The Forgotten Empire: War for the Empire by Raymond Weil (ereader ebook .txt) 📕

added Chancellor Stein. “There’s a good chance, if the entire Royal Family were to be killed, the Empire would fall apart. At least if one member of the Royal Family survives, the war would continue. This has to be done for the sake of the Empire.”

Krista closed her eyes tightly and then reopened them. She wiped the tears from her eyes and took in a deep breath. “I am a Royal Princess, and it is my duty to do what is best for the Empire. When do we need to leave?” This was the hardest decision Krista had ever made. She did not know what she would do if Layla were to be killed in the coming attack.

Layla smiled. She had never felt prouder of her cousin. “Tomorrow. The dreadnought High Kingdom will take you and Cheryl to Tantula Five. In addition Brenda will go with you, and she will be in charge of all your attendants and Royal functions.”

“She is ready,” announced Emira, smiling broadly. “I’m getting too old to travel across the Empire. It’s time for a younger, more energetic woman to take my place, and Brenda will do nicely. She has been a superior student in learning what her responsibilities will be.”

“You will have your normal escort of Imperial Guards. However, due to the circumstances, I have doubled the number who will go with you. In addition, Emira and I have chosen a dozen Royal Attendants who will accompany you as well.”

“Also a full platoon of Marines is going,” added Chancellor Stein. “These Marines will be assigned permanently to you, as a special guard detail. They are some of the best we have.”

“Andrew and I will be splitting up as well,” said Layla, seeing the surprised look on his face. “Andrew will be assigned to the underground Command Center beneath the House of Worlds. Kala, I’m having quarters for you set up there as well.”

Andrew was dumbfounded. He had planned to be aboard the main shipyard, where he had been working. However, he realized that what Layla had suggested was the wise thing to do. “Thank you” was all he said.

Layla forced a smile and then spoke. “Tonight we will have a family meal, along with a few special guests. I’ve already asked the chefs to cook something special.”

Krista nodded. She was committed now. At least she would have Mathew with her. Even though she hated leaving Layla and the Imperial Palace, Krista knew it was the right thing to do. She just needed to continue to tell herself that.

-

Later that evening, Krista entered the dining room reserved for the Royal Family. She had spent most of the afternoon packing, with the help of Emira, Brenda, and two of her attendants. Krista was amazed at all the clothing that Emira and Brenda insisted she take with her. Looking around the dining room, she saw all of the Royal Family, including Derrick.

“I’m surprised to see you,” said Krista, walking over and giving Derrick a big hug.

Derrick smiled. “Rear Admirals’ Banora and Barnes can handle the fleet. Both have sufficient battle experience. Besides, this is a meal I didn’t want to miss.”

“Am I doing the right thing in going to Tantula Five?” Krista asked in a low voice.

Derrick nodded. “Layla and I discussed this for a very long time earlier. For the Empire, it’s the right and the smart thing to do. I wish you could stay at the Imperial Palace. It’s the safest structure on Golan Four. However, we just can’t take the risk of having the entire Royal Family together.”

Gazing at the long dining table, Krista saw that appetizers were being brought to the table. The smell of the food was tantalizing. At least nothing was wrong with her appetite. “We better go sit down. The chefs get aggravated when we let their food get cold.”

In a few minutes everyone was seated and engaged in routine conversation, while the attendants served the food. Krista noticed they were all her favorites. Looking accusingly at Layla, who sat across from her, she spoke. “Is this a bribe?”

Layla laughed. “No, but I don’t know how good the food is on Tantula Five. You might be eating military rations, for all that I know.”

Krista turned pale. She had tried military rations a few times. While they were decent, she had no desire for a steady diet of them.

“Don’t worry,” said Emira, frowning at Layla. “I’m sending two Royal Chefs as well. You will eat just fine.”

Feeling relieved, Krista began eating. She felt a little sad, knowing this would be her last meal with Layla and the others for possibly quite some time.

At the end of the meal, the servers brought in Krista’s favorite dessert. Strawberry ice cream on top of a thick piece of red velvet cake. Krista savored every bite and noticed that Layla watched her with a pleased smile on her face.

“Did I do good?”

Krista nodded. “Of course you did. This meal was great!”

After the meal, everyone stood around, talking. They all knew this would be the last time they would be together until the Morag were driven out of the Empire.

“What type of escort have you arranged for Krista?” Derrick asked Fleet Admiral Marloo, who was sipping a glass of red wine.

“Ten battlecruisers and three more dreadnoughts. The High Kingdom and two battlecruisers will remain at Tantula Five, in case they need to make a run for it with the Princess. The other ships will return here as soon as they can.”

“If Tantula Five and Gideon fall, where will the High Kingdom take Krista?”

“Lydol Four, The Lamina Stars, and lastly the Vortex Worlds. I’ve already spoken to the governors of the worlds involved, and they all have said they would take and protect the Princess.”

Derrick nodded. “I think I would prefer Lydol Four. It’s now heavily defended, and