Fourth Vector Ch. 39

But Trevor couldn't let anyone see his doubts right now.

Not even his loyal deputy, Gavin.

"Then we'll find a plan B," said Trevor. "And we'll make that work."

*****

Despite Trevor's best intentions, the army couldn't make the same daily pace that they had made in the week before. The men were just too exhausted to keep up, and no threats, yells, or cajoling from their officers could get them to march any faster.

Their reduced pace didn't catch up with them that day, but on the second day, Trevor's worst fears had been realized.

"Trevor! We have Javans in front of us!" yelled Gavin. "Our advance units are moving forward to engage but they set up an ambush right along the forest."

"How in the hell did they get in front of us?" asked Trevor as the two men marched to the scene of the action.

Gavin didn't answer him. Instead, the two men shared a long look. They knew exactly how the Javans had passed them.

The Javan force was situated in the forest but judging by the sounds of gunfire, it wasn't their entire force. Trevor estimated it to be more of a raiding party than anything else, but it had the desired effect in slowing down their movements until the Javans were cleared out.

Trevor spent about two hours clearing the forests until the Javans pulled back, opening the road to Worchester once again. But with the loss in time and the reduced pace, his worries about reaching Worcester first began to escalate.

And if the Javans had already demonstrated they could get ahead of them, what chance did his army have of reaching Worchester first?

That evening, Trevor sat in front of the fire and stared into it deeply, as if the answer might come to him from the flames. He was so intensely focused on it that he didn't realize that Nina moved to sit behind him, positioning her body so that he could rest his head against her breasts.

"You're tense," she said after a few moments of silence. "I can feel it in your arms and your shoulders."

"There's a lot to be tense about right now," replied Trevor.

Nina already seemed to know where he was going with that.

"Today's action was just a scouting party," she said. "It wasn't the full Javan force. They haven't gotten around us."

Trevor turned to look at her. "You and I both know it was more than just a scouting force. It was a couple regiments that we flushed out of that forest. And no wonder they were able to catch us in the first place. I have men without proper shoes eating gruel each day while the Javans have warm clothing and decent food. Maybe I was mad to think I could reach Worchester first?"

Nina didn't respond to that directly. Instead, she cradled his head against her and used her fingers against his scalp.

"You should get some sleep. You're going to need the rest too. You're as tired as the men."

"I'll be fine," said Trevor quietly. "I need to be awake. I need to think about what we're going to do. I can't keep looking in the faces of all these hungry men without any answers."

Nina didn't like that. "Trevor, you'll be no good to this army if you can't function. You're the leader here. Everyone needs you to rest."

Trevor knew she wasn't going to let it be. He waved his hand dismissively. "I'll go soon enough. I'll meet you there."

The answer was good enough for her, and he felt her presence pull back from him as she stood up. She made the way to their tent and disappeared inside.

Trevor knew he couldn't sit out here the whole night. If anything, he just needed some kind of solution. Some way they could cover ground faster than they were. Otherwise, everything they cared about was lost.

And he didn't come this whole way just to lose the war in Thessaly. Tyroleans were tougher than the odds they currently faced.

His resolve somewhat stiffened, Trevor grabbed a bucket of water and extinguished the flames. Several burning coals were all that remained and he quickly snuffed them out with his boots. By the time he'd entered the tent, Nina was already under the blanket and looking back at him.

She opened her arms and beckoned him to join her. When he finally laid down, she held him close to her.

"We'll get through this," she promised in a low whisper. "Just like everything else we've gotten through. Remember what you told the men? Just a couple more days."

"Just a couple more days," he murmured in reply.

Trevor just wished he believed they could hold out that long.

*****

On the other side of the continent, Michael Bainbridge was daydreaming again.

It was something he did frequently, if only for the reason that there wasn't much else for him to do in the palace. If he was out and about, he would be put to work on some thankless task. If he was hiding in a remote room off a quiet corridor, no one would bother him and he could daydream to his heart's content.

And he especially liked to daydream now. Usually, his thoughts centered around one topic, or rather one person.

