Page 23

Kara didn’t know where to look first. She and Vahn were standing in the center of the Eternal Hall, their bodyguards a discrete distance away. They were surrounded by Vraxian nobles and officials who, judging by their expressions, were just as awe-struck as her.

The Eternal Hall was the most impressive thing she’d seen since she’d arrived on Vraxos. And on a planet full of impressive things, that was saying something.

To describe it as ‘vast’ didn’t do it justice. Kara had once taken part in a military kick-boxing tournament at Madison Square Garden. She remembered being blown away by the size of the venue. The Eternal Hall knocked that into a cocked hat. The ceiling was so high there were, as Vahn had promised, clouds overhead.

But that wasn’t the reason everyone was looking up.

The acrobatic display which Salavar had mentioned was an aerial one. It was taking place high overhead, with a team of Vraxian athletes performing death-defying stunts from a series of airborne platforms, all of which were roughly the size and shape of dinner plates.

The platforms were only big enough for one Vraxian to land on it at a time. Each time an acrobat span and somersaulted through the air, they landed on a tiny surface which had just been vacated by someone else.

It was a tightly choreographed sequence which was nail-bitingly precise. There could be no room for error, because as far as Kara could see, there were no safety nets.

She found herself gasping every time one of the team seemed to have miscalculated, but the near-misses were only for show.

“This is astonishing,”

she told Vahn. “I can’t believe how good they are.”

“Keep watching. In my experience, the act becomes more daring as it goes on.”

He was right. A few minutes in, a new dimension was added. Silver ribbons unfurled from beneath the floating platforms and half the team switched to an aerial silk routine. Dangling from the slim fabric they performed breathtaking climbs, wraps, and drops while above them the acrobatic feats continued.

Kara was riveted.

If that had been the only display going on, it would have been enough. But the giant hall held dozens of other attractions: singers, dancers, magicians, jugglers. Everywhere Kara looked, there was something amazing to behold.

Her mother and the two other Earth delegates joined them, looking dazed.

“It is all most impressive,”

said President Cameron. Kara was surprised.

“I didn’t know you liked acrobatics.”

“Not this. The agricultural operations. Do you know they’ve managed to breed out pests whilst increasing the number of pollinators? And they have an insect which is remarkably similar to the common bumblebee.”

“That’s handy.”

Kara gave her a sidelong glance. “Did you tell them Earth’s bee population virtually went extinct back in the twenty-first century?”

“I did not. Anyway, I believe the crollanex as they call it would adapt remarkably well to our environment, and Governor Salavar has suggested he might give us a colony to take back to Earth.”

“That sounds like a great idea. What do you think, Vahn?”

“I will consider it.”

“What’s there to consider?”

her mother asked sharply. “After all, the very first message you sent to Earth spoke of sharing resources and pooling our knowledge. This would be a fine opportunity to honor that commitment, Talvahnax.”

Kara’s heart sank. She knew Vahn would have no recollection of that message which had been sent weeks ago, before their marriage. And she didn’t want her mother putting him on the spot.

“Perhaps we should talk about it later,”

she began, stopping when Vahn’s hand closed over hers.

“I have no objection in principle, Dana. But let us take advice from our scientists. Introducing an alien species to Earth may have consequences we have not anticipated.”

“I suppose that’s true,”

her mother conceded. “We’ll let the eggheads work it out.”

A sudden fanfare of music resonated around the Eternal Hall. The performers stopped and stood to one side. As the crowds parted, Kara saw Governor Salavar glide towards them as portentously as Moses through the Red Sea.

A vis-cam hovered over his head, projecting his face and voice onto dozens of screens which slid down from the impossibly high ceiling.

“Your Majesties, friends, fellow Vraxians, and our honored guests from Earth. Welcome to the Garana Sana, our annual festival of celebration. And this year the occasion is even more auspicious, as we mark both the glorious marriage of our beloved Zhaal and the cementing of peace between Earth and the Vraxian Empire. Long live the Zhaal!”

“Long live the Zhaal.”

The answering bellow reverberated around the Summer Palace, followed by thunderous applause.

The vis-cams turned on Vahn and Kara and suddenly their faces were being broadcast in images twenty feet high. Kara swallowed nervously. She’d never got used to being the focus of attention. She was glad Vahn was still holding her hand.

As if sensing her anxiety, his grasp tightened. It was ironic, she thought. He had no memory of her but still somehow he knew she needed reassurance.

He smiled and nodded, and after a moment she did the same.

“And we are also proud and privileged to have with us the President of Earth who has graciously spent the past few weeks on Vraxos to help craft the Chennai Accords which will assure peace for both our planets for generations to come.”

Kara almost giggled at her mother’s look of horror as her image was flashed up.

“We invite all our honored guests to enjoy the festivities,”

Salavar continued. “Dance, drink, mingle, and marvel at our superlative performers. And afterwards we will feast in the Banqueting Chamber and give thanks for the bountiful gifts the great gods Vannla and Ayanlesh have bestowed upon us. Long live the Vraxian Empire!”

With an extravagant flourish, the Governor finished his speech and the music started up again. He gravitated immediately towards the Zhaal and the President. Kara noticed his floating disc rose a tiny bit higher to put him almost level with Vahn.

“I trust you are enjoying the Garana Sana so far?”

he inquired.

Kara nodded.

“The aerial acrobats are amazing. Aren’t they, mother?”

