Page 54 of Touch the Stars
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.MyKaitlyn.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.Oreighteen, 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.“Youdecided?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.
