“It’s nice of you to visit, Abby.” He moved forward to take my hand, ignoring the others. “I just wish it was under better circumstances.”
I pulled my hand free, but kept my smile warm. “Are you talking about the assassination attempt, or is there something more?”
“Unfortunately, there is more.” The skin around his icy blue eyes tightened. “It’s ... father.” His voice broke.
Quarn’s head spun around. He’d been chatting to one of the nearby guards. He strode back to stand in our circle.
“What happened to the Emperor? Don’t tell me ...” He trailed off, seeming unable to finish his sentence.
Lucas shook his head, his hair falling into his eyes before he pushed it back. “The stress was too much for him. It allowed the disease to take hold and he was not strong enough to fight any longer.” His voice broke, pain echoing.
“Oh, my god, Lucas, I’m so sorry.” I couldn’t help myself, stepping forward so I could wrap my arms around him.
He pulled me closer, burying his head into my shoulder. I patted his back a few times; the longer we stood there the more awkward I felt. I couldn’t tell if he was crying, but when he finally pulled back his face was dry. Brace stood an arm’s length from me. I caught his eye and while he didn’t look happy he hadn’t ripped us apart yet so he was dealing. It wasn’t until I stepped further back that I saw how black his eyes were. Okay, maybe he wasn’t exactly dealing well.
“So what happens now?” I asked.
“Emperor Christian will be granted his full week of farewell ceremonies,” Quarn answered when Lucas seemed unable. “And then Lucas will be inaugurated as the next ruler of First World.”
“The council is already here. They’re meeting now to discuss the details. Will you come along?” Lucas asked, his voice low. “I would appreciate your support.”
How were we supposed to say no to that?
We walked out of the magnificent chamber, following the somber soon-to-be Emperor of this world.
“There are eight major lands on First World. We are a much smaller planet than Earth,” Quarn explained to me as we walked. “There’s a mayoral head that presides over a small council in each province.”
Brace had explained this to us before, but not in any great detail. It was important to pay attention to the information before we stepped into the room. Politics were tricky at the best of times.
“They’re all here now, but their council members won’t be in the room, just the heads,” Lucas added.
“Okay, pay attention,” Quarn started. “The northern areas are Lans province governed by Mayor Rhys Johansson, and Sydes province governed by Mayor Jet Siston. To the east are Crosster province governed by Mayor Lettie Sancho and Freshnile province governed by Mayor Annette Sare. To the west are Ander lands governed by Mayor Chenille Sarotaga, and West Havenbrook governed by Mayor Jarns Lansdown. And lastly the cold lands, Artica, governed by Mayor Den Carbo.”
Even with my Walker memory I was going to struggle keeping them all straight.
“And then there is my province, Jana,” Lucas said. “I reside in and rule over this and technically all of First World. Decisions must be run through all councils and then I have final veto.”
“But the most powerful aspect of First World’s ruling body is how it allows its people the chance to weigh in on all. They respect their freedoms and give them the chance to dictate their laws.” Brace sounded impressed. “This is unparalleled in all of the worlds here.”
“Sounds messy to me,” I said as we paused before a wooden door.
Earthlings could never have reached a universal decision on laws; their wants and needs were too diverse.
“Mayor Johansson was the one you told me about long ago, right?” I spoke in a side whisper to Brace.
He nodded. “Yes, I don’t know why but I sense he’s not to be trusted. He gives me the same off-vibe as Que.” He raised his brows. “Which should tell you all you need to know about Johansson.”
Great! Que was arrogant, egomaniacal, tyrannical and a sociopath. This was going to be fun.
“I’m about to create a bit of an uproar so prepare yourself,” Lucas said as he put both hands on the heavy door and pushed it open.
The door swung inward, soundless on its hinges.
The room fell silent, a variety of faces turning to inspect our interruption. There were more than seven people present. Each of the mayors had an assistant, although it wasn’t hard to tell which were the leaders. They were dressed in similar robes to Lucas and had brass-colored name plates in front of them. I guess I didn’t need a superior memory after all.