*Here it is as promised! No warnings for this chapter!
*As always, I openly welcome input and opinions on my fanfic. Please comment or message me if you wish!*
*This one is intense...I hope you all enjoy it!
*If you would like to be tagged and aren't already please let me know and I'll add you to my list!
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the
Organization for Transformative Works
@omg-hellgirl @coopsgirl @purplerainiris @0chemicalwaste0 @billyblackbirdrusso @bang-kim-bap @briefgalaxycat @bellevox @lafleurose @designfailure56 @curiouswildi @icarus-waxenwings @monmonuwu @etherealoscar @werewolfhybrid @potato-dragons @pigilene @gedebe @clementine-starling @levikra @lilysabetha @maxgeust @iraniq
Laying next to your new husband, you felt more safe and loved than you had ever experienced before. Beads of sweat had formed on Day's forehead and the reflection of the moonlight from above gave the illusion of a beautiful iridescent glow. Pulling back the sheets to his hips, you glanced down the length of his lean and toned form, admiring every curve and line each muscle made under his skin. He chuckled and tenderly wove his fingers through your dark locks of hair. You began to stroke the small patch of hair on his upper chest as you always did, watching his pectoral muscles rise and fall as he breathed.
"See something you like, your highness?..." he asked playfully. You laughed along with him and planted several small kisses near his collar bone.
"They are too numerous to name, Empire…" you replied, winking at him.
"You flatter me…," he said, curving the side of his mouth into an amused grin. He walked his hand down your abdomen and settled just above your navel. He attentively and carefully massaged the skin where your belly slightly distended outward. You watched with great longing as he tended to your unborn child so delicately.
"I almost forgot we aren't completely alone now," he said softly, in almost a whisper. He slid down towards the foot of the bed so his head rested close to your hip bone. He continued to marvel at the small bump and kissed it softly and slowly. You placed your hand on the back of his head as he continued. You giggled as the ridges of the surface of his lips tickled your skin.
"You're already a good father, Cleon. I can rest soundly at night knowing our little one is protected and loved by you," you said quietly to him. He looked up at you, his eyes glistening slightly, and smiled.
"I don't really know what it means to be a father," he said, resting his chin on your thigh. You sat up on your elbows to get closer to him.
"Of course you do. You cared for Dawn when he was an infant and helped nurture him," you said kindly to him.
"I did yes, but I did not create him. He was just the continuation of a long line of clones. I've never had my own child before," he replied with a frown. You lifted his head with your hand and stroked his cheek.
"Neither have I…this is new for both of us. It's normal to feel unsure and afraid…change can be frightening," you said, trying to reassure him. Day leaned in and kissed you tenderly.
"But it can also be a light. It is my hope that our child will help the galaxy see that the empire is willing to shift in a different direction," he said to you with a smile.
"The beginning of a new era…" you replied, pulling the sheets over the both of you. Day moved you close to his chest and kissed your forehead.
"Indeed it will be," he said. Tucking your head beneath his chin, you sighed and began to drift off into a deep sleep. You could feel the muscles in his cheek flex as he smiled down at you. His eyes also grew tired and before long, the two of you were fast asleep.
A calm and steady breeze woke you pleasantly in the morning as the sun rose above the horizon. Day had already gotten up, leaving the bed next to you empty. Dressing yourself with a long blue gown made of silk, you made your way to the balcony. You could see a good distance down the shoreline below and spotted the emperor talking with a man who looked to be Obrecht. He seemed agitated and slightly worried as you observed from his body language. Without hesitation, you quickly turned and made your way down the winding stairs of the tower and out onto the sand of the beach. As you inched closer, you could see that it was indeed Obrecht who had been speaking with Day. Before you reached them, the emperor put his hand on his shadow master's shoulder and bid him farewell. As he walked toward the landing ramp of the ship he had taken to travel here, he turned and noticed you. He politely stepped forward and bowed in your direction.
"My lady. Please forgive my intrusion," he said to you, and made his way into the ship. You watched as the craft hovered and took off in the direction of the palace. Turning to Day, you could see concern and anger in his eyes.
"What was that about? Is everything alright?" you asked. He looked down at the ground silently and didn't answer at first. Placing your hand gently on his cheek you tried to give him a weak smile.
"It's nothing to be concerned about," he replied, pulling you close to him in an embrace.
"Your shadow master wouldn't make a personal trip during our honeymoon if there wasn't something wrong," you said, trying to get him to talk. He exhaled deeply and took your hand in his.