That person would be Jade. His lips curled upward as he pictured her infectious laugh and an adorable smile. She was just so... pure. She was the most genuine person that Michael knew, which was saying a lot for the world of intrigue and falsity that occurred within the palace walls.

What was even better was that they'd become fast friends after the events in the palace kitchen some weeks ago. It hadn't been without some risk--Michael had to trust her with his secret--and so far Jade had kept her end of the bargain.

But something beautiful had blossomed from it as well. A deep friendship had taken hold, and it hinted with the promise of something more to come.

Michael didn't care that she came from a poor family and he was technically royalty. What he did care about was the way Jade made him feel. He loved talking with her and most importantly, he could see a future with her whenever they spent time together.

Things with Jade were progressing nicely, and although they hadn't had an explicitly romantic moment as of yet, he could see things going in that direction.

Which was why he wanted to see her this afternoon when she started her shift. Michael made his way from his hiding place to the main servant's workroom to find her, but he was slow in getting there, and she'd already started her task. Seeing that she'd once again been assigned to the Emperor, Michael made his way in that direction in the hopes of catching her.

Truthfully, knowing that Jade was always assigned to Bancroft made him a little queasy. There had been a handful of instances in the past where the three of them were in the same room together, and it hadn't been hard to notice how Bancroft viewed her. More specifically, Bancroft seemed to enjoy leering at her body, and Michael felt a tinge of jealousy at knowing there could be a potential rival for Jade's heart.

He put all of that out of his mind temporarily as he spotted her emerging from the Emperor's quarters with a serving tray. She quickly lowered the tray when she saw him and waved. Not wanting to make a scene, Michael gestured for her to join him in an empty room and shut the door.

"Every time I'm with you, I feel like all we do is sneak around," said Jade with a giggle as the door closed. "You make me feel like a spy."

"Sorry," said Michael as he laughed with her. "When you've worked so hard to cultivate an image, you really don't take a lot of chances with discovery."

"I guess I can understand that," she replied before giving him a sly look. "But would it really be so terrible if they knew you were capable?"

"The rest of the servants? No," said Michael as he shook his head. "But Bancroft? Definitely. I don't need that headache. He's content to leave me alone when he thinks I'm retarded so I'm not about to upset that apple cart."

Jade nodded. "I suppose you have a point. In any event, I'm happy to see you! By the way, I've heard we're getting fresh strawberry pie in the servant's quarters tonight. I thought you might enjoy eating some during our dinner break."

She already knew Michael so well. He loved strawberries more so than just about any other food, and strawberry pie was one of his favorites.

"I was in as soon as you mentioned strawberry pie," said Michael with a grin.

Jade matched his grin and touched his shoulder. "I figured as much. So what are you doing out here?"

"I was just looking for you," replied Michael before he gestured across the hall. "Assigned to Bancroft again?"

Jade pursed her lips and nodded. "Once again. I never get posted anywhere else. All the other servants get a rotation of duties, but I'm always assigned to him. I wonder why that is."

Michael knew exactly why that was. Jade was beautiful and she gave Bancroft something to look at while he was working. The uneasy feeling in his chest grew more prominent.

His instincts told him to pry just a little.

"Do you ever feel a little... strange about being assigned to Bancroft all the time?" asked Michael, choosing his words carefully. "Does it bother you at all?"

Jade shrugged. "It's a little weird, I'll admit. But he's nice enough. He treats me well and he's always polite. I would prefer not always being assigned to him though."

Michael tried a different angle. "Do you think he treats you in a certain manner? I mean, do you think you get special treatment that some of the other servants don't?"

Jade gave him a shrewd look. "Do you want my honest opinion?"

"Of course."

She leaned in closer and grinned. "I think he has a bit of a crush on me."

That was the last thing Michael wanted to hear. "You do?"

She nodded. "He's always watching me. It's very peculiar but I notice it because he's not very subtle. But I see him checking me out. I can almost feel his gaze on me. I think it's a little funny. He's old enough to be my grandfather! And besides, I'm just a servant. He's the Emperor!"

