Page 18 of Captured By The Alien (Starbound #2)
Vahn paced irritably about his quarters. Or rather, his father’s quarters. He hadn’t got round to re-decorating and they still didn’t feel as if they belonged to him.
He would have preferred to stay in the rooms he’d occupied since he was a hatchling, but Rhyn and Baelon had convinced him it wasn’t proper.
“Vannla’s Sword, what’s keeping her?” he muttered to himself. Someone knocked on the door and he whirled round.
“Enter.”
Ela walked in.
“Your Majesty,” she said courteously, bowing. Vahn rolled his eyes.
“Why is it you only do the faithful servant routine when you know I’m in a hurry?”
“Because it’s more fun that way,” she answered coolly. “If you wanted to know how it went you should have come with me.”
“No, that would have been counter-productive. Kara’s very unhappy with me right now and I did not want to distract her from the task at hand. Did she speak to her mother?”
“She did.”
“And?”
“It was a difficult conversation but the human made it clear the peace offer is genuine and that she supports it. She counselled the President to accept the will of the people and end the war.”
“Good. That’s good. And, um, what did she say about me?” Fountain of Zandarr, he sounded like a wet-behind-the-ears pup. He tried to affect a more regal expression. “I mean, how did she explain our betrothal?”
“Let me see.” Ela gazed at the ceiling, pretending to think. “She said it would bond our two species and bring the people together.”
Vahn was deflated.
“Fine. So she performed exactly as we wanted. I expect it’s too soon to expect a response from Earth’s Parliament?”
“It hasn’t even been a day yet. With the will of the gods, we may get through the shaa’baara challenges before we hear. And then we won’t have to explain why the President’s daughter is being forced to run the gauntlet in front of the entire Vraxian Empire.”
“Not forced. She volunteered, remember? And she’ll be fine.”
“You really have that much faith in her?”
Vahn gave her a crooked smile.
“You have no idea what she’s capable of. That woman is the most stubborn being I’ve ever met. She saved my life on Minerva-6, Ela. So yes, I have that much faith in her.”
Ela’s chest tightened. The calm confidence in his voice, the unshakeable belief in Kara, were like daggers to her heart.
“I should go and start the security arrangements for tonight’s ceremony. We don’t want some disgruntled human-hater taking a pot shot at our little dove.”
Alarm crossed Vahn’s face.
“You think that’s a possibility?”
“Not under my watch.” Though it would solve all my problems. “I’ll check in with you later.”
She made to leave and he stopped her.
“Wait. May I ask you something?”
“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 you can do. If your feelings for each other truly are kalehsh, 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 found kalehsh with 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 the shaa’baara contest 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.”
“Nope. Sexiest soldier I’ve ever met.”
“So why don’t you ask her out?”
“Because she’s not interested, my friend. And despite my awesome reputation with the fairer sex, I don’t push my attentions where they’re not wanted.”
“Right.” Vahn nodded wisely. “So the fact that she’s the Head of the Vraxian Army and could maim you with her little finger has no bearing.”
“I don’t deny it. She’s as scary as fuck. Now, enough about me.” Rhyn rubbed his hands together. “Let’s talk about how we’re going to scandalize an entire Empire tonight.”