Page 16 of Radakk's Mate
I try not to think about how awkward it was when they removed my body hair, including the hair between my thighs. But to their credit, they were quick and professional, and true to their promise, the procedure didn’t hurt.
I draw in a deep breath and meet Mandy’s eyes in the mirror. “During the last three weeks, have there been any arrests, trials, or executions? Please. I need to know.”
The young woman’s expression falters, and I notice Adrianna gulp hard. They share a worried look before glancing toward the entryway.
“He’s dead, isn’t he?” I ask. “My father.”
“I’m sorry, Thalia,” Adrianna says, “but I don’t think we should talk about recent events on the worldship. You’re about to leave and start a new life, and we must finish getting you ready.Please.” She appears terrified, and I start to understand why.
“I’m not going to become emotional if you tell me the truth. I promise. I won’t start sobbing and ruin my makeup.” Well, I won’t ruin what minimal cosmetics they applied. To my surprise, they’ve opted for a natural look. A few brushstrokes of mascara, a hint of eyeshadow, and the lightest tinge of blush.
“We’ll get in trouble if anyone learns we told you,” Mandy says.
“No one will find out. I swear it. Just tell me. Please. I-I need to know what happened to my father, and whether anyone else went down with him, particularly my uncles or cousins.” I hold my breath as I await their response.
“Your father was executed three days ago. His trial was broadcast ship-wide, as was the execution,” Adrianna says. “As for your uncles and cousins… well, they turned on your father. They ratted him out and made a bargain for their lives, though I suspect they’ll end up rotting in the brig. They named several associates of your father who are now awaiting trial themselves, and your kin also revealed the location of a sizable stash of stolen weaponry.”
I don’t cry. In fact, I barely experience a flicker of emotion. “Those cowards. My uncles and cousins have been in league with my father for years. I can’t believe they squealed like that. Were their confessions broadcast during the trial?”
“Oh yes,” Mandy says, “they sobbed their hearts out. They claimed your father forced their cooperation, promising he’d have an assassin take them out if they rebelled.”
“An assassin?” I almost laugh. “My father never had any assassins in his little gang of misfit rebels. Did the judge really buy that story?”
“Yes, Judge Corbin believed them,” Adrianna says with a derisive shake of her head, and I find myself becoming more at ease in the mother and daughter duo’s presence. They’re smart enough to know most trials on theJansonnaare a farce, and I like that they’re being so forthcoming.
“Who did my uncles and cousins implicate?”
Mandy taps at her chin. “Hm. There was an engineer named Harold Bennet, and a very tall man named Joseph who was arrested for thievery numerous times before—that was obvious since he was missing four of his fingers. I can’t remember the other three. Do you remember, Mom?”
Adrianna shrugs one shoulder. “I was so busy that week taking care of your sister that I only had one ear on the screens. I know there were five men, but I can’t remember their names or faces.”
Mandy squeezes my shoulder. “Did you hold any of your father’s spies in high regard?”
“No,” I say with a slight shake of my head, “but then I never really knew any of them well. He rarely met with them while I was around. I’m also pretty sure he occasionally asked them to spy on me to make sure I was following his orders.”
“I’m sorry your father was so unkind to you.” Adrianna gives me another maternal look, and I find myself blinking back tears. “Your father’s cruel treatment of you came up in the trial. Your uncles and cousins used it as evidence to show how depraved he was if he could treat his own daughter with such indifference. The stories they shared… well, the whole thing broke my heart. You poor dear.”
I swallow past the burning in my throat and successfully blink back my tears. But holy fucking shit… my craven uncles and cousins shared my deeply personal traumas with the entire worldship. Part of me wants to ask Mandy and Adrianna exactly what they said, which stories they shared. But another part of me thinks I might be better off not knowing.
If only I’d managed to escape theJansonnabefore any of this happened. If only I’d managed to steal a transport vessel before the Darrvasons made first contact with my people.
“Well,” I say after a moment, desperate to change the subject, “my hair has never looked so lovely. The two of you can work miracles.”
A sudden knock on the door causes all three of us to jump and peer toward the entryway.
Adrianna grimaces. “It’s time.” She spins me around in the chair, clasps my hands, and gives me an encouraging look. “I wish you well, Thalia. I’ll keep you in my prayers, you sweet, sweet girl.”
Emotion tightens my throat. “Thank you,” I whisper, my eyes flickering between them. “You’ve both been very kind to me. I hope Mandy’s sister makes a full recovery.”
There’s another knock, and the door zips open. “Time to go, ladies!” calls an impatient guard. “We mustn’t be late!”
Chapter9
THALIA
Two guards escortme toward the docking bay. But before we reach the corridor where it’s located, they quickly guide me into a small room that contains chairs and a desk. Seated at the desk is a stern-faced Captain Warren. He sneers when he sees me and rises to his feet.
Panic races through me. I’m about to leave theJansonnaforever. Maybe he means to interrogate me before he loses the chance. I lift my chin, trying to appear brave.