"There's no hiding anything from you, is there?" he asked, laughing quietly to himself, "come. You'll find it best to sit down when you hear what I have to say."
He led you inside the main entrance of the building and sat down next to you on one of the lounging sofas in the main hall. Taking your hands in his, he tried to smile but the corner of his mouth trembled.
"I had hoped you would sleep through Obrecht's visit so I could save this until after our honeymoon was over. But seeming as you will pry, I feel I have no choice but to discuss this with you now," he explained to you, his eyes slightly glistening.
"I'm sure whatever you have to tell me I can handle, Cleon," you replied. He looked deep into your eyes and his face became firm and serious.
"You must promise me that you will not become so upset that it puts stress on our child," he said to you. Although concerned, you nodded in approval.
"I promise," you said in response. He let out a deep exhale and pursed his lips before speaking.
"A well-informed source of ours has reported that Anacreon activity in the outer rim once again," he said to you, "they have shifted the focus to a new system."
"I don't understand, I thought they had laid siege to Thespis?" you asked, confused as to where the emperor was going with this.
"Indeed they have and are continuing to do so. But reports have confirmed their focus has shifted to Arcturus. It has become a new target and a blockade has been established around the moons orbiting the planet," he explained.
"Why would they do this? It doesn't make any sense…" you replied in disbelief.
"Word has reached them that a young woman rescued from the planet during their previous attack was taken to Trantor. They know that I've wed and taken an Arcturian as my wife. They see you as a threat and in retaliation, have set up this blockade," he said, worry ridden across his face. You felt anger and fear building at the same time in the pit of your stomach.
"And how exactly were they privy to this information? Most of the galaxy knows of the marriage but very few know who I am," you said to him.
"We aren't entirely sure. That's what we're trying to sort out right now. Obrecht is handling this while I'm away," he said to you.
"Send the military fleet. Stop this before it escalates" you said with a demanding tone.
"Absolutely not. I will not be the one to start a war in my own galaxy," he explained to you.
"This isn't just any planet Cleon…IT'S MY HOME. And you're just going to let this happen and do nothing?" you shot back, raising your voice.
"There is nothing I can do, Rayla. Don't you understand? They want a reaction from the empire. And there is another problem," he said back to you in a surprisingly calm manner.
"What else could possibly be worse?" you asked, letting go of his hand and moving it aside.
"We have reason to believe someone on Trantor, under the concealment of an unknown identity, has been relaying information from a prisoner being held by the imperium," he said, his voice shaking.
"....Esme…." you said quietly.
"Yes…" he replied, "someone within the walls of my palace has chosen to conspire with her. Once again, I have been deceived."
"This person, whoever they are, must know several private things about us that could be devastating if passed on. What if…" you paused for a moment and held your stomach with both hands, tears streaming down your face,"what if they discover my condition?...they could tell anyone and…I'd lose both of you…I cannot do that, Cleon…please don't ask me to endure that…"
The emperor reached out his hands and cupped your cheeks between both of them, wiping the droplets from your skin.
"I'm not. Which is why, as a precaution, I've decided to move her execution date up to the day after we return," he said to you kindly.
"But what about my people?…we can't just abandon them…we have to do something. I will not sit by and allow this atrocity to happen…I'm begging you, please….send a fleet to their aide…," you pleaded, eyes once again filling with tears.
"There is nothing I can do, Rayla," he replied, shaking his head.
"You were quick to send help to Thespis, why should Arcturus be any different?" you said, standing up in protest.
"Yes I sent a fleet to Thespis. And do you remember what happened? They were obliterated! I will not risk more unnecessary loss for the sake of just a few," he said back to you, almost shouting.
"If I was on that planet right now you'd send your entire military after me without question!!!" you yelled, feeling your temper rise even more. Day's face twisted into a familiar angry scowl, and he too stood up, towering over you.
"Of course I would! Did it ever occur to you that maybe I'm trying to protect my family?! Don't you think for a second I would make a decision that endangers you and our unborn child!! You can be so damn irrational sometimes Rayla...I really don't understand it," he said moving closer to you, his frown unwavering.
"You let your pride and ego get to your head. Perhaps that is why so many doubt the imperium. When the time comes to take action, they can't find their left from their right, and the galaxy suffers," you replied. His eyes widened angrily and you watched as the large vein crossing his forehead became more visible.
"The Cleonic dynasty has made many unfortunate mistakes in the past, but I'm trying to make up for our short-comings now by choosing to withhold violence. You have no idea how heavily these choices weigh on my conscience! You may be my wife, but you still have a lot to learn when it comes to imperial rule and the way I choose to run things!!!" he snapped back, backing you up against the wall.
