Page 40 of Survivor
The Prime laughed again but sobered quickly, her ancient eyes reflecting centuries of wisdom. “I am truly glad to see the Zarpazian people become again as they once were.”
“Thank you, Lady Prime.” I nodded at the compliment, knowing the Prime spoke of a time when Zarpazians were a joyful, prosperous, peaceful culture, as in my father’s legends. Before those with the same darkness as my mother took power.
I cast a glance at Diarvet, who nodded almost imperceptibly. The subtle movement of his head was barely noticeable to anyone but me. We had discussed this earlier, and while it needed to be said, my cousin also knew I dreaded to say it. The weight of diplomacy hung heavy on my shoulders. “We are looking forward to a more productive relationship with the Alliance as well, although I have concerns.”
“Concerns?” The Prime’s golden eyes widened slightly, her elegant features showing intrigue rather than the offense I had feared.
“Commander Diarvet, in his position as the queen’s guard, was witness to instances that give us concern,” I explained carefully, watching every face on the holo-com crease with worry.
From his seat at Lucy’s side, Diarvet cleared his throat and straightened his broad shoulders. His military posture was impeccable. He had recovered well from his torture and injury at my mother’s hand and returned to his peak, physically. Although his deep-set eyes sometimes held shadows, memoriesthat I knew not how to help him overcome. My mate understood my worry. Lucy had gone out of her way to help Diarvet with something she calledPTSD, a human condition that seemed to afflict warriors across species.
“Lady Prime, I was privy to several conversations between the queen and an Alliance official that reeked of collusion,” Diarvet explained, his voice steady but grave. “The conversations always seemed to concern Earth and abducted humans.”
“Do you know who?” Protectiveness rolled off Khaion in waves, his massive frame tensing visibly. Not only was the Lady Prime his leader and friend, but she was also the mother to his first mate, Charick. And Khaion himself was mated to a human female.
“Unfortunately, no,” Diarvet’s shoulders sagged, the weight of responsibility evident in his posture as he took personal blame for the lack of intel. “I never heard her mention a name, only something called aconsortium.”
“Consortium?” Praxxan tapped his chin with a long, elegant finger. As owner of the Ardeese Valout space station, he was a great man in his own right. But his brother Siemba controlled the Alliance spy ring. I held no doubt that by the end of the day, Seimba would have his operatives working on gaining information about whatever the consortium might be.
The Lady Prime sighed heavily, the sound carrying through the holo-comm, and for the first time, I saw exhaustion wash across her regal features. “There are factions in the Alliance that do not agree with the new directives concerning humans. Some thought with the expulsion of Ambassador Yaard, we had removed the root of dissent, but I fear not. Thank you for this information.”
The Kerzak Ambassador Yaard was behind the plot to assassinate Duke Ako—the scheme that led to Vrases’ death. TheAlliance also discovered that Yaard had facilitated the murders of the King and Queen of the Kerzak and kept the true heirs from rule for many spans. Something that was recently remedied. The Kerzak princess Vienda now ruled as regent until her brother Alokar came of age. For his crimes, the Alliance had striped Yaard of his power and status and declared him a criminal.
“You have the help of the Zarpazian people in any way you need it,” I offered, placing my hand over my heart in a traditional gesture of loyalty. I was determined that Zarpazia would be known as always striving for peace, our reputation cleansed of my mother’s treachery.
“Thank you, King Vraxxan.” The Prime issued me a nod of respect, her luminous eyes holding mine for a meaningful moment. “Now, you must excuse me. I travel to Earth’s solar system. We have intel that Yaard has escaped to Earth, which I must address.”
Words of luck accompanied the Lady Prime’s slow fade from the holo-comm, her image dissolving into shimmering particles of light until it left us staring at empty space.
“I wanted to say thank you again, Chieftain Khaion, for all your help.” I laid my palm over my heart in a warrior’s salute, feeling the steady beat beneath my fingers. “The transition would not have gone so smoothly if not for you and your crew.” While it elated most Zarpazians to be out from under my mother’s rule, the sight of towering Vaktaire warriors patrolling the cobblestone streets quelled any rumblings of unrest. “You and your crew are welcome on Zarpazia any time.”
“Thank you, King Vraxxan,” Khaion said, returning the warrior’s salute, his massive hand pressing against his broad chest.
“You’re leaving orbit today?” Lucy asked, a faint downturn to her pink lips. In the past few rotations, she’dgrown close to the human females living and working aboard theBardaga.
“Yes.” Khaion gave her an indulgent smile, his sharp teeth gleaming against his tan pelt. “We’re needed in the Eridani system. There are reports of human female trafficking on a planet there.”
Khaion’s ship, theBardaga, and Duke Ako’s ship, theHistoria,were part of the Alliance mission to rescue abducted humans held in slavery across the universe. My ultimate goal was to have a Zarpazian ship join the rescue mission as well. But until things settled further and I could make that happen, I was happy to offer the planet as a haven for rescued humans, a sanctuary among the stars.
Khaion glanced off-screen, an expression of affectionate aggravation painting his features. “If I can beg your pardon, I have someone who insists on saying goodbye before we go.”
“Hi!” A lovely human female with red hair a shade or two lighter than Lucy’s popped on-screen, waving, her green eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. I recognized her as Khaion’s mate, Emmy. She and Lucy had become fast friends, as my mate had with all the other human females. “I just wanted to pop in and say goodbye before we leave orbit.”
An adorable frown curved Lucy’s plump lips, creating a small dimple in her cheek. “I’ll miss you! We need to get together again soon.”
“The Space Pearl’s location on Hanze Erreinua will open in a few cycles. Perhaps you could travel there for the grand opening,” Jala suggested with a waggle of her arched eyebrows, her golden eyes twinkling mischievously. At her side, her assistant Merrilee scribbled notes furiously.
“Oh, that would be fun!” Lucy grabbed my forearm and squeezed in excitement, her small fingers warm against my skin. “And I am really sorry for leaving you in the lurch like I did.”
Jala laughed, waving away my mate’s apology with elegant fingers. “Trust me, I understand. Being a queen is a far better proposition than being a restaurant manager.”
Laughter followed, and I wondered how long it had been since such a wonderful sound had flowed through the ancient halls of the castle this effortlessly. Too long.
“Jala and I found a lovely woman who has restaurant experience to step in. Her name is Dixie, and she’s great,” Merrilee added. She seemed small, like my Lucy, with dark brown hair cascading over her shoulders and golden-brown eyes that peeked at us from behind thick-rimmed glasses. Surely, the Garoot Healer could have fixed her vision, but I held my tongue. Human females were lovely, curious creatures. I’m sure she had her reasons for keeping the spectacles
“I can’t wait to meet her,” Lucy gushed excitedly, practically bouncing in her seat. The gold in her eyes sparkled and her cheeks flushed a deep rosy hue.
“I’ll contact theHistoriaand see if they can meet up with us, too,” Emmy suggested, rubbing her hands together gleefully. She was almost as adorable as Lucy when it came to excitement. “It will be like a family reunion!”
