Page 30 of Fate of Draga

The Hai System

The gown she wore had a built in corset and Adelina ran her hands over the boning, feeling the way it curved with her body, enhancing her waist before the fabric flared out with her hips. The corset was reinforced – armor.

Even now Nadyah had touched her life, making sure she was as safe as she could be. The corset went over the bust and propped up her breasts in an enticing display, but more importantly it covered her heart.

The few servants she’d brought along bustled about the solar she’d had built all those weeks ago. It was nothing like the Queen’s Solar in the Draga Royal Palace, but it was close. It was a place to meet, to rest, to read, to enjoy afternoon tea even in the endless dark of space.

She wanted to meet with the Unchanged without the reminder of war all around them. Adelina stared out at the starry sky as they orbited the Outpost Base, Vudu Shaa visible for most of their rotation. The sun’s light was weak but it also created an everlasting twilight as the weak sunlight in Khara reached them as well.

Adelina wondered at the science of it. Forever twilight – no day and no night on Vudu Shaa. How did they live like that? Her skin was starved for the Kala sun and the rain of Stella di Draga’s nights.

“My queen,” the servant, Vitto, murmured quietly from behind. “All refreshments have been prepared and arranged. Tea and food from all three systems are here.”

Adelina smiled. No doubt it was thanks to Taj. He’d begged her for the position of chef aboard her ship. It had been easy to grant the request as no one would be able to take him back to Draga Terra for a while yet. “Thank you.”

“Is there anything else I can do for you, your majesty?”

She turned and smiled at the well-dressed male in her ship’s uniform—administrative department with position, rank, and name above his heart, the royal crest on one arm, and her personal crest on the other with the ship’s name.

And to think only a few months ago no one looked at her twice. How far she’d come.

“No, that will be all. Everyone else may go, but if you would stay to help serve my guests I would appreciate that.”

He bowed low. “Of course, your majesty.”

Adelina smiled sadly. It didn’t matter that this one wouldn’t be in the thick of the battle. He was still on her ship and if they were hit he would go down with everyone else. They were all warriors to Adelina – even the ones who would not be fighting.

He’d known the chances they’d see battle, and had still accepted the position onboard her starship.

She turned back to the window when he stood by the door, waiting for her guests. Adelina toyed with the bracelet that Varan had given her in that lovely home of his – that would soon be Roxy’s.

Everything on Draga Terra felt like a lifetime ago. Now she was about to meet with four different peoples from three different systems. Her mates were on a dangerous mission that was vital to their success.

If they could get a few Neprijat warships, that would help them punch through the front lines of their enemy’s forces. It would give Kaita and her people a better chance of survival. If they could find a weapon that would take down Neprijat warships without so much loss more of them could go home after this war was over.

But if she did not find a way to save the females and children among the approaching horde, Adelina would never forgive herself.

“My queen, may I present Diana from the Unchanged council along with her colleagues Jared, John, Sarah, and Elizabeth,” the servant introduced with a bow.

Adelina turned to study each of the council members, such strange names. She’d never heard most of them. “I’m glad you could make it.”

Elizabeth stepped forward first and held out her hand. Adelina stared for a moment and then remembered this was how they greeted each other. She slipped her hand into the females and let her shake it. Then she took a step closer and gave the female the traditional kiss of greeting.

Adelina enjoyed the blush on the female’s face far too much. She hid her smile and indicated the empty seats around the table of refreshments. “Please sit, and rest.”

Then she greeted each of the other unchanged humans and they all stuttered after her lips had brushed theirs. “We have much to discuss. Centuries without communication between our people does that I suppose.”

Sarah grinned and sat next to Jared. She elbowed the male and whispered teasing words about his blush while John gave Adelina a cocky smile. He didn’t make a move to sit, but rather lingered after she’d pulled back.

“Do you need another husband?” John asked. “I’d be happy to fill the position.”

Adelina couldn’t help her smile as she considered him. He was forward and quick to smile. She liked that. “If I do I’ll make sure to put you at the top of the list for consideration.”

John took her hand in his and swept a pretty bow before brushing his lips across her knuckles. Another flourish and he sat down in the chair closest to hers. Adelina didn’t know what to make of these people, but she couldn’t help the smile on her face as she sat.

Something about their demeanor was infectious.

“I apologize for not having the time to meet with you before this,” Adelina said with a nod to the servant.

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