Page 49 of Scars & Starlight
After lastlight andthe meeting with Earth’s leaders in this part of the world, I hold Tara until she falls asleep, then sneak out of the bed to return to the cockpit. It still smells of our sex, and I wish I didn’t have to have the conversation I’m about to have. I just didn’t want to bring it up earlier, when she could hear and worry about the male she killed on the Sovereign, as well as his father.
“Is everything alright, darling?” Queen Raelith asks as soon as the connection is established. She’s in her private garden now, her forever-youthful face illuminated by the glowing spores. “Is Tara alright?” she continues, warming my hearts with her care.
“We’re both fine,” I reassure her. “I wanted a private moment with you to ask about General Korvann.” Mother’s face twists at the mention of the name, telling me he’s indeed been a nuisance. “He hasn’t given up, has he?”
“No, my son, he hasn’t. In fact, he’s attempting to gather allies for a vote of no-confidence.”
“Excuse me?” I growl through clenched teeth. “He’s questioning your rule?”
“Unfortunately, males like him love to support the law as long as enforcing it doesn’t inconvenience them. Were it any other assailant…”
“He wouldn’t have batted an eyelash,” I finish,understanding exactly what she means. “Do you need me to cut my plans here short and return to your side?”
Mom shakes her head. “No, my treasure. Give Tara’s planet the best chance possible. This will pass.”
“Very well,” I say reluctantly.
My mother’s head tilts to the side as she gives me a penetrating look. “I guess you haven’t found Tara’s family?”
I click my tongue. “We haven’t found any indications that they’re gone for a fact, though, either. I’m hoping that once communication is re-established, they’ll find their way to us.”
With one last nod, Mom kisses the tips of her fingers and extends her hand toward me, our standard goodbye.
Not yet tired, I reach out to my command team next, calling Rhaevik to take command here in this country, and checking with Orien on the British Isles, Avenis in the northern part of America, and Zorath in the more central parts of Tara’s continent.
We have a few more stops to make before we can depart for Avaris, but I’m eager to set Korvann in his place and have him posted to some dreary edge of the universe. With a grim smile, I return to my love.
25
TARA
The destruction the Ghorvek brought to Asia is beyond anything I could have expected. So much rubble from tall buildings now destroyed, former technological centers now decimated beyond recognition.
We searched for the leaders in China, only to find out that, much like in Europe, we arrived too late. I asked Kairen if the Ghorvek could be escalating due to the arrival of the Avaren. If, much like us, they could be going for Earth’s leadership with the intent to destabilize an already broken people. He warned me not to underestimate the Ghorvek based on their brutish appearances. That they’re more cunning and inventive than the savages they look like. Otherwise they wouldn’t have been able to bring so much of the universe to its knees.
As the Talon glides over the remains of Seoul, I can’t help but feel an odd sense of nostalgia.
“What is it?” my perceptive prince asks, his hand coming out to rest on my thigh.
“I always wanted to travel in Asia,” I murmur, my eyes on vine-covered ruins. “Japan and South Korea, especially. See the wonders. Now they’re gone.”
“Well,” Kairen drawls out. “Did you ever imagine you’d be traveling the universe? See galaxies and nebulas, visit planets you didn’t even know existed?”
I can’t help but grin at the positive spin. It’s out of this world – pun intended. “I guess when you put it that way…” I look down at Kiko. “What’s your favorite planet, Kikolino?”
My robot companion chirps, happy to have an opportunity to speak. “I’m not programmed to have preferences. However, I think the princess will enjoy Atreon. It’s bright and colorful, and has varied animal life.”
The little mech focuses his lenses until a projection appears, showing a rainbow-hued planet. My jaw drops when the image zooms in. This place is a little girl’s dream! Pink waters, yellow plants, rainbow animals… Wait a minute.
“Is that a unicorn?” I ask shrilly.
My nanites chime in before either Kiko or Kairen can reply.
ATREONI KIRETH: QUADRUPEDAL HERBIVORE NATIVE TO PLANET ATREON. POSSESSES A SINGULAR MULTI-COLORED KERATINOUS HORN STRUCTURE EMERGING FROM THE FRONTAL CRANIUM. COVERED IN REFLECTIVE, SILKEN PELT. HIGHLY ATTUNED TO BIOELECTRICAL FIELDS. NOTED FOR ELEVATED INTELLIGENCE, HERD COHESION, AND LOW AGGRESSION INDEX.
“According to human fairytales, a Vasari Kireth does bear a resemblance to this unicorn creature,” Kiko chimes in.
“Unreal,” I mutter. “I wonder if it’s a coincidence?”
