“On the charges of forsaking the teachings of the Book of Doctrine, failure to attend Unity House services regularly, and sedition,” the gruff officer rattled off. The other one locked handcuffs onto his wrists.
“Sedition?” Grant’s eyes shot wide as his jaw dropped. “All I said was—”
“Tell it to the judge,” the second officer cut him off. “You’re bound for a reindoctrination camp.”
Terror tore at Soren’s throat. He raised an ineffectual hand, waved it, but couldn’t stand or voice an objection.What if they haul me away too? What of my future then?His hands shook so violently that the bear pendant fell to the table. Every offense of the Core Cult flooded his thoughts. The elevator button marked “Restricted.”The first floor—something secret there.Nathan’s arguments against the cult, calling it illogical and manipulative. The strict adherence to uniformity.
Soren watched in horror as the officers dragged Grant away.I could run after them, explain, testify that he’s a believer; someone misunderstood.But he couldn’t. Soren sat rigid, a dagger in his chest, as the door closed behind them.
His father’s words echoed again:To doubt is to falter, to follow is to rise.
Am I doubting? Who should I follow—Nathan, or everyone else? Which path will let me rise?
Soren sat in stunned silence until dusk before taking the trolley home. All things considered, he truly only had one choice. It was better to commit to it than continue in this hell of indecision.
Chapter thirty-six
Where Duty Leads
Nelanta, three days after the Kingdom Day Festival
“Don’t forget your lunch,” Azaleen said, handing Caelen a repainted tin lunchbox.
“Thanks, Mom!” Caelen grinned and bounded out the door.
Eldrin, dragging his feet after the eventful weekend, turned to her.Soon he’ll be taller than me,she thought, almost sorry to see him growing up. “Why doIhave to go to school? Grandfather says I should have tutors at home instead of being crammed in with commoners.”
“Your grandfather has his own ideas about things,” Azaleen explained. “But learning cooperation and how to work well with others is vital to running a kingdom. You can’t get that here with only your little brother as a collaborator. Would you really prefer to do projects with Caelen every day?”
With a huff and an eye roll, Eldrin admitted, “No,” in a decisive tone. “It’s just weird. One day I’ll be telling all my current classmates what to do.”
Azaleen’s eyes crinkled with her warm smile as she stroked the peach fuzz on Eldrin’s face. “Not directly—most of them. Then again, some will become managers and others workers. Those who get ahead will become the bosses over the ones with less skill or ambition. The important thing is the ability to communicate. A good leader doesn’t issue orders—he or she leads by example.You do that already on your sports team. Now go, have a good day.” She kissed his cheek for good measure.
“Yeah, I guess. Can we have pizza for dinner?”
“Sure. I’ll tell Maggie.”
“Thanks, Mom!” and Eldrin was off at a jog, catching up to his little brother. Dark clouds threatened rain.
Azaleen closed the door, informed Maggie of the menu, and hurried upstairs to get ready for her day. The regular Monday morning cabinet meeting was first on her agenda.
She found herself in a hopeful mood after the successful weekend. The Calders, Whitfields, and Cades hadn’t erupted into open warfare, nor had they rallied to usurp her throne. To her relief, they all seemed to enjoy themselves. Yesterday, she’d found unexpected pleasure worshiping at Namaste, a New Religion church. Dedicated to remaining impartial, Azaleen attended a different church each week, as she was able. She took her sons to expose them to various tenets and teachings, encouraging them to pay attention to commonalities and differences between the religions. That way, they’d possess the knowledge and impressions needed to decide what they believed for themselves.
Azaleen sat near the front of the congregation—not because she coveted a seat of honor, but so everyone would notice she was there, showing respect for their faith. As she and the boys entered, she’d spotted Lark sitting in the back. Azaleen couldn’t fathom why her heart fluttered when she looked at her. She’d told herself it was just nice to recognize someone she knew in the sanctuary. However, more than once, she’d felt the uncanny sensation of being watched, and wondered if Lark’s eyes were on her. She didn’t turn around. Her focus had to remain on the facilitator and the service. Still, it was a pleasant experience.
She plucked an umbrella from the stand and crossed the street, passing the monument to her brother that she had no choice but to observe at least twice a day—a constant reminder of the pain of his loss and the reality of why she wore the crown. Soon, all the secretaries had joined her in the War Room, and the meeting got underway.
“I would like to begin this morning by thanking Chief of Staff Fontaine for organizing a successful Kingdom Day Celebration. It was well attended, and everything went off without a hitch. Well,” she corrected as an afterthought, “except for the stilt-walking juggler who broke his nose missing a catch.”
Sabine blushed. Silas Beaudean seconded her sentiments, saying, “It was a good day all around.”
“Madam Queen, fellow cabinet members?” Secretary Camille Navarro raised a hand, drawing everyone’s attention. “I have an urgent matter to discuss that concerns us all.”
General Stark shifted forward in his chair as all eyes turned to the diplomat. Azaleen hadn’t been briefed yet on whatever she had to say. “Yes?”
“When I arrived this morning, a despatch was on my desk from the AlgonCree. Overnight, a pigeon returned with their reply. We need to consider this proposal very carefully.”
“Of course,” Azaleen responded. “Read it.”
