Page 49 of Princess of Draga

Raena shook her head. “If we concentrate on the outposts housing the power for the shield we can manage it. We will have to send out a call to arms for each planet to send their armies and warriors. It can’t be helped. This affects usall.”

Adelina was quiet. Nadyah was fascinated by her constantly shifting personality. The princess molded herself to whatever those around her needed. It was a curious strategy as even the younger princes held their dominance and spoke their minds. William was the only one out of all five who was the most like Adelina in manner and dominance. Prince William served, but he was a warrior through andthrough.

“Will I be sent out with this first wave? Someone should represent the royal family on the front lines and it might as well beme.”

Adelina winced at the suggestion. The way she looked at her youngest brother Nadyah knew that was the last thing her princess wanted. He was so young, almost too young to be in the army, but he was just barely old enough and the law was the law. Not even the Dragas wereexempt.

King Orion shook his head. “We will first head to Treon and disburse justice to the traitors. I am not sure that should be you William. Unfortunately, your age and your dominance would not beenough.”

The prince hung his head and Nadyah felt terrible for him, but if her guess was correct this would finally be Giselle’sopportunity.

There was silence for a few seconds as the king let that thought settle in everyone’s minds. “Giselle, I know you’ve been talking about joining the Warrior’s Guild for cycles now. Would you mind taking point? All the details can be ironed out if this is what youwish.”

This was one of the last gifts he could give his second daughter. That knowledge weighed heavily on everyone and Giselle had tears in her eyes. “Yes, Father. It would be a dream come true.” She practically ran across the room to hug himfiercely.

Adelina smiled through her tears and Queen Adele looked unhappy, but there was nothing anyone else could say until Raena was queen. Nadyah doubted the crown princess would retract one of her father’s lastcommands.

“Let’s go,” Elara whispered, tugging on the sleeve of Nadyah’s dress. “You need to send a cast to the Spider about what you’ve heard. Protecting our galaxy is going to require everyone’s assistance. The royal family and their assets can’t do italone.”

Nadyah followed Elara out of the alcove once the hallway wasclear.

“Queen Adele has ordered me to guard the crown princess,” Elara said. “Her life is at risk now more than ever during the transition. Promise you will watch out for her as well?” The king’s mistress walked slightly ahead of Nadyah in the higher rankingposition.

Princess Raena would always be in danger until her reign was secured with a child and successor. Nadyah would keep a wary eye out, but her main concern was Princess Adelina and always would be. “Of course, Mistress, enjoy your dinner.” Nadyah curtseyed and entered the Great Hall with thoughts of war on hermind.

Chapter Fourteen

Adelina

Throne RoomParlor

Draga RoyalPalace

Planet DragaTerra

Adelina was relievedthey would move to defend their people and their galaxy. It frustrated her it took warning from their nobles on Treon to spur them into action, but better late than never. Her finger tapped on her chair as shethought.

This would be the perfect opportunity. There was no risk for her father to agree to let Prince Nash stay if the Neprijat already planned to attack. Butterflies roiled in her stomach so violently she thought she mightfaint.

Her hand curled into a fist as she steeled her resolve. No, she had to use what skills she possessed to make them all see reason. “What about the Corinthian Prince?” Adelina asked. Her soft voice curled around the room like smoke. It was subtle enough no one noticed she had spoken until her scent reached theirnose.

As one her family turned to her in disbelief. “What did you say?” William asked, as gentle and sweet asever.

The look on Raena’s face was ugly. Oh, her sister had heard her but she would say the words again. “What about the Corinthian prince? The Neprijat plan to attack and have already secured allies within our borders. What is the risk to granting him sanctuary now? It looks cowardly only to offer it after we have been threatened, but it is better than forsaking our honor completely.” This request required Adelina to tap into her hidden strength, and the crack in her mask stunned themall.

Not even Asher dared breathe aword.

Giselle gave her an apologetic look. Finally, Giselle had what she wanted and she would not risk it for a male, maybe not even if Adelina begged her. Raena’s face grew red as she snapped a glance at the king. Their father looked thoughtful which only infuriated Raenamore.

Adelina refrained from tapping her nail. She wondered why daring to make the request made her eldest sister so mad. Perhaps Raena had denied sanctuary because she had been afraid. Adelina was through being a pushover. She was about to be of age and it was time she made the transition. The Crown had no use for a princess who could not stand her ground when needed to properly serve. Pushing against Raena now could save their alliance with the true heir of the Kharagalaxy.

She had continued her studies far past what was required to serve the Crown. To be an ambassador had been Adelina’s only dream and the hours spent learning, the secret time spent spying, and the nights spent among their people hidden and cloaked were all for the Crown. She had a wealth of information no one even knew she possessed. It was time to put it to use and stop hiding behind her submissivenature.

She could still serve and submit without letting it ruin her integrity. Adelina served the Crown and Draga, not Raena or her father alone and shewouldmake them seereason.

“Adelina, do you accuse me of cowardice?” Raena’s voice held the promise ofpain.

The direct question was difficult to avoid and her sister knew it. “I am only saying denying our ally what we owed him was an act of cowardice. As that decision was made by the entire family I am calling us all cowards.” It wasn’t much better as anyone in that room could call for punishment now, but Adelina had to trust her instincts and pray to Mala that her other siblings would keepquiet.

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