Page 20 of Touch the Stars (Ghara Empire #1)

Baatar.

T he corners of his mouth pulled down in a severe frown. Daarga and the Ancient One of Ghara were one in the same? How was that possible? Around him, murmurs of surprise spread through the gathered attendants, yet none seemed bold enough to ask what needed to be asked.

He took in a resolute breath. “Does this mean you share a body with Daarga?”

“No.” The Ancient One met his gaze. “Just as your esteemed brother did, Attendant Daarga also uncovered the Ragatian plot to take over the empire and destroy the Empire’s Heart, the home of the Ancient Ones.

He was discovered before he could escape and was tortured…

nearly to death.” He lifted his chin and exposed a long, puckered, pink scar.

“As I am the Ancient One of Ghara, it was my duty to attempt to heal his body. But, Daarga’s soul was unable to hold on.

Upon his departure, his body became mine. ”

“What is this, the fucking Twilight Zone?” Kaitlyn’s odd words drew a huff from her sister. “Can’t you just go back into the Heart thingy?”

Daarga turned his attention to her. “Alas, Kaitlyn of Earth, you shattered the crystal over the late emperor’s head.”

She startled and blinked a few times. Then fear filled her eyes as though recognizing there would be consequences to her action. “Shit. I…I’m so sorry.”

Daarga’s expression softened. “As I said, that event was foreseen.”

“But…” A tremor shook her. “It was still a colossal fuck-up.”

She was not wrong. Yet, the Ancient One of Ghara did not seem interested in avenging his lost comrades. Would the rest of the empire’s citizens be as forgiving? Amazing how, in that one act of self-defense, the entire structure of the empire was changed.

I will stand between her and any who dares challenge her.

Including the former Ancient One standing a few steps away. Because he did not simply live to serve, but lived to serve her .

He gave the other Undetan a narrow-eyed glare. “What will become of you, Ancient One, now that the others are gone?”

“The souls of my friends have moved to the next dimension but I will remain, the last of my kind. This body has accepted me, and it is my duty and honor to live out its mortal life to its eventual conclusion. Then I will join them.” The Ancient One touched his fingertips to the healing slash on his neck with an expression of reverence.

“We mourn the loss of Daarga. This scar will remain as a visible reminder of his honorable sacrifice for the empire. Without his selfless gift, I would not have escaped Ghara to seek out the one chosen to be the next imperial leader.”

Kaitlyn nodded. “Yeah, but Baatar found me first.”

Kristyn brought their joined hands to her chest and grinned. “I’m so excited. My sister, the galactic empress.”

“Shut up, Kris.”

Daarga turned his gaze to Kristyn. “This is as we, the Ancient Ones, intended it to appear. A ruse to divert the grand emperor’s attention. In reality, Kristyn, you are the true heir.”

Wait. Had he heard that right? His Kaitlyn was not the future grand empress?

“The fuck you say?” Kaitlyn’s barely whispered words broke through his shock.

She stared wide-eyed at the former Ancient One. On her other side, Kristyn’s mouth moved in her pale face, but no words came out.

“I deeply regret allowing you to believe otherwise.” Daarga’s beseeching expression validated his words.

Still, that was not enough to justify the end result for either of the sisters.

How dare the Ancient Ones be complicit in such a painful deception.

He let his hand slide away from Kaitlyn’s back as he took a step forward.

Positioned between Daarga and the sisters, he crossed his arms over his chest and narrowed his eyes.

Daarga jutted out his chin in a quick motion. Good, then he did recognize his claim as Kristyn’s protector was now forfeit.

“If Kristyn is the true heir, then why bother sending me to retrieve Kaitlyn at all?” He cast a quick glance over his shoulder at the human females.

Kaitlyn now supported Kristyn in a tight embrace. It was good they had each other.

Daarga waved one hand in the direction of the emperor’s body.

“What he did not know was that the overlordress of Ragat had her own scheme to depose him once the empire was secure. We, the Ancient Ones, discovered a female from a nearby neutral planet with no conflicting interests within the empire. No else realized she had a twin, so we were able to redirect the grand emperor’s attention toward you.

Unfortunately, we did not foresee that the overlordress’s hired Bajiki pirates would accidently take the correct twin before I got to Earth. ”

A derisive snort came from Kaitlyn. “Neutral, my ass. You have no idea how greed-driven the people of Earth can be.”

“No more than any other beings.” Daarga smiled. “Would you agree that your sister is gifted in not prioritizing her personal gains at the expense of others?”

Did the Ancient One just suggest Kristyn was the better twin?

Kaitlyn shifted from one foot to the other. “Fine. Point made.”

Ire itched at his heart. No, this was not fine. “Do not insinuate that my Kaitlyn is less than qualified to serve as the imperial leader of the empire.”