Michael winced. "Yes, but he's the Emperor who can have whatever he wants. At least, that's what the Javan emperors have historically done."

He left that statement unfinished, not wanting to get into the whole range of liberties usually taken by recent family members. The last thing Michael wanted was to taint her association of the perks of power with him.

Jade didn't think that way though. She shook her head. "I don't think anything will come of it, Michael. He's just an old man and he's attracted to me. What's the worst that could happen?"

Michael opened his mouth to respond but no words came out. He couldn't even answer that question, mostly because he didn't want to.

"All I'm saying is to be careful," said Michael finally. "Bancroft got to this position because he was ruthless and ready to take out whoever was standing in his way. He's a man who goes after what he wants. All I'm saying is that I wouldn't... tease the man, especially if you can help it."

Jade almost looked insulted. She planted her hands on her hips. "I'm not teasing him! I would never do such a thing like that! He just looks at me!"

"I know, I'm not saying you are," said Michael as he tried to backtrack. "I just know how beautiful you are and I know it has to be really tempting for him. Especially when he sees you every day."

That seemed to mollify the situation. Jade's indignity melted into a warm smile. "You really think I'm beautiful?"

He gulped heavily. "Absolutely. No wonder he requests you all the time. If I were in his shoes, I'd request you all the time too."

A little bit of color filled her cheeks. Jade took a step closer, invading his personal space. "That's a really nice thing for you to say, Michael. I had no idea you thought that way."

"W-well, I do," he said, stammering on his words due to her close proximity.

Jade locked eyes on him but not before she flickered her gaze down to his lips. "I know you're just trying to look out for me. I appreciate you, I really do. But you don't have anything to fear. Bancroft is just like a kindly old grandfather figure. He'd never do anything to hurt me."

Michael wished that statement would be true, if only for Jade's sake. He wasn't as nearly as trusting of Bancroft as she was, and he was still scared for her. Judging by her expression though, she was ready to put the topic behind her.

"So I have my dinner break at six tonight," said Jade as she twirled a strand of hair. "Want to meet me at that time and then we eat and have pie?"

Michael had an idea at that very moment, one that he wanted to try out.

"That sounds great, but I'm going to take you someplace other than the kitchens," he promised. "Just meet me down there but be ready to leave."

Jade gave him a queer look at first but she seemed trusting enough not to question it. "Okay, mystery man. I'll plan on joining you for another adventure."

They talked for a few more minutes until she had to get back to the kitchens. For the rest of the afternoon, Michael bided his time until the dinner hour, waiting for his next moment with Jade. He thought a little more about what she said about Bancroft, and he still couldn't help but feel uneasy even though she felt confident enough to manage it.

Michael tried to put it behind him, especially when he saw her in the servant's kitchens later on.

"There you are," she said while waving at him. "Look what I got!"

She held up two pieces of strawberry pie on a ceramic plate. There were two forks under her hand as well.

"That looks amazing," said Michael, and he truly meant it. Seeing his dream girl hold his favorite food, he couldn't pick a better way to spend the evening.

But it was about to get better.

"Think you can carry that pie to go?" he asked. "I want to show you that thing I was telling you about."

Jade nodded and grabbed the plate as they made for the exit. They drew a few stares from the other servants as they walked by, mostly those that didn't know Michael's secret. For the most part, they looked at the two of them with a glance of pity. Most probably thought it was incredibly nice of Jade to indulge the simple Michael, never suspecting he was fully capable.

Tonight, Michael wasn't going to eat with the rest of them. He was going to take her to his favorite spot.

"Where are you taking me?" she asked with a nervous laugh as they moved through the palace lawns.

"Just a quiet place back here," he replied as he tugged on her hand. "It's my favorite place on the whole grounds. It's so quiet and peaceful and beautiful."

Jade giggled. "I hope there's a table for us to eat our pie wherever we're going!"

He pulled her along until they finally entered the small grove of trees that he loved so much. He pointed out the old sycamore tree that was his favorite, and climbed onto the lowest branch.

"Here, give me the plate," he said while leaning down.

Jade put the plate in his hands but stood there looking at him afterward.

