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“You’re a good person, Vysh.”

“Not really. I just want to see the look on Layahn’s face when you beat her.”

Twenty Four

Vahn looked from Rhyn to Baelon and back again.

“You are certain?”

“Yes, your Majesty. The message was clear.” Rhyn lolled in his chair. “The Terran President is insisting on coming here under a guarantee of diplomatic security. She says though she accepts the peace offer in principle, she will not negotiate any deal until she is sure Kara is safe.”

“Insolent cur,” said Baelon. “Who is she to question the Zhaal’s integrity?”

“She’s a worried mother. It is understandable.” Vahn got up from the meeting table and paced thoughtfully. “Rhyn, is the ceasefire holding?”

“So far. It’s still a little volatile in places but there’ve been no major infractions. Our troops have pulled right back as you instructed and the SDF appear to be honoring the truce.”

“That’s a good sign. It shows there’s a willingness to lay down arms at least. How long would it take for the President to reach Vraxos?”

“If we give them safe passage through the Denarii System, nine days. If we make them go the long way round, twenty.”

“I vote for the latter,” said Baelon. Vahn shook his head.

“Theshaa’baarawill be over within the week. If all goes to plan, Kara will be chosen as my Zhaalini. It will be perfect timing to receive a delegation from Earth.”

“Are we to give in to every demand from the humans?” said Baelon irritably. “We have graced them with a ceasefire, ceded territory, and gifted them energy crystals. Now we are to endure their visits as if we were one of their colonies?”

“Oh do calm down, Baelon,” said Rhyn. “Did you expect to get through an entire peace process without ever having to see a single human?”

“I would prefer to see them only in battle.”

“Right. And that’s worked out so well for us thus far.”

“We could have annihilated them long ago with a single weapon, had the former Zhaal so wished.”

“My father had no stomach for genocide,” said Vahn sharly. “And neither do I. Rhyn, please liaise with General Solarun to organize the arrival of the Earth delegation.”

“Oh, joy.”

“And try not to antagonize her. If she punches you I’ll have to admonish her and I’d rather not.”

“Why, because then she might punch you too?”

“Just treat her with respect, I beg of you. Baelon, is everything in place for the start of theshaa’baarachallenges?”

“Yes. The candidates are preparing as we speak. Of course, they do not know what the challenges will entail yet.”

“You sure about that, Lord Vantrax?” asked Rhyn mischievously. “I saw you chatting with your niece yesterday. Not leaking inside information are you?”

“What’s that?” Vahn narrowed his eyes. “Baelon, are you giving your relative an unfair advantage?”

“I assure you, my Zhaal, I’m doing nothing of the sort.” Bale glared at Rhyn. “Lord Davorrian is being facetious, as usual. I was merely wishing her luck in the forthcoming trials.”

“I think in future you should stay away from the Potentials,” said Vahn. “It’s clear you have an interest in the outcome.”

“I could make the same suggestion to you, your Majesty. It’s no secret you favor the human. It was all anyone could talk about after the ceremony.”

Vahn stiffened.