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My mind is racing, and I look over at Ra’al. “Unless they took the woman and reported back to their stations. A triad could do it easily. We don’t yet have enough surveillance.”

Could it be Krazak?

It doesn’t make sense that he would risk his purpose. He lives for revenge now. That servant woman tempted him, to be sure, but he already had his Mate, and lost her.

She could be nothing compared to his quest for vengeance. And plus, he earned dozens of talons in the battle against the Scorp. If an unbonded woman is what he craves, he can bid on many and get a prize pick. He could have four virgins warming his bed tonight. He would not risk everything, not for some woman who cannot possibly be his Mate.

“Check on the whereabouts of triads who earned few talons in battles. Ones who shied away from the fight or who panicked. They are the only ones who would risk taking the woman.”

The leader of the triad nods.

“You have sent troops to find her?” Ra’al states the question as a command.

“Yes, General Ra’al. But we could only spare two triads. You assigned double guard duty. Our numbers are stretched thin, and the woman was taken on a stretch of road near the thick forest.”

“Take three thermal drones. We should have scans of the forest regardless. They are thick, ripe to be filled with rebels. You will be assigned a triad of technicians to operate them. When you find the woman and her captors, your talons will be restored. Do not fail me.”

“Thank you, General,” says the leader of the triad, bowing his head in respect. “And when we find her?”

“Take the kidnappers alive if you can. If they must die, they must die. They made their choice.” Ra’al states the command with strict authority. “If they have a breath of life left, bring them here. I would end them by my hand.”

“Very well, General.”

“If Krazak went mad and took the woman, he is a strong warrior. His triad will be needed in the coming war.”Orr states the sentence with a hardness to his voice. He always had a soft spot for Krazak and his triad, and he mourned for them when they lost their Mate.

“Go now!” booms out Ra’al, sending the triad scurrying away. He turns, staring Orr down. “You don’t think I know that?”

I shake my head. “It’s not Krazak. He lives only to see Emperor Raegan’s blood on his blade. He would not throw everything away for a woman who cannot be his Mate.”

Ra’al breathes out in relief. “Yes. It’s logical.”

The triad hurries out the doors. A finely dressed couple walks in. They’re in their forties.

How short, these human lifespans, that forty—not even halfway done Academy—is an adult in their prime. How little knowledge their leaders can accumulate. How poorly run are their affairs.

Ra’al holds his hand up. “We will address you shortly, Baron—”“Klees,”I telepath, and he finishes the sentence without a pause, used to my telepathic communications with names, places, and facts. They bow and leave, and Ra’al waves the guards out as well, closing the door from the outside.

We are alone in the throne room.

It is ripe for attack, but we would show weakness by taking meetings and addresses in a storage room. Authority must be displayed, or the rebels will be emboldened.

The empty throne beside Ra’al shows everyone that we do not yet have full control. To be able to place our Mate in front of her, showing off our prize, would be the ultimate display of power over this world.

We cannot risk her. It shows we are weak, but none of us are willing to place her in danger.

I think to her, deep below the palace. Human life is so short. She has not yet gotten used to the notion of her extended lifespan by now. A day below must feel like a month.

How long will she be content to stay there, in the bunker? What if she asks to leave and we must refuse again?

The three of us share an unsettled glance. Of all the servants who could have been taken…

Rachel traded her life to us in return for protecting Lola. Now Lola is gone.

How could our Mate believe we can protect her when we can’t keep our word?

“Find her!” booms out Orr in Aurelian, and even through the wooden door, I can hear booted feet take off at a run.

“Rachel cared deeply about that young woman. We should have had her guarded.”