Page 54 of Return to Sender
“And the claims of alien influence?” Toner continues, her tone suggesting she finds the allegations dubious at best.
Dominique steps forward, her posture radiating confidence and determination. “Diplomat Toner, I can address that directly. I am Princess Dominique of House Malren, daughter of King Marcus and heir to the Malren succession. I have been in full control of my faculties throughout this entire situation.”
“You were clearly compromised,” Dante interrupts with desperate insistence, his face contorting with frustration. “Financial surveillance shows systematic movement patterns designed to confuse and disorient tracking efforts.”
“You mean the route we took while you were illegally monitoring our legitimate OOPS transactions?” Dominique counters, her voice carrying the kind of cold fury that makes wise people step back. “The violation of privacy through abuse of diplomatic access to STI financial records? The systematic stalking disguised as security concerns?”
Toner’s expression sharpens with interest, like a predator scenting wounded prey. “Elaborate on this financial surveillance, Princess.”
“Every fuel purchase we made, every docking fee we paid through standard OOPS expense protocols, was being tracked through STI public database access,” Dominique explains with clinical precision. “Prince Dante has been following our route systematically using his diplomatic authority toaccess transaction records, turning professional postal service requirements into a hunting trail.”
“Is this accurate, Prince Dante?” Toner asks with deceptive mildness that does not quite conceal the trap being laid.
“Standard security protocols,” Dante deflects, clearly recognizing the danger but unable to avoid it entirely. His face takes on a defensive expression that makes his features even more unpleasant. “Royal family members require protection from those who would exploit their positions.”
“Protection that involves systematic monitoring of private financial transactions without informed consent?” Toner presses, her tone suggesting that Dante’s answers are only digging his hole deeper. “That would constitute a violation of Stellar Transit Initiative privacy guidelines and abuse of diplomatic access privileges.”
Dante’s confidence begins to waver as he realizes the diplomatic implications of Toner’s line of questioning. The rules he thought would protect him are being turned into weapons against him. His face cycles through expressions of confusion and growing panic.
“The princess’s safety required—”
“Required what, exactly?” Toner interrupts with professional efficiency. “Unauthorized surveillance? Violation of financial privacy? Abuse of diplomatic authority for personal tracking purposes?”
“Now see here,” Dante begins, his diplomatic composure finally cracking entirely under the weight of mounting accusations. His face becomes truly hideous as his rage transforms his features. “I will not be lectured by some mid-level bureaucrat about royal prerogatives. Princess Dominique belongs to House Malren, and through our engagement, she belongs to me. This alien has simply interfered with property transfer protocols.”
The silence that follows his outburst is profound and dangerous. Even through the communication link, I can sense Toner’s displeasure radiating like a physical force. Dominique’s hand finds mine, squeezing with shared satisfaction at watching Dante destroy his own position.
“Property transfer?” Toner repeats with dangerous calm that suggests someone is about to experience the full weight of diplomatic consequences. “Did you just refer to a sentient royal family member as property, Prince Dante?”
“That is... not what I meant,” Dante backpedals frantically, finally recognizing his mistake. His face has gone from flushed to pale, making his already unpleasant features look sickly.
“I believe it is exactly what you meant,” Toner replies with the kind of precision that cuts through diplomatic double-speak. “And I believe we have heard enough to proceed with formal diplomatic resolution.”
She activates additional communication protocols, her authority expanding to include official STI mediation powers. The change is visible in her posture and tone—she is no longer simply observing but actively adjudicating.
“Prince Dante of House Folkov, you are hereby charged with abuse of diplomatic authority, violation of financial privacy protocols, illegal surveillance of royal family members, and attempted coercion of an autonomous individual.”
“You cannot charge me,” Dante protests, falling back on his final line of defense. His voice has taken on a whining quality that makes him even more repugnant. “I have royal immunity under Human Concord law.”
“Royal immunity does not extend to violations of inter-species law,” Toner informs him with visible satisfaction. “Particularly when those violations involve OOPS personnel and STI privacy guidelines.”
“This is absurd,” Dante declares, his voice rising with desperation while his face contorts into an expression of pure outrage. “I demand immediate resolution and return of my fiancée.”
“About that,” Toner continues smoothly, clearly enjoying the systematic destruction of Dante’s position. “Princess Dominique, do you wish to return to Human Concord custody and proceed with your arranged marriage to Prince Dante?”
“Absolutely not,” Dominique states firmly, her voice carrying the authority of royal blood and personal conviction. “I formally reject the engagement arrangement and any claim Prince Dante believes he has to my person or my future.”
“And your current relationship with Agent Wi’kar?” Toner asks, though her tone suggests she already knows the answer.
“Is exactly what he said,” Dominique replies, moving closer to me in a gesture of unity and possession that broadcasts her choice to anyone watching. “He is my chosen mate, my partner, and my future. I want nothing more to do with Human Concord politics or arranged marriages.”
Toner nods with professional satisfaction. “Then I hereby declare the engagement between Princess Dominique of House Malren and Prince Dante of House Folkov officially dissolved under STI autonomy protocols. All related diplomatic obligations are nullified.”
“You cannot do this,” Dante rages, his composure completely shattered. His face has become a mask of fury that makes him appear genuinely monstrous. “The alliance between our houses—”
“Can be negotiated through proper diplomatic channels without involving unwilling individuals,” Toner cuts him off with finality. “Agent Wi’kar, all charges against you are hereby dismissed. Your actions fall within standard OOPS protocols for diplomatic complications.”
Relief floods through me like a physical sensation, though I maintain professional composure. “Thank you, Diplomat Toner.”