"YOU'RE A COWARD!" you screamed.
"A COWARD?! IS THAT WHAT YOU THINK OF ME??!! IF ABSTAINING FROM AGGRESSIVE ACTION TO AVOID WAR IS COWARDLY, SO BE IT!! Perhaps I should have left you to die and bleed out the day I found you on that god-forsaken planet. I'd be spared from this pointless conversation!" he yelled back at you. His words stung, and you could see in his face, he immediately regretted what he had said. In anger, you raised your hand and struck him across the cheek, hard enough to force his head to turn.
"I suppose I am one of your mistakes then, Empire," you said back, your voice shaking with pain and hurt. His eyes started to water and you could tell he was holding back tears.
"...don't twist my words…I didn't mean…" he said, but you cut him off.
"Didn't mean what?! You made it very clear what you meant!!" you shouted back and turned to leave. You felt his hand firmly grasp your arm, keeping you from walking any further.
"Rayla…please…," he said softly to you, his lip trembling slightly. You took hold of his arm and forcefully released his hand from its grip.
"DON'T TOUCH ME!" you screamed. He desperately tried to reach out to you tenderly, pleading for forgiveness, but you slapped his hands out of the way and ran out of the room. Making your way down the staircase, you could hear Day following close behind, easily keeping pace with you.
"Rayla…wait!" he shouted. Once on the beach, you ran until you couldn't any more. As you cried, it made breathing difficult and you collapsed on your knees close to the shoreline. Crossing your arms you laid in a fetal position and could do nothing but weep quietly yourself. The gentle waters of the lake dampened the sand as it inched towards you, tickling your toes. Taking some of the sand in your hand, you closed your eyes and thought of home. The little particles of sediment flowed between your fingers and you could almost feel the desert sun on your face. Before you opened your eyes, you felt two large arms lift you from the ground. Soon, you could hear Day's sobs and felt his body jerk slightly as he cried. He sat there on the shore, holding you close to his chest while stroking the side of your face.
"...please forgive me…I'm so sorry…Rayla…please…," he said in-between his tears. You opened your eyes and looked up at him, his dark green eyes staring back at you, kind and full of regret. Without hesitation, you buried your face in his shoulder and continued to cry.
"...what have I done?... I've wounded you so deeply…after all you've been through…I…," he could no longer speak and cupped the back of your head gently as he continued to cry. You lifted the palm of your hand to his face and forced a small smile. Realizing you were just as much at fault for the argument, you could no longer stay angry with him.
"Words said during the heat of anger, never come from the heart…," you said softly to him," I know you didn't mean it."
A large smile of relief came across his face and he let out a timid laugh through his tears.
"Of course I forgive you…and Cleon?.... You are not a coward…I never should have called you that," you said, starting to whimper slightly as the tears continued to fall.
"All is forgiven my love," he replied, smiling down at you.
"You are the bravest man I know…and you've risked everything including your life to protect and love me…I have caused you great insult. I mistook your fierce devotion for hesitation," you said. You glanced up at the red mark your hand had left behind when you struck him. The skin was slightly raised and red from the impact. You gasped and felt ashamed for hitting him so hard. There was a small gash close to his eye where one of your fingernails had grazed him. Ripping a piece of cloth from your dress, you wetted the fabric and gently dabbed the open wound, trying to clean it for him.
"My poor Cleon…I should not have assaulted you so violently…," you said to him, continuing to tend to his face. He took hold of your arm and smiled.
"I disagree…I do believe I deserved that…," he replied. The both of you laughed together and he stood up, still holding your body close to his.
"Perhaps you did, but it still needs tending to and maybe a couple of stitches. Getting an infection while on our honeymoon would be less than ideal," you said in response.
"Indeed. That would be most unfortunate. Very well doctor, I cannot refuse when you insist so fervently," he said, carrying you along the beach, his bare feet leaving large tracks in the sand below.
Once back inside the retreat building, you had him lay down on one of the sofas, his injured cheek exposed towards you. You filled a basin with warm water and soaked a fresh cloth to clean the gash. You carefully began to wipe away dried blood and stray pieces of dirt. He flinched a few times and squirmed slightly at your touch. Placing your hand on his chest you gave him a mischievous look.
"I haven't even begun to sew this up and you're already having trouble sitting still," you said to him jokingly. He laughed and tried to position himself better so you could have closer access. You continued to tend to the opening in his skin and once again he flinched.
