Page 24 of Captured By The Alien (Starbound #2)
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.
“The shaa’baara will 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 the shaa’baara challenges?”
“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.
“I spent no more time introducing Kara than any of the other contenders.”
“No? You waxed lyrical over her heart and courage.” Baelon’s jaw tightened. “You described a nedek human as being equal in every way to the Vraxians. It was an insult to each and every one of our fallen heroes who have perished in the war.”
“That’s not what I intended.” Vahn appealed to Rhyn. “I was merely explaining her inclusion in shaa’baara. ”
“Of course you were. Baelon’s exaggerating.”
“Do not try to sweeten the truth, Rhyn. Her presence is offensive to our people.”
“Not all of them. There are many who see her as an emissary of reconciliation. Your Majesty, I assure you there is support for Kara’s presence in the contest . ”
“Okay. Good.” Vahn let his shoulders relax slightly. “But thank you for reminding me to stay neutral, Baelon. Indeed, I am grateful to both of you for your counsel.”
Rhyn and Baelon bowed.
“Well, I’d better go speak to General Fury about the Earth visit,” Rhyn said casually. He sauntered to the door. “If you don’t see me around in the next few days, ask her where she’s buried my body.”
“Be nice,” Vahn cautioned. Baelon also got up.
“I should go too. I have final checks to make. Good evening, Zhaal Talvahnax.”
Alone in his royal offices, Vahn was mired in indecision.
He knew he had to project a neutral attitude towards all the shaa’baara contestants – Vannla only knew what political fallout would ensue if there was even a hint that he favored one above the others. But he couldn’t stay away from Kara.
Going to her the other night had been a risk. If they had been discovered, it would have been damaging for them both. He knew he should stay as far away from her as possible until the challenges were complete.
But he couldn’t stop thinking about her. The sweetness of her lips. The breathless way she’d admitted her love. The press of her small luscious body against his.
Drek’aa beresh. He couldn’t stay away. She was like a drug to him. And in any case, he reasoned, didn’t he have a duty to prevent the onset of teshekalehsh which would hinder her performance?
Yes. He did.
It didn’t escape him that he was simply trying to justify what he’d already decided to do. But he didn’t care. He needed her and damn the consequences.
I’m the ruler of the entire Vraxian Empire , he mused ruefully as he made his way to the secret passageway. But my heart is ruled by a human.