Understanding filled Daarga’s eyes. “I insinuate no such thing. But, by your own words, her destiny lies elsewhere. And because of this, the Gharan Empire will be in good hands under Kristyn’s rule.”

By his own words? What had he said, exactly? Oh. My Kaitlyn . Was that what the last Ancient One was telling him? He shifted his gaze to her and wonder filled him. Was she his?

I know that I am hers already, so, maybe?

“Whoa there, Kris.” Kaitlyn’s words drew his attention back to her.

Kristyn had slumped fully against her sister, and Kaitlyn staggered as she readjusted her grip. He placed his hand on her shoulder to help her stabilize her stance.

“The Grove of the Empire’s Heart is not the place for the privacy you both need right now.

” Especially when they were surrounded by so many gawking strangers.

He cast his gaze over the crowd of gathered attendants until he found his Kavian friend.

“Nak. Is there a place where Kaitlyn and Kristyn can talk alone?”

Kaitlyn tipped her head back, her smile strained yet full of appreciation. He gave her a small smile in return. This was the least he could do for her. For them.

Nak stroked his whiskers. “Yes, yes. A place I know. Come, come.”

“Hold.” Daarga stepped in front of Nak, his gaze on Kristyn.

“Please understand that the matter of succession must be resolved quickly. There has never been a time when we have not had an imperial leader already in place when the reigning monarch has passed through the Golden Door. If the planets find out that the heir has abdicated, there will be war. We have foreseen this, also. And now, Earth is no longer immune.”

That was true. Even if Kristyn chose not to accept her destiny, there would be no way for Earth to escape the attention of any of the Nineteen. Or eighteen , as Ragat’s continuation as a Gharan planet seemed unlikely.

“If it helps,” Daarga’s voice was softer, “it has already been decided that Kaitlyn should stay at your side as you make your transition. And since I can no longer return to the Empire’s Heart, I will be here to aid you as well.”

Kristyn raised her head from her sister’s shoulder and narrowed her eyes. “I think you’ve done enough already.”

The smile faded from Daarga’s face, then he lowered his gaze and stepped aside.

Kaitlyn made a pfft sound as she passed the former Ancient One. “ You decided? Like you could’ve stopped me from staying.”

Such sisterly strength and unity. If only Daarga would look up, it would be satisfying to flash a smug grin his way.

He refocused his attention on the back of Kaitlyn’s head as Nak led them through the garden and audience chamber, then along a series of corridors.

The Empire’s Heart was gone. Destroyed. By Kaitlyn.

She might have only a vague concept of the gravity of her action now, but that would change soon enough.

“Here.” Nak had paused in front of a door. “A social gathering room for imperial attendants. Good and safe is this place.”

As much as he trusted Nak’s opinion about this, he could not and would not ignore his warrior’s training.

“One moment, Kaitlyn.” He stepped between her and the door, then placed his hand on her shoulder. “Wait here while I check inside first—for my peace of mind.”

He added the last when consternation entered her expression, then stepped through the open doorway before she found the words to argue. Because she would argue. It was just her nature. He allowed himself a small grin as he moved inside.

It was a simple room, lined with cushioned chairs and loungers grouped around tables. Lucky imperial attendants, to have such comfort within these cold walls. He walked the perimeter and checked the small sanitation room. Completely empty.

This will do.

He returned to corridor. “All clear. You will be safe and have privacy here while you talk.”

He waited until Kaitlyn had her sister settled on one of the loungers, then beckoned her back to the door.

“What?” She whispered.

“If there is anything you need, I will be outside the door.”

“You don’t have to stand guard.”

He stroked the backs of his fingers along her jaw. “Even the greatest warrior needs back-up.”

She opened her mouth and shut it again. Pink bloomed on her cheeks, and then she blessed him with a small, pleased smile. “Thanks, Baatar.”

She rose onto her toes, and he bent to brush his lips over her softer ones. That was good enough for now. They would talk later. In the meantime, he would make sure the sisters remained safe and undisturbed. Even from the last Ancient One, if need be.

He pulled the door closed, then took up his sentry position in front of the door.

“Your weapons, being brought from the docking bay, they are.” Nak moved to stand his own watchful post at his left.

The Kavian—or someone—must have decided that protecting the future grand empress was an acceptable reason to relax the ‘no weapons in the imperial complex’ rule.

“Thank you, friend.” Whatever had transpired, it would be good to have them back in his care on the unlikely event that he must defend Kaitlyn and her sister.

Kaitlyn is free now.

She had no imperial appointment after all, and would be able to make her own choices about where to go and who to share her journey with. All he could do now was to wait, watch, and keep her safe.