It wasnt really as cold as it had been outside, the girl reflected, pulling the coat tighter around her. And yet . . . somehow it is. And itll never be warm again.
She ran a hand through her hair, swallowing as the enormity of the days events ran over her.
Get em, Taylor, the Emperor had said. You know what youre doing.
Taylor paused from collecting her ski poles. You sound uncertain.
Oh, no, not at all. The Emperor hugged his daughter. Just a tad distracted. Ill tell you about it tomorrow.
Taylor shook her head. Youre so absent-minded. I see why Lady Rebecca is always joking about you.
Lady Rebecca was always disrespectful to her Emperor, Taylors father said with a grin. But I like her sense of humor, so I dont mind. Now, theyre lining up. Get on out there and do the Empire proud!
Taylor pulled the coat even tighter, one hand tracing the silver medal around her neck. It was wonderful that shed done so well . . . but . . . at the same time . . . .
Its not worth it, she thought.
Taylor swiftly crossed the finish line in a spray of snow, skidding to a halt. A board overhead began comparing her time to the other competitors and the princess breath caught. Was she really ahead of everyone except the Partitionian team?
Good job! Stavros shouted as the crowd cheered. Taylors guardian was waiting for her at the end of the course, and he embraced her, ski poles and everything. The princess laughed at her godfather.
The Londoners and Katterlanders are still to go, she reminded Stavros. They could beat me out of the medals.
Unlikely, Stavros replied. But even if they do, thats still fourth place! Thats nothing to just pass off as nothing, Tay.
You have such a weird way of talking, Taylor told him. You must have picked that up from Father.
When we fought in York, maybe, Stavros replied.
The radios around the arena crackled and fizzed. The announcer had fallen silent to compare scores a minute ago, and now someone new took up the microphone.
Congratulations, to the excellent score provided by the magnificent Princess Taylor. She is truly a boon to her country.
Who is that? Taylor asked Stavros. He shrugged.
I think we should give her a prize, the new announcer continued. I have the perfect one in mind.
I have a bad feeling about this, Stavros muttered. Taylor would always remember that comment.
Immediately after the words left her guardians mouth, Taylors world ended.
The royal box, where her father was watching the Games with his advisers, blew apart in a cloud of flame and smoke. Taylor gaped, sudden numbness consuming her as she saw the Royal Banner flipping away on the breeze. A few flakes of snow began to fall, tangling in Taylors hair.
Get down! Stavros shouted. He grabbed the back fo Taylors neck and forcibly bent her over, hauling the princess away as the stands erupted with screams and further detonations. A few gunshots rang out as guards reacted to suspicious persons.
Taylor couldnt think, through it all. She just couldnt.
The door creaked open. Taylor looked up.
Stavros wiped some blood off his gloves with a handkerchief, standing ramrod-straight on the other side of the desk that had so recently belonged to Taylors father.
Did you catch one? Taylor asked. Stavros nodded.
He didnt tell us as much as I would like, but he told us enough. The Arlington Republicans are to blame.
The Arlington Republicans? Taylor asked. She frowned. Those insane people who want the failed era of democracy back?
Those are the ones, Stavros replied. Most people are okay with the status quo here but the Arlingtons . . . theyre insane. We found one of their bases in de la Ware. There should be a commander there who can lead us to the head of the organization.
Taylor pulled her coat a little bit tighter. Stavros eyed her, seeming unsure whether to help or not.
This is my fathers desk, and his office, Taylor thought.
Stavros . . . I should have been with him, Taylor said.
No, Taylor, no, Stavros began.
If I hadnt wanted to compete . . . if I hadnt been selfish . . . I I could have done something, seen something. I could at least have been with him when he died.
Taylor, Stavros said, putting a hand on her shoulder. Then where would we be? No heir to the throne would live . . . the Arlingtons would have just what they want. Its a blessing from God that youre still alive.
Taylor hugged her guardian once. She took a deep, steadying breath.
You said we know where one of their bases is? she asked. Stavros nodded, releasing her.
Why is it still standing? Empress Taylor I asked coldly, fury burning in her voice. Stavros seemed to flinch, even though he had to know the anger wasnt directed at him.
I want it burned, Taylor continued. No prisoners except the ones we need.
