Universe Twister - Keith Laumer [231]
"Ha! Just like Henry the Eighth in a grade-B movie," O'Leary murmured, netting several apprehensive looks from those about him. As he made his way closer a functionary—a former second assistant stock room tallier, Lafayette saw, now decked out in full ceremonial garb—stepped forward, cleared his throat, unrolled a scroll with a flourish.
"Milords and ladies, his Royal Highness, Prince Lafayette, will graciously address the assemblage," he piped in a thin voice.
There was a patter of applause. The man in the golden chair shifted his chin to the other fist.
"Loyal subjects," he said in a mellow tenor, "how I admire your brave spirits—your undaunted gallantry in joining me here this evening—defying gloom, rejecting the melancholy counsels of those who would have us quail before the grim specter now hovering over our beloved Princess and her esteemed consort. If they could join us this evening, they would be the first to applaud you, carrying on in the gala mood they loved—love, that is—so well." The regent paused to shift position again.
"Look at that dumbbell, trying to talk with his jaw on his fist," Lafayette whispered to no one in particular. "He looks like a terminal paresis case."
Several people moved away from him; but one wizened little fellow in scarlet velvet muttered, "Hear! Hear!"
"Why is everybody standing around listening to this clown?" Lafayette asked the old gentleman. "Why don't they do something?"
"Eh? You ask a question like that? Have you forgotten Sir Lafayette's many services to the crown—and the squads of armed bravos he's lately hired to help secure his continued popularity, the while he so unselfishly volunteers his services during our ruler's indisposition?"
"Lord Archibald—what would you say if I said Adoranne's not really sick at all?" Lafayette inquired, sotto voce.
"Say? Why, I'd say you were prey to wishful thinking. And have we met, sir?"
"No—not exactly. But if she were actually well—just being held incommunicado—"
"Then all the cut-necks in Hell wouldn't restrain my sword from her service, sir!"
"Shhh! Good boy, Lord Archie—and keep your eyes peeled." O'Leary moved off as the regent droned on, took up a position some ten yards from the speaker, in the front rank of the crowd.
" . . . it is therefore incumbent on me—a realization to which I come with inexpressible reluctance—to formally assume a title commensurate with the dignities residing in the de facto Chief of the Artesian state. Accordingly—and with a heavy heart—" The regent broke off as his eye fell on O'Leary. For a long moment he gazed blankly at him. Suddenly he jerked upright, his eyes blazing, pointed a finger at O'Leary.
"Seize me that traitor!" he roared.
2
There were small shrieks and muttered exclamations as a squad of strong-arm men jostled their way through the press to grab Lafayette by both arms and the back of the neck. He landed one solid kick to a uniformed kneecap before a double wrist lock immobilized him.
"Don't kill him yet!" the regent yelled; then, as startled faces jerked around to stare at him, the managed an undernourished smile. "I mean to say, remember the prisoner's constitutional rights, lads, and treat him with all due gentility."
"What's the charge?" O'Leary croaked, speaking with difficulty because of the awkward angle at which his chin was being crushed against his sternum.
"Take him away," the regent snapped. "I'll question him later."
"One moment, if you please," a cracked voice piped up. Lord Archibald pushed his way forward to stand before the golden chair.
"I, too, would like to know the nature of the charge," he said.
"What's this? You dare to question me—that is, ah, why, my dear Archie—suppose we discuss the matter later—in private. Security of the realm involved and all that—"
"Sire, the security of the realm is involved at any time that one of her citizens is arrested arbitrarily!"
There was a small murmur of assent that faded swiftly as the man in the chair thrust out his lower lip and frowned down at the crowd.