Fourth Vector Ch. 37

A lump in his throat grew and Jack struggled to find the words to respond to that. Thankfully, he didn't have to as Kat seemed to sense his predicament by taking charge of showing off the Castle. Once they were inside, Kat led them through a tour of the ancient structure, even showing off rooms that were in various states of repair.

Throughout the entire tour, Evelyn marveled at the surroundings inside, truly impressed by the grandeur of the Galician Castle. Jack had to remember that she'd spent most of her life living simply, not having much in the way of a home or possessions. Living in the Castle now would be a change that would take some getting used to.

After the tour was over, dinner was provided by the servants, and Vera got the chance to introduce Greg to Evelyn, an event that was comical to watch. Jack could tell that Evelyn had a grand time grilling Greg about being good enough for her granddaughter but she warmed up to him well after he'd proved himself to her. The large family ate dinner together but in the early evening hours, Jack was afforded the opportunity to sit with the elderly matriarch on his own. They sat on one of the balconies of the Castle, looking out on the darkening city of Kalmar.

"I hope you got enough to eat," started Jack as he looked over at Evelyn. "If you're still hungry, please let me know."

Evelyn puffed her cheeks out and put her hand on her stomach. "Are you kidding, Jack? I haven't eaten that well in ages. I'm certain I've gained several pounds in the process."

"Well, you were looking rather thin," he teased. "You could do to be fattened up a little."

Evelyn started to chuckle. "I never thought I'd be here of all places. I finally get to look out on our city. I've heard so many things about Galicia and now I'm finally here. You can't imagine how odd it is for me to say that."

Jack nodded. "I've gone through much the same realization myself. I still have to pinch myself sometimes, especially when they call me by my title. You know as well as I do that I wasn't born for this. It takes some serious getting used to and even after all these months, I'm still not there."

Evelyn smiled. "Your father used to say the same thing. Of course, he was never called by his titles by anyone other than our immediate family but he used to say that it was a good thing he wouldn't ever actually sit on the throne. It was a life he knew nothing about, and I think he was secretly happy that way."

"I can't say that I'm not a little jealous about the whole thing," said Jack quietly. "Maybe someone born into it would have a much easier time. Kat seems to be taking to it well but that's hardly surprising. Me on the other hand, it's still taking some getting used to."

"You'll pick it up eventually, Jack. Besides, it's not always about the weight of responsibility on your shoulders, right? It can be even a little fun to look out on your city and know that everything you see is yours."

Jack raised an eyebrow. "Fun you call it? Fun isn't the word I would choose."

Evelyn smiled again. "You're more like your father than you realize. He used to be just as solemn about his identity. He never allowed himself to take that weight off his shoulders, and I know part of him suffered for it. You can't always let it crush you, Jack. It will put you into an early grave if you let it."

"I'm learning and I'll get there eventually," he said finally. "Maybe John will be more in tune with it since it'll be the only thing he'll ever know."

Evelyn nodded. "He'll be just fine, Jack. You really do have a lovely son. Any plans for more on the horizon?"

Jack nearly choked. "None yet. We're still getting used to having one and the lack of sleep that goes with it. I can't even begin to think about two."

"Well, John will need a little sister," said Evelyn with a mischievous grin. "And judging by the way Abigail was looking at you at dinner, she'd love to help make that a reality."

"In due time," said Jack with a chuckle. "John wasn't entirely expected and we are still in a war here. I'd like the next one to be a little more planned."

"Spoilsport," said Evelyn with a soft laugh. "Well, at least I was promised a good wedding while I'm here."

"The girls told you about that, did they?"

"But of course," replied Evelyn. "And I so do love weddings. Especially when it's my own grandson who's walking down the aisle."

Jack couldn't help but grin. "It is long overdue. Most would say that Kat and I put the cart before the horse by having John first." Jack was temporarily reminded of his conversation with Bill from a few days ago.

Evelyn waved dismissively. "No one is worried about the order, dear. As long as it happens eventually, everyone is going to be just fine." Evelyn leaned forward. "And guessing by the look on your sister's face, I would say she won't be far behind you."

