Page 10 of Fate of Draga

“Veri!” Her prince caught up to her as she strode down the hall towards their quarters, ignoring him.

She would have three days to clean up, recuperate, and eat and sleep so she was at her strongest for what came next.

His hand wrapped around her bicep but she couldn’t feel it through the armor, not really. But his grip did yank her around so she was forced to face him. “That was a huge risk,” he gritted out. “And you killed him before we could verify the location of their system.”

“He didn’t lie,” Veri snapped. Somehow she knew, deep in her bones. The Neprijat had been completely sincere with her. “But if the probe comes back with nothing then I will get you another.”

Warriors and personnel went around them in the massive hall and Veri ignored the curious stares. She didn’t give a damn what anyone thought except Asher, and on this matter she would not bow before him – she would not apologize.

“Why are you angry?” he asked softly, taking a step forward. “What changed?”

She looked up at him and considered her fierce prince. He was a warrior through and through, but until this war he’d never seen real carnage. The dark prince hadn’t had to fight for his life every summer – at constant war with a species on his planet that wanted to hunt and kill him.

“Those monsters on Priea, they can speak. Did you know that?” she asked.

Asher went so still she wasn’t even sure he breathed.

“We’ve captured a few of them over the cycles, hoping to find outwhythey hunt us. But they aren’t that smart. I’d say…about the same as a hound who can speak.” Veri glanced at one of the warriors, a Priean, and he gave her a nod.

They all knew what it was like to live on their planet – the price they paid for its riches.

“Torturing them was something we did for many cycles, but it’s also something I outlawed three cycles ago. Keeping them as pets or slaves is illegal as well. Do you know what it was like, torturing something that refused to give you the answers you needed? It didn’t take long to feel likeIwas the real monster. I won’t be doing that again. Not with them and not with the Neprijat.”

Asher opened his mouth to speak and she held up a hand. “Yes, I know that it can be necessary, especially during this kind of war. But I’m not going to torture one to death and still not get the information we need. You’ve seen how they are – suicide before capture. Have someone look into ripping apart one of their ships. They must have maps in their navigations. It’s doubtful something as precious as their home system is kept on warships. But if they refuse to talk…that’s it Asher. We will find some other way.”

For the first time since they’d started courting Asher conceded to her. “I understand, Veri. We will not let them turn us into what they are. I promise.”

“Sir?” Both of them ignored the male tentatively approaching.

This moment was more than her just standing her ground after drawing a line in the sand. This was a moment that would define how they lived their lives as Hand and Advisor. Could they work together and preserve their relationship?

Her prince was sincere in his promise – she could feel it, see it in his eyes. Veri nodded. “It’s one thing to slaughter them, but torture…”

It was inhumane.

A little pain for a few answers? She could deal with that, but never again would she take days breaking someone like she had with the creatures on her planet. And she wouldn’t let Asher either.

“No prisoners of war,” Asher murmured, pulling her into his arms. “No slaves, and if we cannot get the answers we need within reason…I will leave you to decide their fate. How does that sound?”

Her eyes widened in surprise. “You’re giving me control over the Neprijat?”

“Complete control,” he agreed. “I need someone with your heart. There will come a time…I fear we will have to make some terrible decisions. So far we’ve only come across male warriors but…” Asher trailed off.

But there were always innocents.

“I will speak to Adelina on the matter,” Veri agreed. She knew the queen of all people would never allow innocents to be harmed. It didn’t matter to the queen that they happened to be Neprijat.

“Sir?” the male said again. “A privateer is waiting in the hangar with an urgent message. She said she was sent by the queen. And someone else just arrived with orders from the queen as well. A royal guard…Darius?”

The queen? Both Asher and Veri instantly turned towards the male dressed in the administrative uniform. Veri frowned as Asher growled. “Take me to them. Now.”

When it rained it poured. Veri followed after them, thoughts of a shower and rest banished from her mind as she wondered who the queen had sent.

The lift brought them down to the hangar and Veri paused as she took in the unfamiliar starship. It was much smaller than the royal warship, but it still took up enough space not much else could fit here. Even Asher paused.

“TheRavager,” he murmured.

Veri couldn’t help her smile at his childlike appreciation and awe. Though itwasa wonder of a ship. As was the female who waited for them.

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