Michael smiled. "Aren't you going to come up?"

"You really want me to climb all the way up here?"

He nodded without words.

Jade pursed her lips. "Okay, but if you rip my clothes, you're going to pay for the replacement uniform."

She made her way onto the lowest branch and perched herself right next to him. A grin took hold on her face as she blew a strand of hair away.

"This actually looks... really pretty out here," said Jade as she noticed the view for the first time.

It was an incredible understatement. The grove was simply gorgeous and even this low branch on the sycamore tree offered a view of nature that was usually denied to the palace servants.

"I've been coming up here for years," said Michael as they ate their pie together. "I first started coming here to get away from my family but as time went on, they were more content to ignore me and I came here just for solitude. It became my personal space--a place that I didn't share with anyone else."

Jade's eyes turned to him. "So why did you bring me here?"

Michael swallowed heavily. He tried not to stammer on his words. "Because I like you. You're the only person in the palace who doesn't treat me as different or doesn't pity me. You're my closest friend here, and I want you to know this place as well as I do."

Jade's face filled with a beaming smile. She leaned forward and pressed her lips against his cheek. "That was really nice, Michael."

He turned a dark shade of red. "I really meant every word, Jade."

"I know you did. I can see it in your eyes. I can tell when you mean what you say and this is one statement that you meant with every part of you." Jade looked toward the ground and then back at him. "And do you want to know something else?"

Michael nodded.

Jade gave him a coy look. "I feel the same way about you."

If he wasn't so plugged into the moment (and stuck on a tree branch), Michael could have jumped for joy. He was only made happier a moment later when Jade rested her head against his shoulder and together, they watched the sunset from their perfect vantage point on the sycamore tree.

Could life get any better than this?

*****

"Did you hear the things she said to me, Jack? Some of them were downright vicious!"

Jack let out another sigh as he listened to Kat talk. At this point, he was tired of listening to each side of the story and hearing who was in the wrong.

Yet another day had passed with no resolution on the conflict between his wives and Jack was nearly at his boiling point.

He fought the urge to grind his teeth. "Abigail felt attacked and she started to lash back in response. It's a little normal when someone is feeling that way. I know she didn't mean it, but I want you two to find a way to bury the hatchet."

Kat looked unconvinced. "All she has to do is apologize and we can start over. But I'm not going to apologize to her first just because she took my comments out of context."

It was much the same ultimatum that Abigail had given him the day before. Neither woman was going to assume the responsibility for fixing the relationship and both wanted to approach the table as the aggrieved party.

Such thinking was never going to get this thing resolved.

The truth was that Jack was done. At this point, he didn't care who did what as long as it happened. He was also tired of playing the nice husband since his careful attempts to reconcile them were having no effect.

In the back of his mind, he thought about Bill's advice from a few days ago. Perhaps he really should get mad about it and put his foot down with the both of them.

After all, nothing else was working.

Jack pondered the thought for most of the next day and by the time it reached late afternoon, his mind was set. Either both of them would get this resolvedtoday, or he would stop spending time with both of them. And if that didn't work, he would send them both back to Galicia right now, far away from the war.

It was a drastic course of action but his nerves and anxiety were so elevated at having to walk on eggshells around them that he didn't care anymore.

Something had to change. And if it wasn't going to be them, then it would be him.

That was why he'd summoned both of them to the Picard palace that afternoon. He made no secret with either of them that the other woman would be there, and no doubt both were silently stewing at having to see the other as they walked over.

Kat was the first to arrive since she had the shortest walk. She entered the room and Jack motioned for her to sit in front of the desk he was working on. She crossed her arms and pursed her lips, no doubt ready for the fight.

When Abigail arrived, the tension in the room increased threefold. Jack gestured for her to sit next to Kat, which she did with only one exception--she scooted her chair away from her sister-wife in a move of defiance.

For some reason, that little movement pushed Jack over the edge. He wasn't sure if it was just the pettiness of the move or the fact that he'd seen one too many slights but upon witnessing the movement, Jack raised his fist high above the desk and brought it crashing down on the wooden surface.