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His gaze fell on Kara and she fought to get her nerves under control.

“As many of you know, peace negotiations are currently underway with Earth. We have been bitter enemies for many years. But now, as a sign of goodwill, a Terran has entered the contest for the first time in the history of Vraxos.”

Kara gulped as a picture of her appeared side by side next to Vahn on the floating screens. She tried to fake a smile, hoping it didn’t look more like a grimace.

“Kara Cameron-Singh will take part inshaa’baara.A clear demonstration that humans are prepared to respect Vraxos and its customs. That they can be trusted to act honorably, and that peaceful coexistence is possible. I know Kara personally. And I can assure you that her courage and resilience make her the equal of any Vraxian.”

In the silence that followed Vahn locked eyes with Kara, willing her to ignore the almost palpable animosity from the audience. He felt a surge of pride as she lifted her chin. After a moment, he continued in the same measured tone.

“Layahn Vantrax is a member of one of the noblest families in Vraxos. She comes from a long line of ancestors who have ruled the Empire in the past and is perfectly placed to be Zhaalini.”

The picture on the screens switched to Layahn and Kara relaxed. She barely listened as Vahn named the other Potentials. Unlike her, they all had their supporters who screamed and clapped when their loved ones were mentioned. It made her think of her mother.

What was she doing right now? Was she preparing a formal response to the peace deal? Ranting about her idiotic daughter? Staring into the middle-distance having a mental breakdown?

I wish she was here.

The uncharacteristic thought shook her. Kara and her mother weren’t close. She had always been a daddy’s girl and after his death, she and her mother had pulled apart emotionally.

She’d only been a child so she couldn’t be blamed for that. But as an adult, she could have made more of an effort to rebuild the relationship. She’d just been so tied up in missing her dad, she hadn’t realized she was missing her mother too.

She was exhausted by the time the presentation ceremony ended. Who knew standing around smiling could be so tiring? But it was the same for all the Potentials. Even Layahn had no snarky comments to make as they were led back to their quarters.

“Hey,” Kara said to Vysh as they headed for their rooms. “Are you okay? You seemed a bit on edge out there.”

“I… I’m fine. It’s nothing.” Vysh gave her a tired smile. “I just need some sleep. At least that bit’s over. We can concentrate on the challenges now.”

“When will we find out what they are?”

“We’ll know more tomorrow. Goodnight, Kara.”

“Night, Pink.”

Kara closed the door to her room and leaned against it, grateful to be alone at last. She was so tired she couldn’t even take her make-up off.

She stripped off her clothes and sank into bed knowing that soon, the real competition would begin.

Twenty Three

“Four contestants will be eliminated in the first round. Three in the second.”

General Elaryx Solarun paced back and forth in front of the candidates. All of them were wearing their numbered jumpsuits. Vysh was four. Layahn, predictably, was number one.

They had been assembled in a training room directly after breakfast, though the word ‘room’ was a bit of an understatement. Arena would be more accurate.

“These rounds will consist of challenges designed to test your ingenuity and tenacity. The Zhaal doesn’t want a trophy wife, he wants someone smart and capable.”

“Bad luck, human,” Layahn said pointedly. “You fail on both counts.”

Kara rolled her eyes.

“Gosh, you’re so witty. If only your charm matched the size of your ego.”

“Quiet, both of you,” Ela snapped. “If you don’t want to know about the challenges, feel free to leave.”

Neither of them moved. Kara looked down at her feet, heartily wishing she could use them to boot Layahn across the room. Ela resumed her briefing.

“The third and final round will involve unarmed combat between the remaining six contestants. Three fights, three victors. These will be the three Potentials from whom Zhaal Talvahnax Castellian will choose his mate.”