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

descriptions.”
    Jonas smiled.
    Considered one of the wonders of the human universe, the beauty of the garden had led to its declaration as an Imperial Legacy Point by the Empire. On most days, the garden overflowed with tourists, but when he could, Jonas spent his free time contemplating the orange and lemon trees which surrounded the center of the garden. He loved to watch each tree develop new branches and growth in the Spring. Even today, the late Spring-early Summer breeze brought the delicate scent of orange blossoms and growing earth, combined with the soft wetness of the waterfall. It was a smell which always produced a sense of promise and hope in Jonas. Yet, despite the orange blossom's solicitation, tonight Jonas only had eyes for the masterpiece, a two-hundred-year-old olive tree in full bloom with tables spread out underneath. Here the King's party would receive their dinner.
    Mercifully, the four adolescents were not seated at the main table. Stephen led their party to a smaller terrace below on the other side of the olive tree. Here there was a table set for the four of them. The adults soon engrossed themselves in conversation, leaving Jonas and the others to entertain each other. Half-way through the second course, Jonas had laughed more than he had at any other state meal. Toward the end of dessert, he caught his father looking down at them, smiling.
    When the meal finished, Stephen piped up, “This is about the only free time we’ll have together this whole weekend, so we ought to use it well. I was going to take Mark out to the archery range. Are you two interested in joining us?
    Sophia looked at Jonas with a decidedly noncommittal look.
    Jonas intervened. “I was going to give Sophia a tour of the palace.”
    Jonas saw Stephen’s eyes narrow ever so slightly and sparkle with amusement. His brother would make his life hell for this later, but Jonas refused to be deterred.
    Stephen turned to Sophia and spoke to her. “It’s quite all right if you would like to do that. My brother knows this palace better than anyone. Ask him about getting dusted with flour in one of the larders when he was eight.” Stephen winked at her.
    Sophia laughed. “I will do that. I would like to look around if it’s not a problem with His Highness.”
    Stephen shrugged and smiled. “Suit yourself.” He and Mark stood and left the table.
    Jonas turned to Sophia, “Let's get one thing straight. Unless we are in an 'on stage' kind of place, you don't ever have to call me 'Your Highness' again. Please call me Jonas. It’s much better. Now where do you want to start?”
    She looked out over the gardens which lay two stories below Grandfather's Terrace. “The sun is just setting. There is such a beautiful light on this planet. It is like the sky is blushing. I hate to go inside until it is gone. Would you show me the gardens?”
    The suggestion pleased Jonas so much. It was exactly what he would have said in her place. Jonas smiled, took Sophia by the arm, and led her down the stairs.

    Late that evening, Jonas found himself yawning as he laid his dress uniform on a chair in the dressing room he shared with Stephen. The room, which lay between their two bedrooms, allowed the staff to lay out the clothing which had been chosen for them. By morning, the clothing he removed would be cleaned, pressed, and neatly placed back in his closet. The door to his brother's room swung open, and Stephen entered. He was unbuttoning the collar on his shirt, which was only half tucked in at this point. “Well, little brother, you seemed to enjoy yourself this evening. Did you kiss her?” Stephen asked with a smirk.
    Jonas' cheeks instantly turned a deep shade of maroon, partly from irritation and partly from embarrassment. “You know the answer to that,” he shot back calmly as he continued to undress. Jonas was determined not to let Stephen needle him. It wasn't as if Stephen hadn't asked him this question before. He always asked when