Submerged (Chapter 20)

“Your majesty, terrible news! The fungus has been seen in the palace!”
“WHAT!? Are you certain, Captain!?”
“We don’t know how it got in, but we’ve already called in a decontamination unit to remove it.”
“Has anyone been infected?”
“Not that we’ve seen. It was the Commander who pointed it out though, so he has been quarantined for the time being.”
“This is good…a loyal soldier to the end. Perhaps I was too harsh with him.”
“Ma’am, right now your safety is paramount.”
“…You wish me to evacuate the palace? That would cause a panic among the people if they believed that not even the royal palace was safe. I cannot simply abandon my people.”
“Then perhaps you should send Joseph away? I fear the fungus might have been snuck in by someone who is against his presence here. Perhaps it would be in your best interest to send him away with Claire for a time?”
“Do you…think that is wise? If he were to learn who Claire truly is…what she truly is…”
“Your majesty…I hardly think that matters anymore at this point. Things are getting more and more dangerous by the day. Please…”
“…Very well…it shall be done.”

I was in my room, smiling at the beautiful sword in my hand and glancing down at the bandage on my arm from where I’d been injured during my scuffle with the infected beast. I swung my sword around a few times, admiring how easily it cut through the water. I had been told that the water on this world was a bit less dense than the water of Earth which was why one could move a bit easier in it…but I felt there was more than that too.
Over the time I’d been here, my muscles had grown stronger, my body looked fit and toned! Moving and resisting the pull of the water and the heavier gravity was like a training regiment. I somehow FELT stronger. And after defeating the Commander and that infected beast…I felt like I was more powerful now than ever! Claire had come to visit me after that battle and she had offered me the highest praise.
It was still odd though. I could have sworn she’d been there. I had heard her voice. I asked her and she said that she’d been in the kitchens that morning, preparing food for later. I’d asked the cooks and they’d all confirmed it. Perhaps I was imagining her being there. Was I so infatuated with Claire that I was hearing her voice?
“Joseph?” I looked up to see Claire by the door and I beamed a little.
“Hey!” I cried. I ran to her and she smiled, her large dark eyes twinkling cutely.
“I’m glad to see you in such good spirits.” She giggled. “But I’ve come to fetch you for the queen.”
“What does she want with me?” I asked.
“I’m not sure…but she says it’s important.” Claire muttered. I glanced down at her and she was still smiling, but there was a strange color to her eyes…an odd…twinkling that was not happy but knowledgeable. She knew more than she was telling…and she was afraid. There was definite fear in her eyes.
“Claire, what’s wrong?” She didn’t answer me but just walked out the door.
“Follow me please.” I followed Claire silently through the halls. As we walked past the hall leading towards the courtyard, I noticed a lot of Ocians walking in and out of the hall wearing what looked like hazmat suits.
“What happened over there?” I asked.
“A kaykshim fungus infestation was discovered there.” She answered darkly.
“How!? I thought the palace was safe!” I gasped.
“As did I…the queen is troubled by this development.”
“Heck, I can see why.” I grumbled.
“I believe it is for that reason that he wants to see you.” Claire replied, bringing me to the queens chambers. She stopped at the door and put her hand on the handle slowly.
“Something is wrong, Claire…please tell me what it is.” She stiffened a little and shook her head.
“Joseph I wish I could but…I’m just scared.” She admitted. “I am afraid of what will come of all this.” I smiled encouragingly and I came closer, putting a hand on her shoulder.
“Don’t sweat it, okay?”
“But Joseph…”
“Whatever happens, we’ll get through it. The queen is a really wise ruler. I’m sure she’ll figure something out.” Claire nodded a little and sighed.
“Of course…forgive me for speaking out of turn like that.”
“It’s fine, really.” I chuckled. Her constant embarrassment and shyness was cute. I loved seeing her blush. Was that weird?
“The queen waits for you.” Claire pushed open the door for me to go in and I walked inside.

