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Probably not surprising. She’d made it clear she was pissed off with him.

Tomorrow she would find out more aboutshaa’baaraand what it entailed. She was doing this for planet Earth, she reminded herself. Not because she wanted Vahn.

But she’d have to watch her back with Layahn. She’d be damned if that bitch thought she had a chance with him.

She fell asleep listening to the sound of leaves rustling all around her and pretending she was back in the forest on Minerva-6.

Thirteen

Vahn took a deep breath. The communications array surrounding him was sophisticated and powerful. Once his words were recorded and translated, they would be sent towards Earth’s galaxy at a velocity approaching light speed. Then they would be bounced off the planet’s own satellite system to reach every home and office.

He had spent the last ten hours debating what to say. His own people had been apprised of the plan to pursue peace – now it was time to deliver the message to the people of Earth. But that was the easy part.

Vahn knew his choice of words and facial expressions would be scrutinized closely. His body language would be analyzed and judged. His sincerity had to be beyond question when he announced the Vraxian ceasefire and invited humans to follow suit. He had to make it so the President was forced to respond.

Only by truly believing his offer of peace would the human race put pressure on their leaders to accept.

He nodded at Ela, the only other person in the room.

“I am ready.”

“Are you sure about this?”

“It’s the best chance we’ve had to end the war in two decades. We have to try.”

“And what if the human female is hurt or injured in theshaa’baaracontest? You think her mother will accept your peace offer then?”

“You will tell the other contestants no harm is to come to Kara,” Vahn said sharply.

“Don’t be ridiculous. I can’t control what happens during the challenges. What if she fails at the first hurdle?”

“Rhyn and I will devise each test to ensure she has the best chance.”

Ela’s eyes widened.

“Vahn, no. You can’t fix the competition, it’s unethical. The contestant’s families will not stand for it. You’ll end up with a civil war as well as a galactic one.”

“Then what do you suggest, Ela?” he snapped. “You list one problem after another, but where are your solutions? Is it the integrity of the contest you’re worried about, or the fact that I might end up marrying a human?”

Ela’s scales darkened in anger.

“I’ve known you since we were hatchlings. Long enough for you to have the decency to listen to me, even if you don’t like what I say.”

Vahn sighed.

“I apologize. Please, speak your mind.”

“I’m worried about you. I’m worried your efforts to end the war will mean you end up in a loveless marriage shackled to a human. It is a noble gesture but you don’t have to sacrifice your happiness, Vahn. Why not just appoint her as an Ambassador? Or give her some other political role to facilitate peace with the humans? Surely that would be symbolic enough?”

Loveless marriage.Vahn looked down at his hands.

Ela was right – they had known each other for a very long time. If he couldn’t be honest with her, he couldn’t be honest with anyone. He took a deep breath.

“I want to tell you something. But it cannot leave this room.”

“Of course. You have my word.”

“You won’t like it. It may change how you think of me.”