"Damn it woman, that stings!" he replied, raising his voice and chuckling to himself.
"Cleon…you need to stop moving!" you said, laughing along with him. You curved the side of your mouth into an amused grin. Before he could react, you quickly climbed onto his stomach and straddled him, your weight forcing him to lay motionless. He raised his eyebrows in surprise and sighed happily.
"Well doctor, I wasn't aware of this medical strategy," he teased.
"I only use it on my most unruly patients," you flirted back at him. Taking the cloth back to his face, you resumed cleaning the open wound. When you had finished, you used a sanitizing pen from a kit you had found in the bedroom and sprayed the gash carefully. Day closed his eyes in discomfort and gritted his teeth.
"Shhh…I'm almost done," you cooed. You gently brushed back the loose strands of hair that had fallen on his face. Taking the suture set from the kit you carefully took the needle and pulled a long strand of thread through the eye. Tying a large knot at the end you prepared to insert the needle into his skin.
"This will hurt a little bit, but it's imperative that you lay still," you said softly to him. He smiled up at you, kissing the palm of your other hand and nodded. Slowly, you inserted the tip of the needle to make the first stitch and pulled the thread through to connect the separated edges of the gash. You continued to suture the wound, sewing the skin together in neat even rows, closing the opening. To ensure the injury was completely clear of bacteria, you used the sanitizing pen one last time.
"There. Good as new. The stitches should dissolve in a week or so," you said to him. He grinned and placed both of his hands on your hips, and stared at your stomach.
"Thank you…," he said quietly and began to stroke the lower part of your abdomen.
"What is it?" you asked, reaching down and combing your hands through his hair while leaning on his chest.
"…I'm just trying to imagine what they'll be like…our child," he said lovingly. You laughed quietly and placed your hands on top of his.
"What do you think it is?" you asked. He gave you a quizzical look.
"You mean the gender?" he asked in response. You nodded.
"I think it's a boy," you said to him, but he shook his head," you disagree?"
"It's definitely a girl," he said quickly.
"So sure already, Empire?" you said.
"I can feel it in my bones my dearest," he replied, " I know all there is about infant boys, thanks to Dawn. But I've always wanted a little girl."
"Well then, I guess we'll find out who's right in a couple of months," you said to him. He laughed and made room for you to lay next to him on the sofa. He kissed you tenderly and held your head close to his chest while caressing your stomach.
"Indeed we shall," he replied.
The honeymoon week, although relaxing and refreshing, soon came to an end. As servants arrived at the cliff side to help you pack your things for the journey home, you stood on the balcony with your hands on your stomach. Feeling Day touch the small of your back you looked up at him smiling.
"I've been thinking…Cleon…when the time comes, I'd like to have our baby here on the lakeside…it's quiet, peaceful and a good distance from the palace…" you said, leaning your head close to his shoulder.
"I couldn't agree more…I had hoped you'd consider this part of Trantor as the perfect location for the birth of our child," he said, kissing the top of your head.
"How very thoughtful of you, husband," you said. He took your hand in his and led you to the ship waiting on the beach for your departure.
As you and Day returned to the palace, Mal and Day's brothers were waiting anxiously near the landing platform. After pleasantries were exchanged, you lifted Mal and balanced him on your hip. 'i missed you!' he signed to you. 'I missed you too, Mal! You were good for Dawn, yes?' you signed back. He nodded and wrapped his arms around your neck in a warm embrace. As you continued to talk to Mal, you saw Dusk pull his middle brother aside, a more serious look on his face.
"Preparations have been made for the procedure. Are you positive you want to change her sentencing?" Dusk asked, trying to be discreet. Day nodded in approval and placed his hand on Dusk's shoulder.
"I'm sure, brother. We want to send a clear message," he said sternly.
"Very well," Dusk replied, giving Day an approving smile. The emperor walked back over to you and ruffled Mal's hair.
"And how has our friend faired in our absence?" he asked, while you translated for the boy. Mal signed back 'Dawn and I have finished building our spaceship. Would you like to see it?!' he asked excitedly.
"Indeed I would! Let Rayla and I get unpacked and you can tell me all about it, how does that sound?" asked day. Mal nodded and laughed as Day tickled his sides. You set the boy down and took your husband's arm, following the servants back into the palace as they carried your luggage. Once in your and Day's bedroom, you dismissed the servants.
"We can handle things from here…thank you," you said to them. They bowed and exited the chamber, leaving the two of you alone. You began to unpack your belongings, folding the clothes into neat piles.
