Page 7

“With your assistance, I will conceal my amnesia from the human delegation and the rest of Vraxos.”

Vahn was sitting behind a desk in his large study. “It will only spread confusion.”

Ela and Kara were standing in front of him while Rhyn lounged comfortably in a battered old chair. He always looked at ease no matter where he was, Kara thought enviously.

“A wise move,”

said Ela. “And what of the assassination attempt? What are we saying about that?”

“Nothing. The damage was confined to the Emperor’s quarters. Only you and my bodyguards know what happened and I’d like to keep it that way. As far as anyone else is concerned, the rooms are simply being renovated to the new Zhaalini’s liking.”

He glanced briefly at Kara. “That is, of course, a female’s prerogative. I assume Earth women are the same.”

Kara bristled at the overt sexism but kept her mouth shut. She’d hoped to speak to Vahn privately before the meeting but he hadn’t given her the chance. In fact, he’d barely looked at her.

“Do you think you can keep your amnesia hidden indefinitely?”

asked Rhyn.

“I think so, as long as I don’t interact too much with people who know me well.”

“The final round of negotiations is due this week,”

said Ela. “It could be risky for you to take part. President Cameron might notice something is amiss, she’s quite astute for a human. No offence,”

she added for Kara’s benefit.

“The bulk of the agreement is done,”

Vahn replied. “Rhyn, can you sit in for this last bit? It only entails some minor administrative points. Make some excuse for me.”

“No excuse needed, surely?”

said Rhyn. “You’re newly married. Everyone will assume you and Kara are… um…”

He trailed off as Vahn’s face turned to stone.

“Everyone will assume you’re otherwise engaged,”

Ela intervened smoothly. She cast Kara a quizzical look, not quite sure of the undercurrents. “Which leads us on to the next question. What about Baelon?”

“What about him?”

snorted Rhyn. “He’s lucky he hasn’t been arrested.”

“That’s because there’s no evidence he was involved in the explosion,”

Ela said. “Accusing a powerful shintu without proof would be madness. No doubt he has a watertight alibi.”

“What reason has he given for not attending the wedding?”

asked Vahn.

“He says he was called away on an urgent family matter,”

said Rhyn. “He contacted the palace yesterday to apologize for his absence and congratulate you on your marriage.”

“Probably trying to figure out why the bomb didn’t work,”

muttered Kara. “It makes me sick we can’t lock him up.”

“That would be unwise,”

Vahn said. “If we openly challenge him it would be his word against ours. And he has some important allies. Right now our priority must be getting the peace accords signed.”

“But if he thinks no-one suspects him, he could try again,”

argued Kara.

“Then we will be doubly vigilant,”

said Ela. “I’m going to increase your protection detail, your Majesty. And Kara, you will have your own bodyguards too.”

“I don’t want soldiers following me everywhere,”

she protested.

“It’s just a precaution.”

“How long for?”

“Until the deal is signed and the Earth delegation departs.”

“And afterwards?”

Kara demanded. “We’re just going to let that traitorous jerk walk around free as a bird?”

The general’s expression was enigmatic.

“Of course. Unless something terrible happens. Say, an accident. Or a fatal bout of food poisoning.”

Rhyn grinned.

“I love it when you’re scary.”

“Ela, inform me when Baelon returns to the palace.”

Vahn got to his feet, signaling the end of the meeting. “Thank you for your support my friends. You all have your assignments. Keep me apprised of any developments. We will talk later.”

“Hang on,”

said Kara. “What about me?”

Vahn cocked his head.

“What about you?”

“What’s my assignment?”

“I have already specified it. You are to oversee the repairs to the Emperor’s quarters. And rest assured, you have my permission to design them however you like.”

Kara couldn’t believe her ears.

“Sorry, what? I’m on wallpaper duty? Screw that.”

Vahn blinked.

“Was there something else you wanted to do?”

“You better believe it, you idiot.”

“What did you call me?”

“Oh, I’m sorry. You royal idiot.”

Ela and Rhyn shared a look.

“Well, we’d better be going,”

said Rhyn, hoisting himself out of the chair. “Lots to do.”

He made for the door.

Ela was right behind him. Wild hetzavores wouldn’t have induced her to stay.

“You two should probably talk,”

she threw over her shoulder.

The last thing she saw as the door closed behind them was the Zhaal and his new bride glaring at each other.

“I hope they work it out,”

she muttered. “This must be so hard for Vahn.”

“It’s hard for both of them.”

“Yes, but from his perspective, his entire world has changed overnight. His father’s dead, he’s the ruler, and his wife is the enemy human who was trying to shoot him out of the sky five minutes ago.”

“But if she’s his kalehsha she’ll win him round.”

Ela frowned.

“I’m not so sure. Didn’t you notice in the meeting? He could barely look at her.”

“I think it’s worse for her. She married her true love and the next thing she knows he’s trying to kill her.”

“She must be devastated. I would be.”

Rhyn tried not to react.

“Good thing he didn’t marry you then.”

Ela stiffened.

“He would never have asked me. You know that.”

“But if he had, I wonder what your answer would have been?”

Rhyn watched her scales shade to a delicate green and gave a crooked smile. “I see.”

“You don’t see anything,”

she retorted.

“Oh? So you’re saying you didn’t rejoice even the teensiest bit when he forgot about Kara?”

“I… that’s… no, I didn’t! Of course I didn’t!”

“Hm. Did you know your scales turn a lovely shade of turquoise when you lie?”

He kept his tone light but it was an effort to disguise the edge to his words. Ela bristled.

“Vannla’s Sword, you are insufferable. Did you think you had a claim on me because we had one stupid dance together at the wedding?”

The smile fell from his face.

“I would never presume that,”

he said quietly.

He walked away and Ela leaned against the wall, trying to quell her guilt.

Drek.

The truth was, she’d enjoyed the dance. She’d enjoyed it a lot.