Page 24 of Crown of Draga

“Request granted, Caspian make note of this. The forces will be deployed tomorrow. Princess Giselle will travel on the fastest starship with Lord Sirus to the outer rim. Make sure the task is completed and you return before the Choosing Ball, Lord Sirus.”

Joslynn’s warrior nodded and bowed again before returning to his seat.

She could hardly breathe.

The wood creaked under the pressure from her fierce grip. He hadn’t mentioned this to her at all. They were technically engaged with proper contracts to draw up still, but he was supposed to be her husband soon and then he went and did something like this without consulting her?

“What is it Prince Nash?” Raena demanded.

Joslynn’s eyes snapped to the massive, foreign warrior prince standing before the royal family. Prince Nash clasped his hands behind his back and stared into the crown princess’s eyes. His gaze was nearly a challenge and she felt a chill go down her spine. Joslynn had never seen a Corinthian before Nash, and she wasn’t sure she ever wanted to again.

They were vicious, violent people wrapped up in a pretty package; so different from the forced elegance of Draga. No, the people of the Khara galaxy never tried to hide the animals beneath their skin.

“I request permission to take my regiment to the border to help secure the front lines until the shield is in place. One of my princesses is said to be on Seprilles. I will gather her and whatever forces she possesses to assist in the war effort.”

Princess Raena narrowed her eyes but nodded once. She didn’t have to like the foreign prince to accept his help. “Permission granted. Can you leave tomorrow?”

Joslynn glanced at Princess Adelina. After the party last night, no one was under any illusion she wasn’t enamored with the warrior. Her face was pale as she watched Nash. The big brute didn’t even glance at her. The rumors about their lover’s spat must be true then.

“No, I cannot your highness. My ships and warriors will need a few days to gather what we need and finish the repairs.”

The crown princess didn’t look pleased but she nodded again and waved her hand dismissively. “Then do it, Prince, and ensure you keep me apprised. I want you on the border as quickly as possible.” And no doubt as far away from her youngest sister as possible.

Joslynn glanced at the sweet, young princess again. She’d managed to cause quite a stir despite being a third-born. A flicker of Adelina’s hand and Raena frowned, but acquiesced. “Princess Adelina, you have the floor.”

Joslynn’s stomach tightened in anticipation. It was rare for Adelina to speak publicly. The recorders zoomed in on her but she kept her chin up despite her eyes being glued to the floor. The princess stood, but didn’t walk down the steps. Joslynn narrowed her eyes. It wasn’t a request to the Crown then.

“Prince Nash,” her soft voice managed to somehow carry through the council room and Raena frowned when the foreign prince stood from his chair again. “I wonder if perhaps the Neprijat managed to acquire some of your people’s tech? Lord Lucas brought up the concern of disappearing ships…Admiral General Tamika has as well. If the Neprijat can manage to cloak themselves we would never know they were there before they struck.”

One could hear a pin dropping in the shocked silence of the council room. Lord Lucas flinched beside Joslynn and she wondered what had been said the night before to make him so nervous.

Nash nodded slowly, his mouth twisted in annoyance. “It is possible they’ve stolen our tech,” he admitted.

Adelina spread her hands in a silent plea. “Perhaps then you could share the anti-stealth tech to assist our forces on the borders.”

Holy goddess, this tiny little female was shoving the prince into a corner. The royal family had tried for generations to get the Corinthians to share their tech. Nash couldn’t refuse now when they needed it most, when he’d promised to aid the borders.

Nash said nothing, but Raena grinned like a wolf at dinner.

“In exchange, we could send a physician with you, one who could help train your own doctors. Our medical knowledge is vast and the trade would be fair.” Never once did the young princess look up from the floor, but she had a soft, sweet smile that made Joslynn’s heart melt. She was only trying to help them all in her own way.

Prince Nash stayed silent for a moment, a muscle in his jaw twitched and everyone in the council room waited with bated breath for him to respond. “Indeed,” he said. “That would be a fair trade. If I could have a meeting with the Admiral General to share the tech as well as help the installation in the ships leaving tomorrow. It would be much faster if my people worked on it and instructed those who will use it.”

Raena’s grin grew wider. “Of course, Prince Nash. Caspian please set this up for immediately after the council meeting. Thank you for your assistance, Princess Adelina.”

The young female bobbed a curtsey and then sat back in her small throne with her hands clasped in her lap. She didn’t look up from the floor until the next matter was presented and everyone’s attention had shifted, but Joslynn watched her closely.

She needed to keep an eye on this one. There was more going on under the surface, though Joslynn wasn’t sure what it was yet. Adelina studied Nash from across the room and then her gaze landed on Sirus. Joslynn couldn’t ignore him anymore.

Sirus sat stiffly in his chair, face forward as he listened intently. He didn’t look at Joslynn once and she still couldn’t believe he was going to leave the next day. There had been no warning and nothing to prepare her…he would simply be—gone.

The rest of the meeting was a blur. Joslynn couldn’t say what had been handled and what was left for another day.

Finally, Princess Raena stood and left with the rest of the attending royal family. Still Joslynn sat in her chair. Even after the rest of the council had trickled out and she was the only one left in the council room she remained seated. The dull roar in her ears made it difficult to think let alone move.

That temper was there, waiting for a target. If she let it out there was no telling what would happen. Joslynn had to ride it out before she ruined everything she’d worked so hard for.

“Joslynn, are you all right?”

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