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New Emperor. I’m the Emperor now.

He hadn’t thought about that. The full enormity of what his father’s death meant hit him like a ton of bricks.

Not only had he lost his beloved parent, he was now responsible for an entire planet and its people. The idea of it landed like a boulder on his chest and suddenly he couldn’t breathe.

I can’t do this. I’m not ready.

But now was not the time for self-pity. He straightened his shoulders.

“You are right. I should speak to them. Please go ahead and make preparations. I will join you shortly.”

The general saluted and she left, the bodyguards in tow. As soon as the door closed behind them, Vahn sagged against the bars of the cell. Kara reached out and touched his shoulder.

“I’m so sorry,” she said softly.

“It is unexpected,” he said gruffly. “But he was old. And the war had sapped his strength.”

“You don’t have to put on a front for me. I can see how upset you are.”

“And why should you care? You hate me. Loathe, I think is the word you used.”

“Doesn’t mean I don’t sympathize.”

“That makes no sense.”

“Welcome to the world of human contradictions.”

He smiled reluctantly.

“Noted.” He straightened up. “Thank you for your sympathy. And for allowing me to hold your hand earlier. I know you think I betrayed you but I swear to you, Kara, I will make things right.”

“You can make things right now. Let me out of here and point me at the escape pods.”

“If I thought that would work, I would.”

“Then what are you going to do with me, Vahn? Show me off as your hostage? Parade me round Vraxos like a damn trophy?” Anger edged her words and she fought to calm down. “Sorry. I know now isn’t the time. But I would like to hear what you plan to do with me.”

“I am still working it out. I had hoped my father could use your presence to draw Earth into peace negotiations. Perhaps now I could…”

“No. My mother doesn’t do emotional blackmail.”

“Surely if she thought you were in danger she would do everything she could to save you?”

“You don’t know my mother,” Kara said flatly. “She would never agree to lay down arms just for me.”

Vahn shook his head.

“Human relations are confusing. Nevertheless, I must consider my next steps carefully.”

“What’s to consider? You’re the Emperor. Just let me go.”

“Try to understand, Kara. I cannot act rashly. My position is new, untested. I can’t leave myself open to criticism so early in my tenure. Especially not in the midst of war.”

Kara grabbed the bars in frustration.

“But this was never the plan! We werebothsupposed to go home. That’s what we promised to each other.”

“Kara, please. I never meant for this to happen. I swear to you, if there’s a way of sending you back to Earth without compromising my authority, I will do it.”