Page 61 of The Marriage Bargain

“I want your promise that you will put in a good word for Delle,” I said, stepping closer to him. “She has a dream and deserves to at least pursue it.”

“Architect school?” my parent sneered. “A human female as an architect?”

I held my ground. “The Citadel will continue to expand, Father, as you well know. And there are plans to renovate and rebuild other key structures in this area. We, as the Coalition, are going nowhere. We’ve come to rebuild this planet. The need for architects is strong, just as the need for builders, like me, is strong. Can you deny it?”

“I can’t deny that, but a human? A female?”

His tone implied that he found the notion ludicrous.

“Why not?” I challenged. “You give me your word that you’ll send the necessary letters to have her admitted to school. What she does in school is up to her—her own hard work, her talent, her ambition. But without help, she’ll never be given the chance. You know that as well as I. You do this for her, and we keep your secrets and the Flight Commander’s. You go back to Asterion, find a suitable female, produce an heir, take your seat on the Coalition, and nobody ever learns of this ugly business on this forgotten planet.

“Are we agreed?”

He didn’t want to agree. The rigid set of his posture screamed his reluctance. In the end, though, he was left with no other option.

“I agree,” he answered coldly. Behind me, I heard Delle’s sharp intake of breath. She was stunned at this abrupt turn of events.

“I am going now,” my father announced, “before you persuade me into any other foolishness. I know the Flight Commander has heard all of this, despite being paralyzed, so I leave no message for him. He will know how to act when he comes to himself again. I advise him to leave, as well, and cause no troubles for the two of you in the future, if he wishes to maintain his rank and further his career.

“As for you, my son…” He stopped and looked me in the face. I had never known a father’s love. I had never known a father’s approval. Years ago, I had stopped fighting even for his notice. I had no need for either now, especially after this. But I suppose there was a foolish, childlike part of me that did appreciate hearing him say,

“You have grown into a strong male. You have successfully defended your home, your mate. You are precisely the type of leader Asterion needs. The type the Coalition could one day use. I ask you a final time, with no strings affixed, no penalties if you say no, will you reconsider my offer?”

I glanced at Delle. She shrugged softly, the soft light in the room winking off her glasses, encouraging me.

I turned back to my father. “I stand by my decision,” I announced. “But I wish you luck in siring or finding another heir.”

My father sighed, but nodded in understanding. “Go with the stars, Caide.”

It was the closest to a blessing that I would ever have from him.

“Go with the stars, Father.”

Without another word, he stepped out into the cold, dark night. Through the open door we heard the sounds of his transport hum to life, the engine revving as he sped off, presumably back to the spaceport to return to his home planet.

“Well done, Overlord,” said Official Drayke. I glanced at the other Asterion in surprise. “Your father was right, I think, in saying that you would make an excellent leader on our home planet. However, Earth needs good males and females to step up as leaders as well. I am confident that you, being the Overlord that you are, will soon rise to the top.”

I had my doubts about that. I was not necessarily interested in being a leader. Living my life, helping this planet, and supporting the dreams of my mate, those were of interest to me. Along with righting any wrongs I might have the power to affect.

Perhaps that was what made one a leader, though.

“Thank you, Official,” I answered simply. “And may I wish you and your wife joy when she arrives.”

“Gratitude,” he said solemnly. He held up his recording device. “I will make you a copy of this. Both copies will be stored in safe places.”

He emphasized the word for the prone Flight Commander, whose open eyes gazed at the

ceiling, his limbs occasionally twitching.

“I think we’ll have no further need of them,” I said, casting my own threatening look at the officer, “but we will have them for safekeeping. Go with the stars, Official. My thanks for your help.”

“Go with the stars, Overlord. And you, Delle,” he added to my wife before he left. “Congratulations on what I am certain will be a successful career. With the two of you working together, I believe nothing can stand in your way.”

Delle grinned saucily. “That’s the plan,” she agreed.

The Official left, and only Delle, myself, and the paralyzed military officer remained.

“Should we do anything for him?” she questioned, stepping over his legs to come to my side.

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