Daily Flash Fiction Challenge

In the middle of the night deep within the Palace of Euksa, King Drago Matha-Talonosippidees XIV turned over in bed. His movement was recorded and archived by the hour’s two senior watch scribes.

“He’s restless tonight,” Scribe Pix said. “That’s the seventh major movement.”

Scribe Flent grunted but didn’t look up from his series of reports. “Her Majesty’s had fourteen movements in the last hour, and two awakenings.”

Behind them, the door opened and there was the distinctive clattering of beaded robes. Flent didn’t turn but spoke. “You aren’t allowed in here.”

“Scribes will exit the room,” a gentle but firm voice said.

At this, Flent did turn around; more than turn. He fairly jerked. “Your Exellency! I was not informed—”

“Scribes will exit the room! Now!”

Pix was already moving toward the door, head down. After a moment, Flent came to his senses and moved, following Pix out the door.

After they exited, the Lady Salei Matha-Murfonees and her maidens entered. Salei went to Flent’s station. One of the maids moved to Pix’s station, manipulated the controls there, and nodded to Salei. She pressed a button and dropped her head to speak into the stalk microphone. “Mother!”

A pause, and then a staticy voice in the speaker. “Salei? Where are you?”

“Never mind that. Get up! There’s going to be a raid. A trusted Tangier will take you to safety. Go with him!”

Another pause, and then “The Tangier is here. And your father?”

“It’s too late for him. Go! Go now!”

“I can’t leave without—” and then the speaker was silent.

Salei pulled a weapon out of her robes and fired directly into Flent’s console. “Come on, let’s get out of here.” The Lady, her maidens behind her, fled the chamber as it filled with smoke.