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“By Vannla’s Sword, stop trying to talk yourself out of a job,” said Vahn, exasperated. “You’re not just a general, you’re my friend. Don’t be a jerk.”

“A… what?”

Vahn cursed himself.

“A human term I learned recently.”

“From the prisoner? Interesting. Did you have many conversations while you were stranded with her? Oh, but of course you didn’t. She cannot understand Vraxian.”

Her eyes bored into him and he wondered if she suspected anything.

“General Elaryx Solarun, I hereby reconfirm you as the Head of the Vraxian Army. Happy? Now go shout at some soldiers and let me speak to Rhyn.”

“Thank you.” Ela touched his arm. “And Vahn, it goes without saying, you willalwayshave my unwavering support.”

He watched the female Vraxian walk away, uncomfortably aware that she probably wouldn’t be so supportive if she discovered Kara was his mate.

He entered his quarters and sat in front of the monitor. The Vraxian looking back at him was a few years younger than him. His scales were a darker blue and his hair more silver than white, but he was almost as broad in the shoulder.

His face broke into a grin when he saw Vahn.

“It’s good to see you, my friend.” The smile faded. “Heartfelt condolences for the loss of your father. I heard your speech, it was very moving. How are you holding up?”

“Good to see you too, Rhyn. I’m as well as can be expected. I gather you were with the Zhaal at the end?”

“It was my honor and privilege. He was very frail. The physicians say he haddreinleshfever, and his age didn’t help. But at least he knew you were safe before he went.”

“Yes. That is something. I gather Baelon was trying to garner support for an early accession vote?”

Rhyn snorted.

“Jumping the gun as usual.”

“You didn’t think to challenge him?”

“Why should I? I knew you’d be back.”

“Rhyn, we have talked about this. If anything should happen to me, I need to knowyouwill take charge, not Baelon.”

“He has just the same entitlement as me. What are you expecting me to do?”

“Be more devious. Like he is.”

“You know that’s not my style. When the time comes, I’ll just rely on my charm and good looks.” Rhyn smiled again and Vahn grudgingly acknowledged that when it came to charisma, Rhyn was streets ahead of Baelon.

“I suppose it doesn’t matter now. I will be back on Vraxos in a day or so.”

“Thank the great Lord Ayanlesh. You’ve been gone too long. The people will be glad to see you. And we have much to discuss. There are rumors that you have a high-value captive?”

Vahn swore silently. He might have known on a ship this size, someone would start talking about the human prisoner.

“She crashed on the same planet as I. And yes, she is important. She’s the daughter of the Earth’s President.”

Rhyn half-stood from his chair.

“Fountain of Zandarr! Vahn, that is huge. What are you proposing to do with her?”

“I am unsure. I haven’t had much time to consider it, I am still processing my father’s death.”