"Am I correct in assuming Esme will not be executed tomorrow?" you asked boldly. Day stopped in his tracks and stood in silence, looking down at the floor.
"That is correct, yes," he responded rather coldly.
"You're just going to let her live and roam free then? After all she's done…" you replied.
"Not exactly," he said softly.
"She's committed treason, she almost killed me and our unborn child! And now she's responsible for the suffering of my people. How could you?! She deserves to suffer for what she's done!!" you said back to him, raising your voice. He stood there in almost an eerie silence for what seemed like ages.
"...believe me, she will,..." he said, his face emotionless. His words made you shiver and for a moment as you caught a glimpse of the old emperor you first met in the deserts of Arcturus. The tone of his voice was almost cruel and vengeful and his gaze was cold and angry.
"I don't understand,..." you said timidly.
"I will not give her the satisfaction of becoming a martyr for Anacreon…some fates are far worse than death," he replied. You gave him a confused look.
"What are you talking about, Cleon?" you asked, turning towards him with concern. He exhaled deeply and offered his hand with a weak smile.
"I'll show you…," he replied. He led you down the winding hallways until you entered the prison hall where you had last spoken with Esme. Instead of walking towards her cell, he turned and walked with you down a dark corridor. At the end of the passage, you both came to a sealed door, with a row of guards posted on each side. He waved his hand in front of a scanner near the door, triggering the latch to release the locking mechanism. Stepping into the chamber, you found yourself in a room of darkened cells that surrounded the two of you in a circular pattern. He turned to you and touched the side of your face tenderly.
"I'll warn you now, what I'm about to show you is slightly unnerving and maybe a bit of a shock," he said.
"Show me…," you replied with confidence. He gave you a look of apprehension.
"Very well…," he replied and turned to com in the center of the room, "Computer, bring prisoner 176 into view."
The darkened cells around the room started to rotate slowly and stopped a few seconds later. The computer spoke as the room stopped its movement: "Prisoner 176. Automated cell A3756, Age 21. Female. Azura Odili. Criminal of the Imperium. Sentence. Life in automated sensory deprivation confinement for high treason and conspiracy."
When it had finished the inscription, a green light brightened the room and a young woman's body came into view, dressed in black modest undergarments. You stepped back and gasped in horror. Attached to her head were several leads, reading her brain function. You realized she was submerged in some kind of fluid, as there was a breathing mouthpiece over her nose and lips. She was hooked up to a machine with numerous tubes and wires and in her right forearm, a large waterproof I.V. had been installed. The shroud lifted revealing her eyes… lifeless and blank, the irises a pale white shade as if the color had been erased. The sounds of the different devices beeping and moving within the cell made you sick to your stomach. You put your hand over your mouth and felt tears stream down your face in fear.
"... Cleon…what is this?..." you asked him, your voice trembling.
"This is one of the many automated cells in the imperial solitary confinement chamber. It is reserved for the more high profile criminals of the empire. She is alive, but all five of her senses have been denied to her. She cannot move, taste, smell, see, hear or touch. But she has full brain function and awareness mentally," he said to you.
"…she's just a child…what has she done to deserve such cruelty?..." you asked, turning to him in disbelief. He looked down at you, a cold scowl on his lips and paused before speaking.
"She took everything from me…," he said. You could see his eyes glisten angrily with sorrow.
"What are you talking about?" you asked.
"Over a year ago, a young woman, a gardener, took advantage of my youngest brother and exposed a genetic flaw in the imperial line…her treachery cost Dawn his life…," he explained to you.
"But Dawn is fine,...I don't understand," you replied.
"The Dawn you know is Cleon the 15th…," he said.
"But you're the 13th in line…that's not possible…unless… he replaced the 14th after his death," you replied, reaching for Day's cheek. He nodded but could no longer hide the tears and allowed them to fall from his eyes.
"Why haven't you told me this before?" you asked.
"How could I? You have grown so close to the younger brother I have now…and the guilt I feel for what happened…it still tears me apart inside," he replied, holding you close to his chest. You allowed him to hold you for a while longer before turning back to Azura's cell. You reached out and touched the glass with curiosity.
"Is this the punishment you have chosen for Esme then?" you asked. Day stepped forward and placed his hand on your shoulder.
"I would like to be present for her induction," you said coldly. You turned around to face the emperor again.
"As you wish. I will warn you now, it is not a pleasant process to witness," he said to you, lifting your chin to meet your gaze.
"I understand," you said to him, giving a weak smile. He shut down the cell lights, allowing the system to lower Azura's cell into the darkness below. He offered his arm and led you out of the chamber and into the light of the main dungeon hallway.