"No, you're probably right about that," agreed Jack. "But she couldn't have picked a better man to do it with."

"Which is something I wanted to ask you about. I understand that Greg is your friend going back a long way?"

"A very long way," confirmed Jack. "He sailed with me the first time we entered the West. He's fought in just about every battle as I have, being my right-hand man for most of them."

"And if you've made him your general, you must think very highly of him," said Evelyn.

Jack nodded. "I do. It was the right thing to do. Not that I don't trust my Galician officers but it helps to give me peace of mind to know that someone I trust so implicitly is one of my leading generals. And personally, he's a great match for Vera. It was funny when they first started to date. They tried to hide it from me but I know both of them well enough that they can't hide something of that magnitude from me. It came out when we were still in Picardy."

"He seems like a very good man," noted Evelyn. "And Vera looks to be head over heels in love with him. The fact that you can vouch for him as well puts my anxiety at rest."

Jack gave her a funny look. "Anxiety? I don't remember you scrutinizing Kat or Abigail that hard the first time you met them."

Evelyn shrugged. "It's different for women than it is for men. Vera being the youngest of you both also means she was bound to get it worse than you did. Plus, I knew Kat for so very long and of course I had a great first impression of Abigail."

Jack cracked a smile. "I guess I can understand that. It was probably why they waited so long to tell me too. I can't say I didn't have a little fun with Greg over it too."

Evelyn nodded but then changed the subject. "So are you feeling nervous about getting married? There's a lot of permanence that comes with it. Has it started to hit you yet?"

Jack started to shake his head. "Not yet but I'm not sure if it will. I've long since accepted the fact that I was going to spend the rest of my life with both of them. This is just making things official."

"But you are gaining two wives at one time," replied Evelyn. "That's a lot for any man to handle let alone the Galician King."

"It runs in our blood though, right?" asked Jack. "The kings of old used to have two wives. A land wife and a sea wife?"

"Some of them had even more, Jack. The first King of Galicia had four of them. Can you imagine? I will say that he didn't gain all of them at one time though."

"When you say the first king, are you talking about Renard Kincardine?"

Evelyn's eyes twinkled. "Someone has been teaching you our history."

Jack started to chuckle. "That would be the Lord of Hemswell, Bill Calland. He's been my friend for quite a while."

For a brief moment, Evelyn's face darkened. "I know that name. That's the man that deposed Kat for her cousin. He's your friend?"

Jack put his hands up. "That fence has already been mended. Believe me, it wasn't done so easily either. The first time Kat and Bill were in the same room together, I had to keep myself between them or else I think she might have hurt him."

"What stopped her from doing so?"

"I'd like to think I did," said Jack. "But in retrospect it was probably the fact that she'd just given birth to John and wasn't in any fighting condition."

Evelyn started to chuckle. "That sounds like the Kat that I know. So they've truly patched things up then?"

"Not only that, but Bill saved my life," added Jack. "I have everything to owe to him. I can count on his friendship, I'm sure of it."

"Well, that is good to hear that there aren't any relationships that are too far gone to be mended," said Evelyn. "But I digress. Bill has taught you well. I imagine he's talked a lot about your more prominent ancestors."

"Enough information that I can pass down the stories now," said Jack with a growing smile. "Although I might leave out the part about four wives until John is a little older."

Evelyn chuckled heartily. "You don't have to do that, Jack. It's part of your birthright after all. But I would say that Kat and Abigail wouldn't take to a newcomer very well."

Jack let out a long sigh. "Nor do I think I could stand another. Two is plenty. But I will say that I'm happy. And to get back to your original question, I don't have any nerves about it. We're meant to be together and there's no denying that."

"I'm glad that you're at peace with the decision," replied Evelyn. "It was much the same way with your grandfather and I. I knew how much my life would change in becoming his wife. I knew we'd have to be in hiding always but I loved him so much. I would have gone anywhere he'd asked me to go. And we did, Jack. We lived in some truly squalid conditions over the years trying to stay one step ahead of the regents but it was always the right choice for me. If you can say the same thing, then you have nothing to worry about."

Jack started to smile. "I can truly say the same. They're the right choice for me."

