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Baelon’s fists were clenched so tight his knuckles were white. But he bent his head with a muttered apology.

Rhyn cleared his throat.

“May I say something without you biting my head off?”

Vahn retook his place on the throne.

“I make no promises.”

“It’s a bold plan, but why do you think the humans would ever agree to it?”

“There have been many instances in Earth’s history where ruling families have formed alliances through marriage. It is a familiar concept to them.”

“But you understand the reaction you’ll get?” Rhyn tried to frame his words diplomatically. “You were trapped for months with Kara. People will say the experience has unhinged you. At the very least her mother will accuse you of forcing her into marriage and that could have the opposite effect. It couldgalvanizethe war.”

“You make an important point,” said Vahn. “And this is where we need Kara’s co-operation. The plan doesn’t work without her consent.” He cocked his head. “You have been unusually quiet through all this, human. What do you say?”

Kara moistened her lips.

“You want to me to marry you? Of my own free will?”

“That is the long and the short of it, yes.”

“And you think that will end the war between Vraxos and Earth?”

“That is the hope.”

“But you can’t just say yes,” Rhyn interjected. “You have to believe in it. You have to want this union to succeed, and you have to convince both Vraxians and Terrans. Can you do that?”

Kara deliberately avoided Vahn’s gaze.

Ten days ago it would have been no problem. Spending the rest of her life with Vahn had been her one desire. Now everything had changed. Her feelings had been eclipsed by anger and betrayal. But that didn’t mean they’d gone.

The plan being presented to her wasn’t perfect. It didn’t mean she’d be back on Earth any time soon. But it was a chance for peace and she couldn’t turn her back on that.

And let’s not ignore the fact that you’d be married to Vahn.

She ignored the sneaky little voice in her head and contented herself with a quick nod.

“Yes.”

“You understand the stakes?” Rhyn persisted. “What you have to do? You would be ending any hope of having a relationship with your own kind. You would – in name at least – be the Zhaalini of Vraxos.”

“Blasphemy,” muttered Baelon under his breath. Kara ignored him.

“Yes,” she said, her voice stronger. “I understand the stakes.”

“This is ludicrous.” Baelon was unable to contain himself. “Will this be a symbolic marriage only? Or will we see half-breed monsters vying for the throne? Assuming the human can even bear offspring, that is.”

“All that is for future discussion,” said Vahn quickly. “I think you’ve made your dissent clear, Baelon. Rhyn? What say you?”

Rhyn was silent for a long moment. His yellow eyes rested on Kara and she had the feeling he was trying to see into her head.

Vahn waited in trepidation. He wished he could tell his friend how he really felt about Kara – that marrying her wasn’t just about making peace, it was also about his happiness.

But he knew that would be a revelation too far. So he forced himself to stay quiet until Rhyn made his mind up.

“I share many of Baelon’s concerns,” he said at last. “But I trust your judgement. I will support you.”