A Confusion of Princes Read Free

to say, the words I wanted not coming readily to my tongue despite the efforts of internal autonomous systems that were trying to steady my heartbeat and restore calm.
    ‘We will talk in your quarters, Highness,’ replied Haddad. ‘They are safe. For now.’
    My chambers in the temple were one of the things I was looking forward to leaving behind. Already in my imagination I had planned far more extensive and luxurious accommodations. I knew as a Prince I could commandeer such things, provided they were not already the property of another Prince or protected under the authority of a Prince, a temple, or the Emperor Hierself.
    But I was glad to enter the simple living chamber that day. I sat down in the single chair as Haddad stood before me, and we both looked at each other, though of course Haddad kept his eyes down, as was only proper.
    I had not seen an assassin before, or at least had not recognised any, for Haddad looked no different from any other priest. The priests of each Aspect had their own distinctive formal robes, but they rarely dressed in them, usually adopting simple tan-coloured robes or shipsuits, one-piece coveralls like the one Haddad wore now.
    He was tall and spare of frame, and looked to be around forty or fifty years old. His skin was lighter than my own, and more yellow than brown. His head was shaved, to reveal the transparent panels that ran from his temple to the back of his ear, the mark of a full priest. I could see the sheen of blue cooling liquid pumping around his brain, indicating that he had some Psitek activity running, though I could detect nothing with my own Psitek abilities. He had one natural eye, the iris a deep brown colour, and one Bitek replacement, which was entirely green, without a pupil, and obviously specialised, but I did not know its type or purpose.
    I wondered what he thought of me and how I measured up. He would have served Princes before me, as assassins were transferred by the Emperor every ten years. Haddad might well have been Master to other newly hatched Princes about to embark on their careers.
    I was taller, faster, and stronger than the priests, the novices, and the mind-programmed servants I had lived among, but now a faint shadow of doubt crept in as Haddad stood before me. Perhaps I was not much of a Prince. Maybe I would be not quite as fast, or strong, or tall as the others. I might even be ugly, for I had the face I was born to have, Princes being forbidden to change their appearance, apart from enhancements or necessary repair. I had never thought of this, because I had never shared the company of equals, or even those who might venture an unbiased opinion.
    :What was that silver box . . .:
    I began to send, but Haddad interrupted.
    :Mindspeech not recommended:
    ‘There are too many people within the temple and the outer grounds who can eavesdrop on mindspeech in close proximity,’ said Haddad. ‘I am blanking the aural receptors and other devices in the room, so it is best to speak aloud.’
    ‘Good,’ I said, trying to act as if I was in command and Haddad was acting on my instructions. But it did not sound like that, even to me.
    ‘You did well to evade the flower-trap’s sunbeam, Highness,’ said Haddad. ‘However, you must take it as a warning of things to come. A Prince or number of Princes are aware that you have ascended, and they seek to remove you before you become even a potential threat.’
    ‘What? Already?’ I asked. While I knew about competition between Princes, at this stage I thought it was more chivalrous and I had no idea it was so . . . well . . . lethal. ‘I haven’t done anything yet! I haven’t even connected to the Imperial Mind!’
    ‘It is because you have not yet connected to the Mind,’ said Haddad. ‘If successfully killed now, you are permanently removed, with no chance of rebirth. One fewer Prince to contend with, and the Emperor’s abdication is only two years away.’
    ‘That makes it even more foolish