The following morning, you dressed, preparing yourself for Esme's induction. You chose a dark blue gown with silver trim in a hue similar to that of your husband's usual attire. Wrapping the beautiful cloak the other Cleon brothers had given you around your shoulders, you looked in the mirror. You hardly recognized your own reflection. Day entered the room in his long ceremonial robes, his chest adorned with the all too familiar blue plated armor. He smiled warmly when he looked at you while securing the silver aura to your wrist.
"You look too ethereal to be attending a sentencing," he said jokingly, kissing your forehead,"are you ready?"
"I am," you said to him as he took your arm carefully so as to not activate the energy field of either of your auras. The two of you entered the throne room and he walked you to the side of the middle of the three thrones on the platform. Dawn and Dusk stood on both sides next to you and the emperor. In the middle of the aisleway on her knees was Esme, her hair braided to the side and her hands tightly bound behind her. Day raised his hand, pointing two fingers to silence the murmuring crowd. He stepped forward and made eye contact with the lowly Anacreonian.
"Esme…daughter of Anacreon. You will be pleased to hear that the bodies of your brothers have been safely delivered to your home planet," he said to her.
"You honored my request? How very unlike the imperium to show such an act of kindness to one they deem a traitor," she responded snidely. You saw a fiery anger flash in Day's eyes and he slowly made his way down the stairs. Walking in a slow circle around her, he continued to speak.
"Do not patronize me with your false sense of gratitude. If it were not for the merciful pleading of my wife, they would be a pile of ash," he snapped back at her. Esme looked up at you, seemingly surprised that you had convinced Day to honor her request.
"Then to what do I owe this most unexpected audience with the emperor?" she asked.
"We have reason to believe you have been relaying messages to the outer rim of this galaxy by means of an unnamed informant," he told her, continuing to pace around her.
"And your proof, Empire?" she asked.
"Anacreonian leadership have recently reached out and informed my officer of defense that they have Arcturus surrounded with a blockade. Apparently they know that I have taken an Arcturian for my wife and plan to use this offensive action as a plot for revenge," he explained to her. She smiled proudly up at him.
"It's no more than she deserves…that wife of yours is a traitorous outsider whose only purpose is to warm your bed…she is no consort…she is the emperor's mistress, no more no less," she said in response. Without hesitation, Day struck her hard across her cheek with the back of his hand, forcing blood to trickle from her nose and mouth. She violently spit some of her crimson saliva at his feet in retaliation and chuckled maniacally to herself.
"Insult my consort again, and I'll remove that foul tongue of yours myself," he said. Taking hold of her throat, he nearly lifted her from the ground. She struggled to breathe and pulled on her wrist restraints to try and free herself. Seeing he was slowly starting to cut off her air supply, you rushed down the stairs and stepped next to him, tenderly touching his arm.
"...Cleon…please…this isn't you…let her go…," you said, looking into his eyes. The rage in his eyes subsided slightly when he heard you speak and he slowly lowered Emse, eventually releasing his grip on her throat when she hit the floor, landing on her knees. She coughed as air filled her lungs again and she regulated her breathing. She looked up at you and for a split second, an expression of thanks crossed her face, but the angry scowl soon returned.
"It appears your new consort has more of a hold on you than I thought," she said to him.
"Indeed she has…which is why I have had a change of heart," he said in response, and resumed pacing her,"you have been charged with High treason, conspiracy, sabatoge, theft and abuse of Imperial property, impersonation of an imperial staff member, one count of forbidden communication with the Anacreonian military, conspiracy to assist in the blockade of Arcturus…," he said and paused for a minute.
"Anything else you'd like to add to my list of accusations?" She asked mockingly.
"Three counts of attempted murder of members of the imperial family…" he replied. She seemed confused by his last statement.
"I must have misheard you, Empire. I could have sworn you said three counts of attempted murder…I am only aware of two," she said in response.
"No. You heard correctly," he said with a twisted smile and pulled her by the collar of her shirt and brought her ear to his lips so only she could hear,"... while threatening Rayla, you also endangered the life of our unborn child. Soon you will experience the unyielding wrath of an angered father and the true meaning of revenge…I will make sure you suffer…"
She gasped in utter disbelief as he secured a mouth shroud to her lips and nose, keeping her from speaking but allowing her to breathe. She struggled in her cuffs and Day motioned for Obrecht to come forward to hold her still.
