Chapter 10
After dinner, Kara led Kal-El to Fine's quarters. Kal-El told the knights to wait outside and they positioned themselves to guard the door.
Fine was waiting for them and he looked nervous. He was only twenty-five and he has seen countless battles. Now here he was a famed general, known for his brilliant battle tactics and he was pale and looked like he might faint. "Your Majesty…" Fine said and kneeled.
"Rise." Kal-El said and he did. Kara took a seat next to Milton and Kal-El sat across from them. "Now, what is this all about?" He asked. Kal-El wore a black tunic, a gold chain around his shoulders, his circlet, and his sword at his waist.
Then, surprisingly Kara reached over and held Fine's hand. Kal-El then looked at the both of them confused. "Kal-El, we…" Kara started but Milton cut her off.
"Kara, I feel like I should be asking him." Fine said and she nodded. "Your Majesty, I would like to ask for your permission and your blessing to marry Kara." Fine said.
Kal-El then crossed his arms and raised his right eyebrow. "You are asking for my permission." Kal-El whispered and he stood. He placed his hand over his mouth and began to pace back and forth. "I was hoping for no more surprises. You are only seventeen, Kara. "
Kara immediately stood. "Almost eighteen. I am the same age as you when you went to war. Kal-El, I love him and he loves me. I have already agreed to marry him but like any traditional Kryptonians, we want your blessing as the patriarch of our house. But if necessary, I will marry him with or without your permission." Kara said and her eyes pleaded with to him. Fine then stood and placed his hands on her shoulders.
Kal-El stood in front of them. "Kara…I see you as not as my uncle's only daughter but as my little sister. I have come to realize that you are a woman now and I have to accept that, I guess." He said and grinned at her. He caressed her cheek and said, "Of course you have my permission and my blessing…but only on one condition."
"I should have known you would say that." Kara said and held Milton's hand.
"All I ask is that I am allowed to marry the Lady Lana first." Kal-El said and clapped his hands together.
"If that is what Your Majesty commands…" Fine started to say.
"I am just asking, as your future kin, to allow me to marry Lana and then announce your betrothal. We are to marry in the spring. Can you wait that long?" Kal-El asked.
Milton and Kara looked at each other and then smiled. "For her, I can wait for all eternity." Fine said and kissed her hand. Kal-El smiled and then he hugged his cousin. He looked at Fine and then held out his hand. They shook hands.
Kal-El mounted his horse in the morning. Fine and Kara watched from the tops of the stairs. They bowed and his nodded in return. He then gave her a quick wink before lowering his visor and riding off.
Two days later
They were not far from the city gates of Kandor when Kal-El sighed and closed his eyes as he imagined the city. "Cannot wait to be home and rid of me?" Lois asked and Kal-El rolled his eyes.
"If you must know, I cannot wait to see my family and the woman I am going to marry." Kal-El said.
"Let me guess, the Lady Lana Lang." Lois said.
"That was not a guess." Kal-El said.
"I just want to know if I now owe Prince Alexander 10 gold pieces, that is all. He said you would marry Lana Lang and I said you would not marry at all." Lois said with a smirk.
"Well I am sorry to disappoint you but it seems you owe Lex 10 pieces of gold." Kal-El smiled.
"Only King Lionel and Princess Helen call Prince Alexander by that name. How do you know it?" Lois asked.
"Let's just say that Alexander and I have a history and that is all you need to know." Kal-El said. He then lowered his visor, kicked his horse, and took his horse took off in a gallop. Everyone followed at his pace.
The gates to the city opened and they rode in. Knights and soldiers kneeled while people tried to catch a glimpse of who it was. They soon made it to the Crystal Palace and Lois marveled at it from beneath her visor.
They stopped in the courtyard and everyone dismounted except Lois. From the eye slit in her visor, she saw Kal-El take off his helm and walk up to a young, dark haired woman, who bowed as he approached her. "My lady…" He said and she placed his hand on top of his. They entered the palace and two knights helped her down from the horse.
Kal-El was now out of his armor and wore a blue tunic, black pants and boots, his red slash, his sword, and today his crown. He was meeting with the Council today and he told Lana there was no need for her to accompany him if she did not want to. She did not because she wanted to continue planning the wedding.
"His Majesty, the King!" Someone said as the large doors opened and everyone proceeded to kneel. The Council were dressed in their traditional white attire. Kal-El reached his throne and took a seat. Everyone stood and took their seats.
"I return victorious, my lords." Kal-El said and motioned to Captain Ak-Var. "I am pleased to announce that Captain Lane is now my prisoner." Everyone clapped. Ak-Var appeared at the doors with Lane in her full suit of armor with her visor down. The Council stared at her as Ak-Var brought her before Kal-El.
Kal-El nodded to Ak-Var, who then bowed and removed Lois's helmet. The entire room gasped. "Is this some kind of joke, Your Majesty?"
Kal-El face showed disdain and the Council lowered their heads. "I assure you, members of the Council, this is no joke. I present to you Captain Lois Lane, leader of the Mad Dogs." Kal-El said and Lois looked at him with hatred.