"Well now that it's out of the way, how are you truly doing?" asked Evelyn. "I don't mean your personal life but more so the events around you. How are you coping with all of it?"

"You mean being the leader of the West against the Swabian threat?" asked Jack in a lighthearted tone. "I'm dealing with it one day at a time. It's never been easy but I've accepted it. Besides, I never really had another option in the matter, did I?"

"Not according to the prophecy," replied Evelyn. "It was always going to be you. And with what's been written about you, does it make you nervous at all? The potential for a final battle grows closer."

Jack nodded his head without speaking. He knew that it was written he might not survive the last battle. He knew the importance of having a child before that happened, a way to ensure the family survived. And now with the war against the Swabians progressing forward, he was much closer to fulfilling that prophecy.

Something didn't seem quite right with it though. Jack had an odd feeling in his chest whenever he thought about a final battle with the Swabians, almost as if something was wrong with it. Of course, Java and Bancroft were never far from his mind either but surely a two-thousand-year-old Galician prophecy couldn't have been talking about Java, right?

Swabia was the ultimate evil, not Java.

"I guess you can say that I try not to think about it," said Jack. "Because when I do, I just have too many unanswered questions. I don't know what will happen when the war ends but according to this prophecy, we've fulfilled a good portion of it. Perhaps I really will have to die. I don't get a choice in the matter, do I?"

Evelyn trained her eyes on him for a brief moment before softly shaking her head. "No, Jack, we don't get to choose that, as much as we might try to. The prophecy hasn't been wrong yet and events do seem to be moving quickly these days. I will admit that I'm frightened for you. I'm scared of what might happen to you at the end of it."

"I'm a little scared too," he admitted quietly. "Not knowing what will happen but knowing there's a possibility is unsettling. It's the reason I don't dwell on it. Kat and Abigail don't want to talk about it either, and I don't like bringing it up to them. I guess knowing we have a support system here in Galicia now is better off in case things turn for the worse, but I still would like to watch my son grow up. I'd still like to spend years in peace with my wives. If I'm being honest, it's one of the reasons I want to make our relationship official. When I'm gone, I want the rest of Galicia to treat them both with respect and not just cast them aside as not worthy enough."

Evelyn shook her head. "The people wouldn't do that, Jack. Anyone who's spent any time around you knows how important they are to you. You don't have to marry them to legitimize them."

"We know that," said Jack before pointing to the city below. "But they might not. I'd rather not let it be a question. If I'm to die soon, I want to die a married man. For everyone's sake."

Evelyn didn't say anything directly to that. She looked out on the city and took several deep breaths. Jack didn't have to guess what she was thinking.

After a few moments of silence, she reached out and grasped his hand. "Let's hope it doesn't come to that then. Let's hope that the prophecy is wrong about that."

He didn't have the right words to reply. The lump in his throat was back.

*****

"That son of a bitch!"

Bancroft slammed his hand down on his desk in anger, the dispatch falling from his hand. He fumed silently, his nostrils flaring while he clenched his fist.

It took him several minutes to get back under control, at which point he grabbed the abandoned dispatch and put it back on his desk.

Of all the emotions that came with being emperor, rejection was the one he liked the least. That was what this dispatch was about, a rejection from someone whom he considered an old friend or at very least, a former peer.

The dispatch was from Admiral Walt McKenzie, the commander of the Javan Second Fleet, and now the undisputed master of the Occitanian capital city of Montauban. With the Occitanian surrender came the need to organize the treaty for peace but until that could be done, the country needed to be under control. After all this time warring, Occitania was broken. Her armed forces were destroyed and her people were starving.

Bancroft needed someone strong to be in control of Occitania during this time. He needed a viceroy with a military background and one that could be counted on to get things done. McKenzie was an ideal candidate, and he'd offered the position of viceroy to his old friend without a thought of rejection.

That's why McKenzie's dispatch stung so much. Why hadn't the man wanted to be the ultimate power in the country? Was it not such a generous offering worthy of his talents?

Or was it deeper than that? Was it personal? Did this have something to do with any slights against Bancroft? Was McKenzie not as firm in his friendship as Bancroft assumed?

