Free The Far Bank of the Rubicon (The Pax Imperium Wars: Volume 1) by Erik Wecks

Jonas had a whole realm of banal conversation at his disposal meant to humanize him and relax his charge. None of it required any commitment or effort. However, tonight was different. He found himself a little disappointed by Sophia’s nervousness. He had hoped that for once he might have a companion who could see him as just another kid.
    Pretending to point out a portrait of Ephriam Papadros , one of his ancestors, he leaned close and said, “I understand. I used to get so nervous when I had to do one of those receiving lines.” Sophia didn't speak but simply continued to smile, and while her hand seemed to tremble somewhat less on Jonas' arm, her grip tightened considerably.
    Jonas realized she was too terrified to speak, and he began to worry that she might pass out in front of the court. He had seen it happen a couple of times. It was frightening to watch, as the body convulsed slightly. Then there was the aftermath. The media loved nothing better than to show members of the court or royal house in compromising positions. For his part, he had wished that some of his previous escorts had passed out. It would have been poetic justice for their fawning behavior, but not tonight. He didn't want that to happen this evening.
    Jonas kept up a steady stream of his own conversation while they paraded to their destination. Once there, he quietly found them chairs in a far corner of the room, buried near the large mantel of the fireplace. The media gathered behind the red velvet ropes at the other end and holographed every smile and gesture they could. The room was intentionally small for the 150 members of the court who had been invited, and the air space was restricted for media cameras. The density and camera restrictions allowed Jonas and Sophia to hide for a moment.
    Once she got seated, Sophia started to relax. A moment later she finally was able to speak. “I’m sorry. I’m so embarrassed.”
    Jonas tried to be reassuring. “Don’t worry about it. It’s not so unusual. Most people can’t hide it like you did. No one will know.”
    She tried to smile through cheeks the color of a beet. “Could I impose on you to get me a glass of water?” The look she gave Jonas hinted that he had been remiss in not thinking of this first.
    Jonas was shocked. He couldn’t remember the last time anyone had asked him to do something for them. He felt like a cad for not offering. “Of course.”
    He walked away, surprised to realize how much he appreciated someone who didn’t kowtow to his title.
    Jonas returned momentarily with two glasses of mineral water and lemon.
    After sitting for a moment and taking a few sips, Sophia was finally able to say “Thank you.”
    “Don't mention it. I don’t think anyone ever gets completely used to court life, and you really have to watch what you say. The microphones on the press cameras are powerful, but it does get better.”
    Sophia took a deep, calming breath. “I know. It’s the same where I come from. I just didn't expect the palace to be so large. We have nothing like this on my home planet.”
    “Yes, it’s a bit ridiculous, isn’t it? Most of it never gets used and there are parts of it which I have never seen. But it serves its purpose—to impress people and display the King's power to the Empire. I tell you what, why don't we have a look around after dinner? I can take you on a tour of the palace. Does that sound interesting?”
    “Yes, I would like that,” Sophia responded firmly, and then a sudden twinkle came into her eye. She asked, “Can we see the room with the wooden desk from old Earth that the ancient American presidents used to use?”
    Jonas laughed. “Yes, of course. Though we save that for the tourists. My father doesn’t use it that often, usually only when the cameras are watching.”
    Sophia blushed lightly. “Oh… I thought… well, I just completed a unit on ancient history and thought it might be fun to see. I guess I am a bit of a tourist on this