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“I understand your meaning, my lady.” The response from Karn was sad and full of emotion. It caught Nani off guard. She was so caught up in the conversation with her soon-to-be-husband and her daughter, she had almost forgotten she awaited Karn’s reaction to her file. “We’ve authenticated the video and conferred with Admiral Amos and Dr. Grimm. Samair Kone will be placed under arrest. This file has been sent to the rest of the High Council and the religious council, along with our interviews of Admiral Amos and Dr. Grimm. By the time we reach Homeworld, they should have reached a decision. I cannot guarantee the outcome, but I have included my belief that your divorce should be granted as well as my belief that your husband should be punished as they see fit for his role in your… ordeal. Will you go with us to offer testimony and DNA testing should it prove necessary?”

Again, she conferred with Darian, Damon, Mikiel, and the admiral. All agreed with her it was a reasonable request. With the backing of the speaker of the High Council, it was doubtful anything he recommended wouldn’t pass. She was going home to claim the throne.

“Also,” Karn added before she could terminate the connection, “I’ve contacted the Asalian Coalition. Darian’s father is anxious to see him and will be meeting us at Homeworld. I think with the evidence you have here, along with returning his son, you’ve single-handedly united both governments. Congratulations.”

“Nothing is ever done single-handedly. I had more help than you know, and I intend to give each and every one of them full credit for their roles. There is not one of us on these two ships whose lives have not been affected by what Samair did. Some more than others, but it’s been a hardship for everyone. My only hope is we all find the peace we so rightfully deserve.” She turned to look behind her. She’d known the moment Dr. Zabin entered the command center. Darian had seen him, and she refused to relinquish her connection to him. “Especially those I’ve wronged for their unwilling part, and I hope they’ll forgive my narrow-mindedness.” She looked directly at Mahat Zabin, who closed his eyes and bowed his head, nodding slightly in acknowledgement.

“That’s it, then. We’d be honored if you took the lead back to Homeworld.”

“The honor is ours. We’ll be wanting theSword Breakerwith us and bestowed equal honor. Nadira and her husband command that ship. She’s a princess of Vok’nair, he a warrior of the Asalian Coalition. It is my hope that the marriage of not only myself and Darian but the union of Nadira and Mikiel will help unite our two governments as well. It will only strengthen our societies.”

“As you wish, my lady. On everything. You will have the full support of the council if I have anything to say about it.”

When communications were cut, everyone in Command cheered. Smiles and claps on the back were passed all around. Nani was happier than she could ever remember being, and Darian beamed at her in pride.

He looked at the young officer standing next to him and pointed to Nani. “That’s my woman.”

“Yeah. We know,” he laughed.

Darian moved around the panels and stations separating him from Nani until he stood beside her. Nani turned to him and smiled. There was no other man in the universe she would have chosen to share this moment with. Darian was everything she’d ever wanted. He understood her, and he knew what all these events meant to her. Every heartbreaking one of them had a significance, and they were all tied together. They bonded all these wonderful people together with a common thread that could not be broken.

But I’m the only one who knows how to do that little thing to your clit you like so well.

Nani laughed in pure joy. She launched herself at Darian and kissed him soundly.That’s true. It’s been a while since you’ve done it, too.

Do you think now would be a good time to refresh your memory as to exactly how good it feels?

I think now would definitely be a good time.

Hand in hand, they left Command. Their future was full of possibilities. United, they could accomplish anything.