Hidden Empire - Kevin J. Anderson [80]
Wenceslas smiled strangely. "We create our own truth around here, young Peter. Don't worry about that."
"But what happened to the real royal family? I've never even heard of Prince Peter before now."
"That is because he didn't exist before now." The Chairman folded his hands, interlocking his fingers. "We have always kept the royal family a private matter in order to give the Hansa room to do as we like. We have plenty of flexibility."
The man poured himself a glass of juice. "King Frederick's real wife died more than two decades ago. Over the years, he's had numerous concubines and a few bastard children, but none of them has the potential we need. Certainly no true leadership qualities."
Raymond looked at the Chairman, disbelief growing as the realization sank in. "You want me to replace the King?"
"After you have been properly trained," OX said.
"We selected you from among hundreds of potential candidates, Peter. The Hansa is convinced that you are someone the public can cheer and love."
"But it's...it's not right!" Raymond insisted.
Wenceslas looked at him calmly. "That's exactly how King Frederick took the throne many years ago, and King Bartholomew before him, and King Jack before him." Raymond reeled, and the Chairman continued. "We have been watching you for years and selected you from many candidates. Honest, young man, we believe you are our best hope." His expression became sadder. "Unfortunately, the terrible fire that destroyed your home has forced us to move now. We would have preferred a more comfortable and orderly introduction."
Raymond had trouble accepting the massive shift to his understanding of the world. "But...what will happen to Frederick?"
"After the efficient transfer of leadership, the old man will have his features altered and we'll send him into a comfortable retirement on Relleker. King Frederick has served quite well for almost half a century, but his mind isn't as sharp as it was. Truly, I think his heart is no longer in it. We need someone vibrant and viable to bring energy back to the Hansa."
"I can't believe this." Raymond stared at the metal mask of the Teacher compy. "Someone will know. You'll be caught."
Basil Wenceslas smiled. "Who could possibly know? Forgive me, young man, but Raymond Aguerra was a nobody. With your features altered like this, who would even dream of making the connection? After the terrible apartment fire, everyone will believe you died in the disaster, just like the other unfortunate victims."
Raymond blinked back tears, and his throat trembled as the ache in his heart began to turn numb. His mother would have said that this sudden opportunity (and, yes, he always looked for opportunities) was his reward in the face of such incredible sadness. She would probably have read him a printed Unison pamphlet with similar platitudes. He would have given almost anything to have his family back, but he could not spurn this chance. Never in his life had such a tremendous possibility presented itself to him.
The Chairman's winning smile showed dazzling teeth. "Look at this as a way to bring a silver lining to this dark cloud of tragedy. We've already rewritten the past, and we need you, young Peter, to help us write the future."
37 JESS TAMBLYN
Returning to his clan holdings under the ice sheath of Plumas, Jess Tamblyn found his old father as stern and crotchety as ever. It gave him all the more reason to look for any excuse to return to Rendezvous as soon as possible. He still hadn't been able to see Cesca.
Bram Tamblyn had dark, eager eyes that flashed as Jess talked about Ross's activities on Golgen, but after a moment the old clan leader held up a calloused hand. "Enough. We won't waste time spreading gossip about a man who is no longer part of our family." This stubborn game had gone on for years, and Jess doubted anything would change.
Living close to his father was stifling. Within a week Jess had concocted urgent duties that required him to fly back to Rendezvous. His younger sister Tasia had begged to come