went black with rage. "I will not agree to this!"
Blackagar snatched back their plan. His expression was grim. He opened his mouth, and turned his head away from Medusa and Agon, as if he was about to speak.
Medusa stared at Black Bolt, wondering what he was doing. Agon stood as though frozen, scarcely daring to breathe. He wouldn't...
He closed his mouth again and turned back to his father, giving him a pointed stare before putting an arm around Medusalith. She glanced at him briefly.
"He says that you can tell the court that Crystal is his daughter as well, whatever you want, but that I get her back."
Black Bolt nodded once to show he agreed.
Agon scowled- he had no intention of giving in entirely. "I will not return the child to you; illegitimacy is a cruel burden. Would you really wish that on Crystalia?" The girl looked at the floor, her eyes sad. He knew he was playing on Medusalith's feelings, but didn't back down. "I offer this compromise: I will rescind the rule about you visiting her, provided you say nothing to anyone of her origins. Take it or leave it."
Blackagar and Medusalith stared at each other for a long minute. Only then did the full significance of what had just happened dawn on Agon. Did he speak to her telepathically? As far as he knew, Blackagar had only ever used that ability with Rynda, and that had been years ago...
"I.. That will be acceptable, for now," Medusa said, nodding once. "But I will be a part of my daughter's life again."
Agon folded his arms. "This provided you actually carry out your part of the plan to stop Banth. I don't suppose you've actually thought about that?" Too busy convincing my son to side with you against me, no doubt...
"I have. And I am willing to do it. Banth must be stopped."
Agon raised an eyebrow, waiting for clarification. He noted that Blackagar's expression had become tense. He must not like what she's planning very much... "Are you going to enlighten me?"
"Black Bolt told you!"
"Your specific role was not clear."
She twisted her hands. "You won't like it."
Black Bolt nodded emphatically in agreement.
Agon gazed at her steadily. "Tell me, Medusalith."
Black Bolt put a hand on her shoulder.
She took a deep breath. "Like I said, Ill do what Banth wants, bring him and his allies into the palace. None of the royal family will be there. The only problem is I think he'll expect me to accompany him on his 'mission', so..."
"You'll be alone with him and these others when he finds out he's been tricked." Agon's face turned grim. "And you expect me to agree?"
"I didn't think that you'd care if I was in danger or not," Medusa shot back.
Agon had to think for a minute how to respond to that. "Your life is important, Medusalith."
"Why? Because I'm a fertile mate for your son?"
Agon winced at her words. He wouldn't deny having thought that, before he'd met Medusalith, but now Blackagar seemed so attached to her... He evaded the question for now, asking one of his own. "Where did you hear that from?"
Black Bolt's eyes were on Medusa too- Maximus had suggested something like that, days ago, but he had no idea Medusa knew...
"The queen. She told me that's why I wasn't executed after I gave birth to Crystal."
Black Bolt looked outraged.
Agon fought the urge to put his head in his hands. How am I supposed to sort this out? Thank you so much, Rynda!
Black Bolt was scribbling furiously. What is the meaning of this?
"We weren't certain if she had acted knowingly or was simply naive."
Medusa felt more hurt than she wanted to admit. "You actually think I went to Banth because he was one of the rebels? I didn't even know that until after..." To her horror, tears began to form in her eyes.
Agon studied her carefully. For the first time, he actually believed her. "Dry your eyes. You're the future queen of Attilan. You can't be weak, Medusalith."
She scrubbed at her eyes furiously, standing up as straight as she could. "If this plan works, then these rebels will be arrested. I'm sure that we can find a way to get information out of them!"
Agon shook his head. "I don't like the idea of you risking yourself that way."
"What other choice is there? Banth will go after Crystal if he's not stopped. And if he knows that I told you-" she cut off, unwilling to continue.
Black Bolt looked as frustrated as Agon felt. Medusa was right, but there had to be some other way...
What if we let them in and then I yelled at them? He suggested.
Medusa spoke before Agon could. "It would be rather difficult to get information out of them if they're dead!"
Black Bolt shrugged, not really caring. Anything was better than Medusa risking herself... he suddenly wondered where that had come from. Two weeks ago, he had been terrified of harming anyone with his powers, now he was willing to? What's happening to me?
Medusa took his hand. "I don't want you to hurt anybody, not for me."
Agon watched the interaction, wryly amused that they both seemed to have forgotten he was there. He cleared his throat.
They both looked back at him, expressions almost daring him to say something about what he had just witnessed. He elected not to, thankfully, instead re-directing the conversation back to the original topic- Medusa's plan.
"If you can't be dissuaded from this reckless idea, will you at least have a weapon on you?"
"Yes," Medusa agreed. "Though I'm not sure what good it will do. Banth's skin turns to rock when he's threatened."