"In light of recent developments, your punishment has been altered. You will be detained in an automated cell, all of your senses will be incapacitated and you will be fed interveiniously. You will never see the light of day again and you will spend an eternity shrouded in darkness, unable to speak, taste, see, or hear. But you will be aware and you will have the rest of your life to remember what you have done. Instead of enjoying the satisfaction of martyrdom you will face unimaginable physical and psychological pain and torture," he said, his voice echoing across the hall. Esme tried screaming through her shroud but her voice was muffled. She struggled against Obrecht's hands and pulled hard on her restraints. The emperor stepped forward and lifted her chin so she was looking into his eyes.
"...it's no more than you deserve…," he said to her in a cruel tone. She screamed into the mouthpiece again and tried breaking free from her cuffs. He snapped his fingers and motioned to some of his guards. Take her down to the lower levels for procedure preparation. He turned and faced you, offering his hand to hold. You gladly took it and began to walk with the emperor to the observation arena. As you walked past Esme, she unexpectedly freed her wrists from behind her and grabbed the fabric of your dress desperately. For a moment you saw her eyes, full of fear and panic, and felt pity for her. Obrecht quickly pulled her away and removed her mouthpiece for a few seconds to attach a full shroud to the back of her head. As you worked to free yourself from her grip, you could hear her cries reverberate off the walls of the throne room.
"RAYLA…. PLEASE….DON'T LET HIM DO THIS TO ME…RAYLA…RAYLA!!! PLEASE!!!!" she screamed at the top of her lungs. You continued to walk next to Day, your heart breaking with each step. Finally, Obrecht was able to silence her with a quick tranquilizing injection and her pleas for help subsided. Sitting in the preparation arena, you looked into the procedure cell as many attendants and physicians checked various pieces of equipment. Moments later, Emse was brought into the room, now wide awake and wildly fighting Obrecht. She broke free for a few seconds and ran at the glass, sobbing and pounding hard on the barrier. She began to once again beg for mercy.
"PLEASE…TELL THEM TO KILL ME…PLEASE…RAYLA…HAVE MERCY…PLEASE…TELL HIM TO HAVE MERCY…PLEASE..!!!" she screamed. With tears in your eyes, you avoided her gaze and looked up at Day. He knew this was upsetting you, and held your hand firmly and tried reassuring you with a kind look from eyes. He raised his other arm and motioned for the technicians to proceed. It took four of the staff members to peel her away from the glass barrier and secure her limbs in the restraints of the cell. She protested and screamed as they struggled to force her into position. Finally, with her arms and legs firmly in place, one of the men began to prepare the I.V. device that would be relaying nutrients to her body to keep her alive. Finding a large vein in her forearm, he sanitized the skin before inserting an abnormally long needle into her arm. Esme screamed in agony as the sharp point slowly entered her arm and kicked and writhed as much as she could, testing the strength of her restraints. A waterproof barrier was then secured over the needle by means of cauterizing the skin to the material. Her skin sizzled and smoked as it was attached to her arm, and she continued to scream at the top of her lungs, begging for her life. She screamed your name over and over again, but you did not waver and held firm to Day's hand as the process continued.
The emperor stood up slowly and approached the barrier as the technicians raised the restraining rack until it was level with his eyes. His face was expressionless, cold, and void of any emotion. He stared cruelly at her and leaned in until his nose was inches away from the glass. Her eyes met his and they were swollen from crying and filled with terror at the sight of the emperor. She was weeping uncontrollably and desperately looking for any sign of mercy in his face, but she saw none. He nodded in the direction of the lead physician, signaling him to resume with the procedure. Leads of various kinds were then attached to her temple and along the length of her spine. A similar facial shroud to that of Azura was secured to her face by means of serrated hooks that latched onto her skin, muffling the deafening volume of her screams. The rack that held her body slowly turned until she was horizontal to the floor of the cell, now unable to move as her limbs were paralyzed with a sirem the doctor had injected into her spine.
Sparks began to fly across the cell walls as they worked to secure the audio and visual blinder devices to her skull. With that, the entire group emptied the room, leaving Emse alone in the cell, her body hanging tightly by her restraints. Once the cell door closed behind them, the chamber began to fill with the same light green fluid you had seen in Azura's cell. Once it had filled to the ceiling, a series of loud tones chimed and the border of the cell lit up. The mechanism holding Esme's body slowly rotated with a deafening cranking noise until she was once again parallel to the glass in front of her. The cell chamber lit up and the visual shroud was temporarily removed by the machine, revealing a pair of pale white eyes, lifeless and cold. Day continued to stand there, tilting his head to the side slightly, examining his new prisoner.