Dana Cameron fixed Salavar with a stare.

“The event is excellent. But what I would really appreciate is a look at your agritech facility, Governor.”

“Oh, um…”

the Vraxian was flustered. “Unfortunately, the facility is half a kilometer away, Madame President.”

“But you have all those lovely fast pods zipping around. I saw them from my window. And we have plenty of time. If it’s not too much trouble?”

She watched him unblinkingly.

Caught on the hop, Governor Salavar wavered between politeness and protocol.

“I would be honored to give you a tour before dinner,”

he said at last, giving in.

The President smiled like the cat that got the cream.

“I’m most grateful. Shall we go?”

She gestured to the two other diplomats and they followed meekly. Kara shook her head as they left. Sometimes she forgot just how forceful her mother could be.

Her heart sank when she caught sight of the two Vraxians walking towards them.

Fuck. That’s all I need. She plastered a smile on her face.

“Lord Vantrax. And Layahn. How lovely that you’ve joined us.”

Baelon dipped into a shallow little bow and Layahn curtsied, both gestures appearing perfunctory.

“Zhaal Talvahnax. Zhaalini. You remember my niece, of course?”

“I don’t think we’ve met,”

Vahn began, and Kara hastily jumped in.

“Since shaa’baara, that is. How have you been, Layahn?”

“Never better. My standing was elevated substantially since reaching the final challenge of the trials and I’ve had several offers of marriage.”

“That’s nice,”

said Kara cautiously. “Is there someone in particular you like?”

“I haven’t yet decided. My uncle is introducing me to some high-ranking nobles tonight at the banquet and I will take my pick.”

Layahn gave a supercilious smile. “So much more civilized than winning a competition.”

A competition you were prepared to kill for. Kara’s hackles rose and Vahn squeezed her hand warningly.

“It’s good to see you again, Lady Vantrax,”

he said pleasantly. “And you, Baelon. If I can do anything to facilitate an introduction for your niece, please let me know.”

Baelon inclined his head.

“That’s very kind. I don’t see President Cameron with you. I trust she is joining us for the banquet?”

“She is. She has just gone on a little sightseeing tour with Governor Salavar.”

“Ah. The new Governor. He seems competent, if a little eager to please.”

“The new Governor?”

asked Kara. “What happened to the old one?”

Baelon turned his reptilian gaze on her, and it seemed to her that his voice dripped with satisfaction.

“Governor Yighaz resigned. Two of his sons were killed in the war and he believes the peace accords don’t force enough reparations from Earth. He felt it inappropriate to host Terrans in the province.”

Kara didn’t know what to say and was relieved when Vahn answered.

“Most regrettable. But short-sighted. The point of the accords is to prevent more of the terrible losses many of us have suffered. Including you, Baelon. The death of your wife was a tragedy that should never happen to anyone else.”

Wife? Kara looked at Baelon with new interest. It hadn’t even crossed her mind the vicious old bigot was married.

“I’m sorry for your loss,”

she said. “Did she die in the war?”

“She was a commander in the first space battle,”

he said stiffly. “Her fighter was destroyed.”

Kara’s heart thumped.

“I was only a child back then. But I know many of my people died in it too.”

“It would never have happened had the gemlek humans not provoked it.”

The contempt in his voice was searing, as close to outright hostility as he’d ever come. But for once she couldn’t blame him.

Because he was right. That battle and the subsequent war had been triggered by human actions, something that had only recently become common knowledge on Earth. She flushed and looked away.

“Lord Vantrax.”

Vahn’s voice was deceptively mild. “You will remember to whom you are speaking. Kara may be human but she is also your Zhaalini and you will address her with respect.”

Baelon bowed his head immediately and his serpetri crossed in front of his body; the Vraxian signal for contrition.

“Of course, your Majesty. My apologies, Zhaalini. Sometimes my emotions get the better of me.”

He straightened. “With your permission I will take my leave. I wish to show my niece around the Eternal Hall.”

“Of course,”

said Vahn. “Enjoy the festivities, both of you.”

He exhaled as they left.

“She was one of the shaa’baara contestants?”

“Yep. Just think, you could have been related to that old stoneface.”

“Thank Ayanlesh she was eliminated.”

“Thank me, you mean. I kicked her ass in the third round.”

“I am most grateful.”

“You see?”

She dug him playfully in the ribs. “There are worse things than being hitched to a human.”

He didn’t answer and she cursed herself for overstepping. “By the way, thanks for defending me to Baelon. I had no idea he lost his wife in the war.”

“He has never let go of his anger. It’s why he keeps his hair short even after all these years. A sign of mourning in Vraxian culture.”

“It explains why he’s so spiky towards me.”

“It’s no excuse. He spoke disrespectfully to you and I will not tolerate that. You are the Zhaalini of Vraxos.”

She wondered if he was mentally adding ‘for now’.

“Do a lot of people think like the previous Governor? That Vraxos is being too lenient with Earth?”

“Some will undoubtedly think that. But I’ve examined the accords in detail to familiarize myself with them, and in my opinion the agreement is more than fair to both sides.”

His eyes rested on her. “I believe that’s in no small part due to your influence on the negotiations. For which I should thank you.”

First he was nice to her and now he was thanking her? A glow warmed her heart.

“Um, you’re welcome,”

she mumbled.

“Come. Let us see more wonders. And perhaps track down Rhyn. I haven’t set eyes on him since we arrived.”