Page 3 of Captured By The Alien (Starbound #2)

Vahn felt the world tilt on its axis. Only by monumental effort did he stop himself from staggering.

For a long moment no-one spoke. Behind him, hidden from the others’ view, Kara reached through the bars and touched his back. The brief contact gave him strength.

“When did he die?”

“ days ago.”

“ days ago?” Vahn echoed in disbelief.

“We only just received the transmitted message. We have been traveling through an area of space with high-density interference.” Solarun raised her head. “Vahn, I am so sorry.”

The last was said softly and Kara stiffened.

She already knew the pair had grown up together. Solarun saw him not just as Prince Talvahnax, a member of the ruling family, but as a close friend. And in the brief interaction she’d had with the female Vraxian a few days ago, Kara had got the impression she had feelings for him.

Now, seeing the concern in Solarun’s eyes, she was in no doubt.

“Thank you Ela.” Vahn spoke heavily. “Was he alone when he… when it happened?”

“Rhyn was with him.”

“I’m glad. He was always fond of Rhyn. When will we arrive on Vraxos?”

“In another two days. We are going as fast as we can but we’ve had to avoid the Zeta Quadrant. We’ve had reports of Terran patrol ships there.”

“So far out? That’s unusual.”

The general shot Kara a poisonous glare.

“We think they’re looking for her. Not unexpected, if she is as important as you say.”

“Well. It can’t be helped.” Vahn rubbed his face tiredly. All he wanted to do was be alone with Kara. “Just get us home as fast as you can. You’re dismissed.”

Ela stiffened in surprise.

“Are you staying here?”

“I wish to interrogate the prisoner further.”

“But Vahn, are you not going to make an address?” Ela was confused. “Our people are waiting to hear from you. We’re within range of Vraxos, we can transmit your words directly.”

“Surely that can wait. Our people need time to mourn.”

“And they also need reassurance. They need to hear from their new Emperor.” Vahn stilled.

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 were both supposed 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.”

“Compromising your authority.” She laughed bitterly. “You’re the most powerful being in the Vraxian Empire. You could give the order and I’d be free in a heartbeat, no questions asked. But you’re going to keep me locked up.”

“Kara…”

“Go to hell.”

She turned her back on him. Vahn hesitated for a moment, searching for something to say, some reason to make her trust him again. He couldn’t think of anything.

And he couldn’t tarry here any longer. His people needed him. He turned on his heel and left.

Behind him, Kara dragged the heel of her hand across her cheek, wiping away her tears. There was a time when she’d allowed him to see her vulnerability. But that was in the past.

She’d never show weakness in front of him again. And she’d be damned if she let him see her cry.

She curled up on her bunk, resigned to another night of restlessness and insomnia. She was wrong.

For the first time in days, she slept like the dead.