Either way, Bancroft was pissed about the rejection. If not for their former friendship, the rejection could have landed McKenzie on the next proscription list. Lesser offenses had been more severely punished in the past.

Something managed to stay his hand for now. Bancroft would not punish McKenzie for this offense, more out of respect for the friendship they once had. But McKenzie had used up all of his goodwill. One more slight could very well see his wealth confiscated and his head removed from his shoulders.

There was no room in Java for generals or admirals who didn't carry out Bancroft's will.

With a deep sigh, Bancroft wrote a note at the bottom of the dispatch for Mortimus. The note entailed offering the position to the general who took Montauban in McKenzie's place. The general wasn't nearly as capable as the admiral, but Bancroft knew he was at least intelligent enough not to reject the offer. The matter settled, Bancroft reclined in his chair as the door to his study opened.

The visitor was a familiar face if not an important one but Bancroft took notice out of the corner of his eyes as she approached. The servant girl was a new addition to the palace staff. While most of the staff buzzed around while being perfectly incognito, such anonymity was impossible for her. After all, she was in the prime of her life.

Bancroft suspected she was around twenty or so. She had beautiful, long dark hair, the kind that shimmered whenever the light caught it. Her eyes were big and dark, the same color as her hair, and her lips were soft and pouty in a way that would give any man some not-so-innocent ideas. The rest of her was lovely as well and she was endowed with an incredibly large bust that was perky, without the hint of sag.

No, it was impossible for the girl to be a wallflower. She stood out too much just from being so beautiful.

She approached his desk and put a new cup of steaming hot tea on the edge. She did so without words, being well-trained in her role and knowing that Bancroft disliked any conversation from the servants.

He couldn't help but wish she would break that convention and say something. He even wished she would make eye contact with him. Another wish would be her removing her top and letting loose those breasts that seemed to so captivate him but Bancroft quickly shook the thought from his head.

What the hell is wrong with you, he thought.You're becoming no better than George!

The simple reminder of the perverted former crown prince was enough to shake his pleasant daydream. In doing so, he attracted the attention of the girl.

She stopped in her tracks to look at him with her large doe eyes. The message was clear. She wondered if she'd done something wrong, something that she might be punished for but still her training was precise. She didn't speak once.

"It's not you," said Bancroft softly as he allowed himself to take in those warm brown eyes. "Just something up here is all." He gestured to his head.

A relieved smile appeared on her face. She nodded her head and once more headed for the door.

"Wait," called out Bancroft, surprising himself with the sudden outburst.

She froze in her tracks and turned around, her eyes once more questioning him.

"You're new around here, aren't you?" asked Bancroft. Seeing the girl struggling for words, Bancroft forced a smile. "It's all right. You may speak when I ask you a question."

She nodded meekly. "Yes, Your Imperial Majesty. I just started two weeks ago."

Even her voice was rich and warm. For a brief moment, Bancroft allowed himself to imagine what that voice would sound like in the middle of orgasmic throes but once more he snapped out of it.

"And what is your name, girl?"

She smiled awkwardly. "I'm called Jade, Your Imperial Majesty."

"A pretty name," replied Bancroft. "Pretty enough to match the owner. Thank you for my tea, Jade."

"It's a pleasure to serve you, Your Imperial Majesty." With a clumsy curtsy, she once more headed for the door.

Bancroft couldn't help but watch her ass sashay as she moved. Even in that department she was gifted, with two round globes that begged to be squeezed.

As she exited the room, Bancroft let out a sigh of relief. He hadn't felt that much sexual tension in decades. Bancroft had long since thought he was no longer capable of such urges but the sudden appearance of this girl had aroused a passion he'd thought to be dormant.

Jade, yes. This Jade girl was a great addition, he thought to himself.

He knew all he had to do was snap his fingers and he could have the girl. After all, the previous ruling family often carried out such discretions on a daily basis, something that used to infuriate Bancroft to no end. George, the filthy degenerate that he was, frequently engaged with both the servant girlsand the boys, wallowing in debauchery as a pig would in its own shit. But Bancroft was above such actions, wasn't he?