"That's what energy weapons are for." Agon eyed her speculatively. "I assume Banth will have to provide you with the sleeping drug you're supposed to use on the guards?"
Medusa nodded. "I don't know when or how I'll receive it, though."
"Let me know when you do. I may be able to learn something from it. On the night itself, the Festival of Mists, I will select guards I know are trustworthy, and enlighten them to the plan." Agon frowned thoughtfully. "Perhaps if I told them not to actually drink the wine, and then had them feign sleep..."
Black Bolt frowned. How do we know that the rebels aren't planning on killing the guards in their sleep?
"Good question. Perhaps then a sacrifice is in order..."
Both teenagers froze in horror.
"What do you mean?" Medusa asked.
Agon viewed her coldly. "I must put the safety of the kingdom over the lives of a few men."
Medusa didn't know what to say. Black Bolt shook his head violently. Agon sighed.
"Sacrifices are sometimes necessary for the greater good, Blackagar, however much we wish it otherwise. You'll learn this when you become king. We proceeed as planned." He walked out, leaving his son and his betrothed alone.
Medusa looked at Black Bolt helplessly. He seemed to be holding back anger.
"I can't do this if it's going to get people killed," Medusa said in horror.
The second she said that, an image of Crystal, tiny, wide eyed and innocent, floated into her mind. She closed her eyes. "Someone's going to die either way... what are we going to do?"
Black Bolt's face was intense. We do as Father said, carry out the plan. You'll let Banth and the others in, my family will be safely out of harm's way, and I'll be hidden nearby and able to keep the guards safe. No-one will die.
"Agon won't let you-"
His eyes flashed. Who said anything about telling him? By the time he realises what I'm planning, it will be too late.
"But I don't want you to be in danger either! The whole point of this was to keep all of your family safe!"
He took her hand. I can take care of myself. My voice is not the only way my power can manifest. Strength, speed, endurance, flight, electron manipulation... Besides, do you think I'm going to hide while you're risking your life?
She smiled tremuolously. "We'll protect each other, then." She squeezed his hand. "Though you do realise your father will be furious later?"
I don't care. I'm not letting innocent people die without cause.
They stood in silence for a while, thinking, before returning to the living quarters of the palace.
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Agon made his way back to his rooms, thinking of what he would say to his wife about all this. She was already in there, sorting through some papers. He took a deep breath as she looked at him, smiling, and began to speak...
"And you're going to trust the safety of the kingdom to a girl who couldn't stay chaste?" Rynda asked in disgust, standing still, her arms folded as she glared at her husband.
"You're no white rose yourself!" Agon shot back.
"I have never slept with any man besides you and you know it!" Rynda was white with anger. "How you ever thought this was a good idea... what if she's working with Banth?"
"I considered that. It's not in her personality."
"She loved him enough to have a child by him, who's to say everything since then hasn't been a charade?" Rynda shoved aside the voice that said that she didn't even believe what she was saying. She had read the girl's story written by her own hand. It had rung too true to be false.
Agon knew her too well, however. "Even you don't believe that, and you know it. This is the best plan we have, and the best chance to pin down some of these rebels. It will be done as I have said. And..." He trailed off.
"And what?"
"And I don't know how to say this, but we have another problem. Concerning Maximus."
Rynda rolled her eyes. "What's he done now?"
"Nothing, as such... I don't really know how to say this..."
"Just say it." Rising fear made Rynda's voice sharpen. What could possibly be so bad?
"Two things, actually. He wrote down what he had learned of Medusalith and Crystalia. He's convinced himself somehow that he's the father."
Ryndas jaw dropped. "Ridiculous!"
"I know, but he genuinely seemed to believe it, and... while I was in the same room, he began adressing thin air, claiming there was someone else there. He and I were alone."
Rynda clapped her hands to her mouth in horror. "Where is he now?"
"In his room. I sedated him for tonight, and locked him in. He'll need to have psychiatric evaluations now, you realise."
Rynda half-shook her head. "Maybe he was faking it, playing a joke. He could be fine tomorrow, one episode doesn't mean that he's..." She wouldn't say it. People in her family's history had occasionally had mental health problems, but she would not believe it of her own son!
"I don't think he was playing a joke." Agon's expression was grim. "I know this isn't something you want to hear, but I'm afraid that Maximus may need to be put into isolation, if the worst has happened."
"You're jumping to conclusions! He hasn't been tested yet. And if there is a problem we can try medications first!"
Agon sighed heavily. He and Rynda both knew that the medications never worked long-term, but if that was what she needed to hear... this had to be a terrible shock. He nodded, ceding the point for now.
"We won't know anything until he's been tested, anyway. Let's just try and forget this until tomorrow. He's sedated, we shouldn't have any problems tonight."
Rynda nodded, though she still looked troubled. Agon put his arms around her, murmuring comforting words. Slowly, she relaxed in his embrace.