The Frihet Rebellion
Chapter 4: Princess Thalor

Princess Thalor sat with some discomfort in the large over-stuffed chair that acted as a makeshift throne. Finally, after almost twelve years of house arrest, and not long after her twentieth birthday, she was returned to her rightful place as one of the ruling family of Frihet.

“I apologies again for the lack of a proper throne, Princess,” said Field Commander Karl Langdon, instrumental in her release and, by her understanding, one of the leaders of the rebellion. “When the cursed Earthmen took your father, they destroyed the old wooden throne too. We have not yet had time to construct a new one.”

“It can wait,” said the Princess, outwardly calm, almost languid, while her stomach fluttered with nerves and excitement. “There are more pressing matters.”

Karl nodded in agreement.

“For one,” said the Princess. “These clothes are… flimsy to say the least.” She lifted the corner of one layer, the thin, silk-like fabric soft and smooth in her fingers. It drifted back to join the other layers across her breast as she released it. “Are you certain this is the proper mode of dress for my position?”

“Absolutely, Princess,” said Karl, his eyes twitching but not straying from her face. “I was in charge of the detailed research myself. We could, of course, find you something else if you prefer?”

“No,” said the Princess, thoughtfully. “No, I would like to stay with tradition as much as possible. Show the people that things have returned to the way they used to be.” She looked down at her body, indistinct but noticeable through the multi-layered, flowing dress. “I just wish it was a little less... revealing.”

“You have nothing to be ashamed of, Princess,” said Karl, a slight blush rising in his cheeks. “Forgive me for saying so, but it is good to see beauty on the throne again.”

The Princess said nothing, feeling a little uncomfortable under the obviously adoring gaze of the soldier. Through years of house arrest, she had forgotten the pedestal her family were put upon by so many of their subjects. She had been nothing more than a girl in a comfortable, but well secured, prison for most of her life, waited on by one native maid. Now, she was a Princess, the last remaining member of the Frihetian royal family. And with that position went a level of adoration, perhaps even love, with which she was ill-equipped to deal. It made her anxious, unsure.

Nevertheless, she had heard good things about this Karl Langdon. Perhaps it would be wise to steer his thoughts away from herself and onto matters of more importance and urgency.

“How goes the rebellion throughout the system?” she said, her voice steady and clear.

“It has gone viral, Princess,” said Karl with a smile. “It has spread through the Raga System at incredible speed, and with enormous success.”

“It was an idea whose time had come,” she said. “It just needed one to take that first step. And that one was us.” This last she said with pride in her voice. Frihet had led the revolution.

“And what of our defense?” she continued. “Earth has made no secret that they are preparing a fleet against us. How strong is our navy?”

“It is strong, Princess, but alone we would be outnumbered and outgunned. However, the other planets are releasing their ships as quickly as they can take them from the Earth overlords. The more the rebellion spreads, the stronger our defense becomes.”

“Then we should be ready for the Earthmen when they arrive,” she said. “I’m glad to hear it. Thank you, Field Commander Langdon. That will be all.”

Karl bowed and backed away from the throne, not turning until he was more than ten feet away, as proscribed in the ancient Book of Court, in which he was well self-schooled. He left the throne room with a sweep of his long cloak.

The Princess finally relaxed once he was gone, stretching, arching her back, feeling the soft caress of the silky layers of the dress against her breasts, her stomach, her thighs. Through half-closed eyes, she saw two of her four bodyguards steal quick glances at her. She quickly straightened and arranged the thin material to best cover herself. She had every intention of being a fair and just ruler, if they could withstand the retaliation from Earth. However, she would have those two men removed from bodyguard duty by tomorrow. There had been no romance, no partners during her growth from child to adult under house arrest. While not being averse to eliciting a reaction from men, she did not feel entirely safe with guards whose eyes strayed to look at her when they should be watching for danger.

And she did not doubt there was danger. There were more ways to attack the rebellion than through an overt invasion from space. She was certain to be high on any list of targets.

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