Page 65 of Zinnia and the Zombie
“Don’t worry. She’s safe with me.”
He believed her, but he waited until Zinnia nodded before moving to join the Emperor. Karthajin led him to his private study. Unlike the formal grandeur of the previous room, this was a more intimate space—still elegant, but clearly designed for work rather than ceremony.
Maps and holographic star charts covered one wall, and bookcases filled with ancient tomes lined the others. A large desk dominated the center of the room, covered in data tablets and actual paper documents, but Karthajin took a seat in the small sitting area and gestured for Jaxx to join him.
“Would you care for a drink?”
“Thank you, no,” he said, taking the offered seat, and Karthajin smiled.
“Straight to business, then.” He tapped a control, and the holographic display shifted to show a section of the Outer Rim. “These red lights indicate areas of Grorn activity.”
He studied the display. The activity was clustered along trade routes and around specific star systems.
“Tanaca could not find a discernible pattern before, but based on your information, I believe they are conducting systematic raids in search of these ‘biological keys’ you mentioned. If they succeed in gathering them all…” Karthajin said grimly.
“With respect, Your Majesty, we need to secure the Vault before they can.”
“I agree.” Karthajin nodded. “We’re dispatching scout ships to that area. But there’s another matter I wished to discuss with you.” He tapped another control, and the display changed to show a different section of space. “A Zathixian distress beacon was detected in this area.”
He leaned forward, his heart pounding. “You know of it?”
“Our deep space monitoring network detected a faint signal matching Zathixian protocols approximately three standard years ago. It was intermittent and disappeared before we could triangulate its exact origin.” Karthajin met his gaze directly. “I have a suggestion. I would like to offer you a commission in the Royal Fleet. Your combat skills and tactical knowledge would be invaluable, especially given the growing Grorn threat. In addition, you would be able to use our resources to aid your search.”
He gave the other male a stunned look.
“That is… extremely generous, Your Majesty,” he finally managed.
“I consider it a strategic alliance.” Karthajin shrugged. “The Zathix were legendary warriors and fleet commanders. If any of your people survive, the Empire would benefit greatly from an alliance.”
He appreciated the Emperor’s honesty. Political matters were always transactional; it was refreshing to have the terms stated plainly.
But while the position would provide both status and resources, it would also mean obligations that might conflict with his primary duty.
“I am honored by your offer, Your Majesty,” he said finally. “But my duty is first to Zinnia, and then to the search for my people. I cannot in good conscience accept a commission that might require me to place other priorities above those responsibilities.”
He watched the Emperor carefully, but Karthajin merely nodded, looking satisfied rather than offended.
“I am not surprised,” he said. “Loyalty is the foundation of honor. The offer of our deep space network stands regardless. And should you change your mind about the commission, it remains open to you.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
Karthajin grinned, suddenly looking much younger. “And I am pleased that you understand that your mate’s happiness comes first. As it should.”
“Always. Zinnia brought me back when nothing else could.”
“I am pleased for you both.” Karthajin rose to his feet. “I believe Lord Tanaca has some additional questions for you. In the meantime, my steward will arrange quarters for you and the Lady Zinnia here in the palace.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty,” he said politely.
But although he was grateful for the Emperor’s generosity, Doren’s words about a gilded cage rang in his ears.
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
“Perhaps you’d like to see my garden?” the First Consort asked Zinnia after Jaxx and the Emperor had left.
“I would love that, Your Majesty,” she said nervously.
The other woman gave her a mischievous smile as she rose to her feet and shrugged off the heavy embroidered robe. She looked even younger without it, and Zinnia found herself relaxing again as the other woman gave her a friendly smile.