"Your Majesty, should I make arrangements for her to be…questioned?" Nox-Van asked.
"If you mean tortured, my answer is no. We Kryptonians are not barbarians. She will remain in the dungeon, where I will question her myself, my lords." Kal-El said and everyone nodded. He motioned for Ak-Var to take her away and they left. "Is there anymore business to discuss?" There was silence. "Then this session is over." Kal-El said and stood.
Everyone kneeled as he left the throne room. Captain Ak-Var was waiting for him outside. "The Council will no doubt try to find a legal matter that will allow them to disobey my wishes. Have Captain Lane moved to a secure prison and only you and I will know where she is. Understood?" Kal-El said as they were walking.
"Understood, Your Majesty, but the Council will have every prison in Kandor searched." Ak-Var said.
"Yes, they probably will without me knowing. As soon as it gets dark, we will move her to the Fortress." Kal-El said and Ak-Var looked at him.
"Forgive me, Your Majesty, but is that wise?" Ak-Var said.
"We have no choice. It is the one place the Council will not look because they do not know where it is. The Resistance has plans for Captain Lane and for those plans to succeed, she must be kept alive." Kal-El said.
"Understood. I will move her as soon as it gets dark, Your Majesty." Ak-Var said. He bowed and the two went in separate directions.
"I despise politicians." Kal-El muttered to himself as he kept walking.
Kal-El sat at his dinner table staring off into space rubbing his chin. He could not stop thinking about Lois Lane.
"Your Majesty? Your Majesty? Kal-El?" Lana asked and Kal-El snapped out of his daze.
"I'm sorry. What were you saying?" Kal-El asked.
"It was like you were on another planet. Is everything alright?" Lana asked. She wore a black dress with purple embroidery.
"I just have a lot on mind, that is all. But please, what were you saying?" Kal-El grinned at her and continued eating his food.
"I was suggesting that we should maybe have our wedding in the summer instead of the spring if it alright with Your Majesty." Lana said.
"Anything you wish, sweetheart." Kal-El said with a grin. Lana smiled and continued eating.
A servant entered the room. "Your Majesty, Sir Peter Ross." He said and Peter entered the room. Peter wore a dark blue tunic with a fur around his shoulders.
"Ah Peter, what do we owe the pleasure?" Kal-El asked. Peter walked over to him and whispered something in his ear. Kal-El rolled his eyes. "Lana, I have matter that needs to be taken care of but Peter, stay. Have something to eat." Kal-El wiped his mouth with a napkin and got up.
Kal-El left as Peter took a seat. There was an awkward silence between him and Lana. "It is good to see you again, Peter." Lana said softly.
"And you, Lana." Peter said. "I never congratulated you on your betrothal, so congratulations. I am sure he will make a fine husband." Peter said and it became quiet again.
"Peter, you need to forget about me and meet someone else." Lana whispered so the servants could not hear.
"Leave." Peter said and the servants left. "I know I will meet someone else but she will not be you. I know you, Lana, and this is not you. You stand up for what you believe and do not submit until you are satisfied. And now here you are getting married because everyone says it is a great match." Peter said and Lana lowered her eyes.
"Peter, we cannot be who we used to be, dreaming about a world we could build together. We both know that the world does not work that way. Although, there will always be a special place for you in my heart, I am going to marry Kal-El. It is my duty and that must come before love. I am sorry." Lana said with tears in her eyes.
Peter lowered his eyes and took a deep breath. "I am also sorry. I just want you to know that whatever happens…" Peter stood up and walked up to her. "…it will always be you, Lana." Peter then caressed her face and kissed her forehead. "You are my soulmate and I shall never forget that."
They looked deep into each other's eyes knowing how great the temptation was. Peter bit his lip and then left the room. Lana placed her hand over the place he had caressed her face and she held back her tears.
Kal-El entered the dungeon and ordered his bodyguards to remain at the entrance. He walked up to her cell and had the door opened. Lois wore only a white prison garment for women and he looked at her with pity. "I see the king graces me with his presence." Lois said and scoffed as she sat on the cold floor.
"You should be grateful. If my uncle were still king, he would have had you tortured without blinking. Fortunately for you, I am my father's son." Kal-El said. He crossed his arms. "It is not safe for you here. I am having you moved to a more secure prison, where you can be properly questioned."
"And why not just kill me?" Lois asked coldly.
"Because there may be some use for you. You will find out soon enough." Kal-El snapped his fingers and servant came in with a bundle. Kal-El tossed it to Lois and she caught it. "Get dressed. You have quite a journey before you." He said.
Lois unrolled the bundle and it was a slender blue gown and a travel cloak. "Do you plan to ransom me or use me as leverage since I am the daughter of the man, who is the commander of the king's army?" Lois asked coldly.
"As I said, you will find out soon enough." Kal-El replied coldly as well and left the cell so she could change. He saw Ak-Var waiting for him at the door. "Remember to give her sleeping draught so she does not figure the location of the Fortress and also for your sanity. I swear she is such a nuisance." Kal rubbed his chin and Ak-Var nodded. "I will join you there in a few days…and send for my cousin." Ak-Var bowed and left.
