Page 76 of Black Star

“Nothing’s over!” Nani could almost see the hatred on his face as he screamed at her. “I am the king!”

“Because of your marriage to me. Considering what you did to me and Darian, I doubt the religious council would have a problem granting my petition for a divorce.”

“You’ll have difficulty proving anything.” He sounded so confident, Nani knew she’d enjoy letting him see the video. It was perverse, really, and she was a little ashamed of herself. But she knew she’d get over it.

“Actually --” She crossed her arms and smiled. He couldn’t see her, but the satisfied smirk came anyway. “-- I can. The whole grisly procedure was taped and, as it turns out, I have a copy. Not only that, but you left witnesses alive, of which I have three. Now. Do I need to broadcast this thing to the entire fleet, or are you going to surrender yourself to me and go before the council to accept judgment?”

Again, there was silence. She was afraid he’d cut transmission, and she focused her attention on the fleet. All outgoing communications were still blocked from their end, but if they’d figured out a way around it, she wanted to know before anything happened.

Ma’am, there’s another transmission coming through. One of the lead ships, the young officer handling communications informed her.

“Let it through.”

“Black Star, we request to see your proof.”

“To whom am I speaking?” Nani wasn’t about to send data blindly, no matter what she said. This was too personal for just anyone to see.

“I am Karn, speaker of the High Council and member of the religious council. If you have information that will depose a king, it is I who needs to hear it.”

Not one to take things on blind faith, Nani contacted Admiral Amos privately for confirmation. “Is he who he says?”

“Absolutely. I contacted high command when I found out Samair was coming to find theBlack Starhimself. They need the information you have more than anyone else. It’s bad on Homeworld. They can help.”

“I’m sending a copy of the file now, sir. If you have any sway with the religious council at all, I respectfully request you grant my petition for a divorce from Samair and return the throne rights to me and my daughter.”

“If you’re referring to Nadira, is she not the current king’s daughter as well?”

“No. It’s all in the video. Everything.”

Nani’s heart raced. Everything had happened so fast. She hadn’t had a chance to talk to Nadira. She hadn’t been able to plan anything with the captains of either ship. Great goddess above. This was really it!

There will be time, my love. All will be well.

As much as she wanted to take comfort in Darian’s words, what if all wasn’t well? What if this went against them? There was no way they’d escape. Her only hope would be to make sure Nadira lived.

Damon, if this doesn’t work, I want you to set up a screen for theSword Breakerto protect Nadira.

I’ve already got a plan in the works, my lady.

Minutes ticked by. Thirty minutes. Forty-five. The strain was becoming unbearable. Darian was in constant contact with her, but though it helped, she needed more. She concentrated, focusing all her attention on Nadira.

Mother?

Nani’s breath caught.Nadira. I’m sorry I’ve wasted so much time. I just didn’t know what to say.

It’s OK. I’m not sure I knew, either.

I love you. I just wanted you to know. I’ve always loved you. The greatest day of my life was when you came aboard theBlack Star. Even though we couldn’t communicate directly, it was good to feel your presence. I think you pulled me back from the brink of insanity.

I love you too, Mother.

Darian’s voice was soft when he added it to the conversation.I owe you an apology, Nadira. When I told you I was your father, I was harsh. I took out my anger and frustration on you, and I had no right. You have always been an innocent pawn in this deadly game of Samair’s. I treated you no better than he did.

Nani felt Nadira’s love for Darian through her connection to him and knew everything was right between them.Considering all the stress you were under, I’m surprised you were as congenial as you were.

I love you, Nadira. No matter what happens, I love you, and I hope you’ll give me a chance to get to know you. Darian sounded more vulnerable than Nani had ever heard him. Give a man a daughter, and he turns to putty every time.

Nadira’s giggles filled her mind, and she knew Darian had heard her as well. He grumbled something she couldn’t understand, but she felt his happiness. All would definitely be well with the three of them. Assuming they all lived, they would finally be a family.

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