The queen stood by the window to her bedchambers, wearing a gown and her hair tied back by a golden band. Her deep eyes overlooked the city before her and her light blue skin glowed with the luminous rays of the lamp shells in her room. It was amazing how these simple shells could be used as lamps and tools. The queen had the largest one in her room, which shone like a small sun. I bowed a little, even though she couldn’t see me.
“Your majesty?”
“Joseph…thank you for coming.” She said softly. “I’m sure, on your way here, you saw the situation taking place down the courtyard hall?”
“I saw, but is it true that the fungus is now in the palace?” I asked.
“It is true.” The queen replied.
“Then you need to leave! You’re in danger!” I cried.
“I cannot do that. It is a queen’s duty to remain here and see to her subjects. However, I believe that you should leave, Joseph.” She said forcefully. “I believe the fungus was planted here by radicals who are very against your presence in Osian. Your victory over the captain has only heightened the aggression some of our subjects feel for you. You should leave for a few days…take Claire with you.”
“Your majesty,” I growled, “with all due respect, if those radicals are so keen on getting rid of me, won’t this be giving them exactly what they want!? I won’t run away!”
“Joseph…I am still queen. And you are still my honored guest. But now I am afraid this is an order.” The queen snapped. “I will not risk open conflict in my palace…and I will not allow this fear and prejudice to ruin my kingdom. For the sake of peace and maintaining it, you and Claire must leave for a few days at least.”
“Okay okay,” I sighed in defeat, “you win…but why should Claire come? She’s traumatized as it is.”
“Exactly. She is likely safer with you than here.” The queen answered. “She is your personal servant, after all.” I groaned a little but nodded my head.
“Where do we go?”
“Claire will know of a few good places you could try. Think of it as a vacation.” The queen offered.
“A vacation? It feels a lot more like we’re hiding.” I growled darkly.
“Joseph…kindly remember your place.” The queen hissed. I quickly flushed and bowed fast. The queen was always so kind to me that I often times forgot her position.
“Right…sorry, your majesty!”
“That being said…I do understand your frustration. Believe me…I am frightened as well.” The queen breathed. “P-please leave me now…and send Claire in so I might…discuss with her further plans.”
“…Yes your majesty.” I turned and walked out of the room to see Claire by the door waiting for me. “She wants to see you…” I muttered.
“She was upset, wasn’t she?” Claire asked.
“Yeah…more so than usual. I think the stress is getting to her.” I grumbled.
“I’ll see if I can’t ease her nerves a little.” Claire nodded. She walked towards the door but paused before turning to look at me.
“I would recommend getting some things packed before we leave.” I stared at her, blinking in stunned amazement.

“How…how did you know the queen told us to go on a vacation?”
“I could hear you through the door.” She smirked quickly. “When you work in the palace, you learn how to eavesdrop. How do you think I got that transforming necklace?” She giggled. I shrugged my shoulders mockingly.
“I probably don’t even want to know.” She shook her head and smiled apologetically.
“It’s actually a really good story…I’ll tell you about it when we leave, okay?” She said.
“Sure…that sounds fun.” Without another word, Claire hurried inside to see to the queen and I turned to make my way back to my room and plan what to pack. As I hurried back, my mind kept drifting back to Claire. How mysterious and yet how sweet she was. Claire was a wonderful girl. Shy, obedient, and a little naïve at times…but all around great. And yet there was something about her. It was almost human the way she acted! She had a constant curious desire to learn more and she worried terribly about me. And she was resourceful too! She gathered information, could eavesdrop on private conversations, and even had that outstanding necklace. She had so many charming quirks and intriguing abilities. Every time I watched her I always felt like I was looking into the eyes of something glorious. Was this what love felt like or was it just that Claire was so mysterious to me?

*THUD*

“OW! I’m sorry!”
“Watch where you’re going.” I glanced up at the voice and sure enough…it was old and grumpy himself. The Commander stood before me, his stump of a wrist tied up with bandages and he was wearing his armor still. He glared at me angrily but said nothing.
“Hey…you know everyone calls you Commander, but I don’t know what your name is.”
“Good…to hear my name exit your vile lips would do it a service.” The Commander snarled.
“Then how about Grumpy? Maybe Asshole?” I asked sneering at him. “Or should I call you Righty?”
“Keep jesting human…your time will come soon enough. When this disease is finally cured, your usefulness will be at an end. The queen will have no more need to protect you, and then I shall repay you.”
“I’ll look forward to it, Righty. The queen is in her chambers right now if you wanna go cry about me somemore.” Where on earth had I gotten so much bravado!? Only a few weeks ago I would have pissed my pants around such a person…but now I felt so confident and sure of myself and my strength. I had to be wary, or else I’d let my guard down. Captain Krisim had said that…he’d made it clear to me. This was still THEIR world…not mine. I was at their mercy.
“The weakest dog fish yelps loudest.” The Commander sneered, turning and stalking away towards the queen’s quarters. I probably shouldn’t have been so harsh towards him, but something in the back of my mind blamed him for all this. If I hadn’t defeated him then the hatred for me wouldn’t have grown so much. Then maybe I wouldn’t be fleeing the palace like this. I stormed inside my room and slammed the door. I grabbed clothes from the closet space that I had available. I was pleased that I at least had a few presentable clothes that I was accustomed to as I tossed them aside to pack.
“Maybe I really do need a vacation…” I grumbled. “I just hope that things can get sorted out before I come back. I want to help save this kingdom…but how can I work to save people that label me a criminal? How do I help people that want me dead?”