Lois finished dressing and a servant came in with a tray of food. "His Majesty says you should eat before your journey because he does not know when you will be receiving your next meal." The servant bowed to her and left.
Lois looked at the delicious meal. "I guess being a royal prisoner has its privileges." She said to herself and began eating slowly. In the middle of the meal, she suddenly felt exhausted. "Son of a…" She did not finish her sentence and she collapsed.
Lois could feel something soft and her eyes suddenly snapped open. She opened and saw a little dark haired boy looking at her strangely. The boy tilted his head to the side as if he was deep in thought. "Master Christopher, you are not supposed to be in here." A man in dark gray armor with a crest on his chest said. Lois believed his name was Ak-Var. "Come along." Christopher took his hand while he waved and smiled at Lois.
She tried to sit up and but fell back to the bed. "What did they give me? Better yet, where am I?" Lois asked herself and she rubbed her temple. She then took a deep breath and she tried again. She sat and put her feet on the cold floor. She stumbled and grabbed hold of the bed post.
Lois saw a window so she slowly walked towards it using the wall as leverage. The walls were white and the windows were made of some sort of crystal that Lois had never seen before. She noticed the fire was lit and she felt its warmth. She made to the window and looked outside.
Her jaw dropped in amazement and shock as she saw snow and only snow for miles. "It cannot be. This place is a myth." Lois said to herself.
It was said in Genesis that the King of Krypton had a palace of ice hidden from the rest of the world. They said that it was impenetrable and impossible to find without a member of the royal family.
Kandor
Kara arrived again in the late afternoon but this time with the knights of the Red Shard that Kal-El had sent to bring her back to Kandor. Kal-El smiled at his cousin. "This is twice you have summoned me in less than mouth. By Rao, it has not even been a week since you last saw me." Kara joked as she removed her mail gauntlets.
"Perhaps, I just miss you." Kal-El and the two laughed. They hugged and kissed each other cheeks. "I made sure that your quarters have not been disturbed in any way."
"Good to know." She said. They walked into the palace side by side. Everyone bowed.
They soon entered Kal-El's private sitting room and he told everyone to leave so they could speak privately. "Now what is this all about?" Kara asked as she sat.
"I am leaving for the Fortress to question Captain Lane." Kal-El said and her smiled disappeared.
"You moved her to the Fortress! Are you insane? Christopher is there!" Kara exclaimed. "By Rao, she might even try to decipher its location!" Kara stood up and flung her arms in the air.
"I am not a fool, Kara. I knew that the Council would have her tortured behind my back so I had her moved for her own protection. She is under lock and key to prevent her from wandering the Fortress. And I know Christopher is there and you all people should know that I would never do anything to compromise his safety! And who are you to question me? Remember who wears the crown!" Kal-El snapped back.
The cousins glared at one another. She sighed and looked down. "Forgive me, Your Majesty." Kara said and she looked hurt.
Kal-El suddenly felt terrible. "I cannot believe I said that. Kara, please forgive me." Kal-El said. He placed his hands on her shoulders.
"You are the one who wears the crown, you do not need my forgiveness." Kara said. It was obvious that she was still hurt.
"Kara, please stop this. You know how I feel when you are mad at me." Kal-El pleaded and hugged her.
"Well, you could also get on your knees and beg for my forgiveness." Kara whispered in his ear.
Kal-El made a confused face and broke the embrace to see her smiling. "I hate it when you do that."
"That was for being cruel. Now what do you need me here for?" Kara sat back down grinning. Kal-El shook his head and crossed his arms.
"I need you to remain here and rule in my stead until I return. I do not know when I will return and I need someone I can trust here. You could be here for awhile so I have secretly arranged for you to be able to send private letters to Milton Fine." Kal-El said.
"Thank you. I really do appreciate that. When do you leave?" Kara asked.
"I am leaving as soon as it gets dark so the Council will not see me leave. I also want to be apprised of everything that is going on here at court and with the Council. Write me every day if you have to." Kal-El said.
"I understand. At least you will be able to spend time with Christopher while you are away. How is he?" Kara asked concerned.
"Every since the assassination attempt in Gotham City, I could think of no safer place than the Fortress, that and Themyscira." Kal-El said as he poured them two goblets of wine.
"Why not send him to Themyscira? He is the first person that is not a true member of the House of El, who has seen the Fortress of Solitude besides the small army that guards it." Kara said and took the drink that he offered her.
"And risk the convoy being ambushed. I was not going to take that chance. I care about him that much." Kal-El said as he sat down. "I wish Lana understood that." He took a sip of wine.
"Are you sure you want to marry the Lady Lana? I want you to be as happy as I am with Milton." Kara said. She placed his hand on top of his and stroked it with her thumb.
"I could be happy with Lana but whether I like it or not, I am servant to my crown...so I must marry her." Kal-El said and Kara looked at him sympathetically.