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The two bodyguards assigned to Kara didn’t seem thrilled by their new duties. Gru was big and broad, his serpetri so muscular they were easily as wide as his bulging biceps. His dark grey hair was braided at the front which meant he’d fought in battle. Kara didn’t like to ask if it had been against humans.

Valeyan was slimmer and shorter but Kara knew that didn’t mean he was any less dangerous. Like Vahn, he had a preference for laser-blades over blasters and carried one at each hip.

Both had been hand-picked by Ela and both were stolidly quiet. Any attempt by Kara to engage them in conversation was met with silence, or perhaps a monosyllabic grunt at best if an answer were required. Conversation was not part of their skillset. Or perhaps they disliked guarding a human.

“You’ll warm to me eventually,”

she quipped. Neither responded.

But they did their jobs. Wherever she went, they were close behind. They checked each room before she entered and waited outside the door until she was ready to leave.

Not that she had many places to go. She didn’t want to be seen walking around without Vahn in case that started tongues wagging. She had no idea where he was and she didn’t want to ask Rhyn or Ela because that would mean admitting he still didn’t accept her as his kalehsha.

To top off an already difficult day, her mother sent word that she wanted to meet.

“Dammit,”

Kara muttered when Gru handed her the note. The last thing she needed was a grilling by her mother.

She looked up at the guard.

“President Cameron is waiting for me in her private suite. Is there any reason I can’t meet her?”

She tried not to sound hopeful. Gru’s expression didn’t change.

“No.”

She tried again.

“I mean, I don’t want to put her in any danger. If you think I should stay away…”

“The President has her own bodyguards. It will be safe.”

It was the longest sentence she’d heard him say.

“My mother has bodyguards? Why? Was that Ela’s idea? I mean, General Solarun’s idea?”

“Yes.”

She waited for more information but none came. She gave up. In any case, she knew her mother would be suspicious if she didn’t agree to meet. Especially since they were on better terms now than they had been in years.

She found her mother in the guest salon instructing the Vraxian servant how to make tea.

“There you are, Kara,”

she said. “Would you like some Darjeeling?”

“They have Darjeeling on Vraxos?”

“I brought my own tea-bags. Just as well. The Vraxians have no idea how to make a proper beverage.”

Kara tried not to catch the servant’s eye.

“I prefer the queran myself. It’s a local drink, similar to coffee.”

“Indeed? Well, each to their own.”

President Cameron settled into an armchair and gave her daughter a piercing stare. “You look like you could use some coffee. Why are there bags under your eyes?”

Kara shifted uncomfortably.

“I’ve just got married, it’s been hectic.”

“I’m well aware newly-weds don’t get enough sleep for obvious reasons.”

“Mom!”

“But you just look stressed. Is everything okay?”

Dammit. Why was she always so observant?

“I’m fine. Just… married life is harder than I thought.”

“You’ve literally been married three days.”

Kara didn’t know what to say. She looked away and her mother’s expression softened.

“I expect it’s harder with an alien. And an Emperor at that. Plus, everyone is watching to see if you can make it work. That’s a lot of pressure on you both.”

“Yes, it is. We’re trying not to let it get to us but it’s hard.”

“And of course, there are those xenophobes who oppose the marriage. I assume that’s why I’ve suddenly been given my own bodyguards. Which is interesting because when I first arrived, Zhaal Talvahnax assured me I wouldn’t need any.”

That piercing stare again. Kara swallowed.

“There’s no need to worry. It’s only because we’re so close to a deal and he doesn’t want to take any chances.”

“Has there been a security threat?”

“No. Nothing like that.”

“Kara, I know I’m your mother but I’m also the President of Earth. I can smell heightened tensions a mile away.”

“Honestly, mom. Vahn’s just being cautious. You’re his mother-in-law and he wants to make sure you’re safe.”

Desperately trying to distract her, Kara gestured to the servant for more tea. “So when will the accords be signed?”

“Soon. We’re meeting tomorrow to set the date for the signing ceremony.”

“That’s great news.”

Relief washed through her at the knowledge that the peace deal was finally going through. “It’s a massive accomplishment, mom. You should be proud.”

“I am. Though I’m aware it would never have been possible had you not been trapped together on that planet.”

President Cameron raised a brow. “Maybe fate played a part after all.”

Kara laughed.

“I know you don’t believe in all that.”

“No. But your father did. And to be honest, he was the wisest person I knew.”

Dana Cameron regarded her daughter thoughtfully. “Regarding your marriage, I don’t have any words of wisdom for you. Except that when things get tough, just remember why you fell in love in the first place. Holding on to those shared memories is what will get you through.”

Kara lifted the cup to her mouth to hide her expression.

“Thanks, mom.”

“Anyway, I’m glad we’re nearly at the finish line. I’ve been away from Earth for far too long. The Vice-President will be getting ideas.”

“It’s been great having you here. I’ll miss you when you’re gone.”

“Nonsense. You’ll visit.”

It wasn’t a question, thought Kara wryly.

The President stood.

“Now, don’t let me keep you. I expect you’re busy. Especially with the upcoming banquet.”

“The… the what?”

“The banquet to mark the end of the harvest season. My advisors tell me it’s a huge annual event over in the agricultural sector. I will make it my last engagement on Vraxos before I leave.”

She peered at Kara. “Surely your staff have informed you?”

No-one had told her anything.

“I haven’t picked my personal assistants yet,”

she said quickly. “I’m sure it’s all in hand.”

“I expect so.”

Her mother walked her to the door. “Try to get some rest, Kara. Eye bags are unbecoming.”

The gimlet gaze scoured her face. “Or at the very least, put some make-up on.”

Kara sighed.

“Yes, mother.”