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“Anything, your Majesty.”

“No, not as your Zhaal. As your friend.”

“Of course.”

“We’ve known each other a long time. You’re very dear to me, Ela. And you’re female.”

“You noticed,” she said drily.

“I mean, I don’t have any other female friends. So I’d value your opinion.”

Ela stiffened.Pit of Xeth. Don’t ask me. Don’t.She held on to her neutral expression.

“On what?”

“What do you think I should do? About Kara?”

Drek.

“There’s nothing youcando. If your feelings for each other truly arekalehsh,then she’ll eventually come round.”

“But what if humans don’t experience it as we do? What if they really can just stop loving someone?”

“I don’t know, Vahn. This is outside my realm of expertise. I’ve never foundkalehshwith anyone so I have no clue how it works, least of all with a human.”

“Don’t give up, Ela.” He put his hand on her shoulder. “Despite the heartache, it is a wonderful, wonderful experience. You’ll feel it for yourself when you meet the right one, as I did.”

Her chest tightened even further. His eyes… so much sadness. She couldn’t bear to see his pain.

“For what it’s worth,” she said reluctantly, “I don’t think Kara is as unhappy with you as you think. You should talk to her.”

“You think so? Do you think I should…”

“I have to go, your Majesty.”

She pivoted and strode away, forestalling any further conversation. Just as she reached the door, it opened. She stood to one side as Rhyn walked in.

“You’re late,” she snapped. “You should have been here five minutes ago. I’ve already briefed the Zhaal on the call to Earth.”

“Ooh, late by five whole minutes. Calamity.”

“Punctuality is the gift of the gods.”

“So’s fire,” Rhyn drawled. “And I see someone’s lit one under your ass.”

“I don’t have time for this.” She pushed past him and strode off down the corridor. “Some of us have actual work to do.”

Rhyn watched her go.

“What’s got into her?” he wondered aloud. “She’s even more snarly than usual.”

“She has a lot on her plate,” said Vahn. “She is sorting out the security for theshaa’baaracontest when I know she’d rather be out in deep space overseeing our military withdrawal. Still, that’s no excuse to be rude to an Imperial Advisor. I’ll have words.”

“No need,” said Rhyn easily. “Truth be told, I like it. People don’t usually stand up to me so it’s a refreshing change.”

Vahn raised an eyebrow.

“The fact that she’s attractive doesn’t hurt either, I’m guessing.”