"Well done, Obrecht, you may secure the cell," he said to his shadow master. As the lights dimmed in the chamber, you quietly made your way out of the observation room, unable to look into the cell in front of you. Day turned just in time to see you leave. Dusk made his way over to his middle brother and nudged his head in the direction you had gone.
"She needs you now…go and be with her. I'll finalize everything here," he said. Day nodded and quickly ran after you, following you into the imperial bedroom. He found you there, laid out on the bed, your back facing the door. You rested your head on your hands and cried quietly to yourself, holding tight to Mal's necklace. He took off the thick armor and lifted it over his shoulders, placing it on the floor. He quietly made his way over to the bedside, careful not to startle you. Sitting next to you he gently touched your shoulder, but you looked away shyly. He sighed deeply and started to get up and walk away, but you released your aura and took his hand.
"Please don't go…you...your presence is soothing," you said, whimpering. He tenderly lifted your head and cradled you in his arms. He didn't say anything, he just sat there and rocked you as you cried into his shoulder and kissed your forehead every once in a while.
"I know I said I wanted her to suffer…but after seeing her like that, I'm not so sure…," you said to him.
"I did try to warn you of the brutality of the induction process," he said, giving you a weak smile. You touched his cheek, and smiled back.
"I know you did, it's just…she was once my friend…and I, I didn't want…," you tried to explain, but Day finished your sentence.
"You didn't want her to be alone…a part of you still cared for her," he said, tears filling his own eyes as you nodded in agreement," and that is what I love about you, Rayla…you have such a kind and gentle heart, even for those undeserving of your compassion. Even me…"
You looked up at him and looked deeply and lovingly into his eyes, the beautiful deep ocean green irises staring back at you.
"Especially you…," you said to him, laughing a little bit. He raised his eyebrows in amusement and laughed along with you.
"There's that smile I love so much," he said tenderly to you. Lifting your head, he pressed his lips to yours and kissed you slowly and gently. He sprawled out on the mattress, still holding you close to his torso. The two of you eventually fell asleep as the sun sunk below the horizon.
Over the next several weeks, your father had made arrangements and found a midwife within the Trantorian medical system who was willing to discreetly monitor the health of you and your child as the pregnancy progressed. Each visit yielded positive results, and the development of the little one in your womb continued to go as planned. You had to work a little bit harder to hide your swollen belly, but it was worth the effort. You had returned home one evening from one of the more important developmental ultrasounds. Day was finishing up a meeting with the galactic council when you arrived, so you rested on a daybed near the edge of the balcony to wait for him while you read one of the many books from the imperial library.
An hour or so later, Cleon returned and closed the doors behind him. He walked up slowly to your side, carrying a familiar sealed container. He set the box down and caressed the small bump on your abdomen, and smiled.
"How is my little family?," he asked softly.
"We are doing just fine, Empire…." you paused for a moment before speaking again,"...your daughter is doing especially well…"
Day's mouth gaped open in disbelief.
"Wh…what did you just say?..."he said in response, his eyes watering.
"Your daughter, she's passed her health panel with flying colors. I thought you'd be pleased to hear that," you said to him. He took your hands, and looked into your eyes.
"My…my daughter?..." he asked excitedly. You nodded happily in response, feeling your own tears rolling down the skin of your cheeks.
"No...We…we're having a girl?..." he asked joyfully.
"We're having a little girl…" you said in response, crying along with him. He stood up, his hand covering his mouth and paced the room, laughing and crying at the same time. He ruffled his hair, unsure of what to say or do. Eventually he ran back over to you and lifted you into the air, spinning you around as he had on your wedding day. After setting you down he placed his hands on both sides of your belly and knelt before you. He resumed crying and kissed your unborn child where they were in your womb.
"Oh my sweet little daughter," he said and stood up again looking at you longingly, " and you…my beautiful wife…I'm at a loss for words."
"You were right, Cleon…I stand corrected," you teased.
"And now I am sadly outnumbered…," he said, still crying but overjoyed. He held you close to him and you cried together, cherishing the news and relishing in the realization that a tiny young princess was on the way.
"Oh Rayla…I love you so…I am the proudest man in the entire galaxy," he said to you, with a large smile on his lips.
"It is an honor to carry your child for you my sweet Cleon. I cannot wait to meet her…" you almost whispered to him.
"Neither can I,..." He said back and held you close once again. He took the small box he had brought and opened the lid revealing a fresh pile of ripened raspberries.
