“Yes, your majesty, I’ve gotten a few good leads. I’ll send you the information in a cast.”
Varan nodded and indicated his Second and friend should eat with them. “Will you be able to manage while I’m gone?”
“You’re leaving?” Roxy hissed. At least she had the good sense not to shout it to the world.
Varan shot her a look. “Yes, I told you I was asked to serve. I’m needed for a mission that may actually make a difference in this war.”
She huffed and crossed her arms, pushing those massive breasts out even farther. Felix’s eyes nearly popped out of his head. “I don’t like it, Varan. If you leave, your throne will be open and you will not be here to accept a challenge. Anyone could take it.”
He bared his teeth in a feral smile. “Then I suppose those who are loyal to me will have to defend it, and keep that from happening, hm?”
“You risk too much for these royals who know nothing of our lives.” Roxy threw back another drink and turned back to the Games.
Varan ignored her and studied the map he’d been given from every angle, compared the two sets of coordinates and chose one. The best point of entry to the Hai galaxy would be one with the least amount of Neprijat present, and the most civil of the Drakesthai. There weren’t many options, but the second choice was closest to the Drakesthai’s ruling planet. The least amount of resistance would be best.
If the Neprijat realized they carried a royal Draga onboard…he was terrified to find out what they would do. If they did get their claws on her Varan supposed they’d kill Raena and Giselle, or use her as ransom, maybe kill Adelina as a warning to them all.
Well, they’d have to get through him and every single warrior he could scrounge up. A ship with top-notch defenses and weapons wouldn’t hurt either. He glanced at Roxy again and prayed to Ladra Roxy would help him. Because Varan was no fool, if they didn’t succeed the Neprijat would tear their galaxy to shreds.
“Who do you think will win the Hunt?” Roxy asked.
Varan sent out another request and hoped the assassins would respond. “Either Raena or that Priea lady, Veri, I believe,” he muttered as he tapped out the message. “Never have I seen so many bloodthirsty females in one place in all my life.”
“You think I could win the Hunt?” Roxy asked, tilting her head in question and Felix stared at her long neck.
Varan kicked his Second under the table. Felix could never get the courage up to ask Roxy if he could court her, and mooning over her only made him look ridiculous. Felix was nearly as submissive as Adelina, but he was big, strong, and loyal. He would serve well and protect Varan’s throne while he was away.
Varan shook his head with a rueful smile. “Darling, I know you could win the Hunt, you’re the most bloodthirsty of them all.”
He wondered what it said about him that he liked to surround himself with vicious women who wouldn’t even blink at tearing his throat out if he crossed a line.
Probably nothing good.
He switched over to another report. Varan had sent a few of his spies a cast when Prince Nash had left. They’d notified him the second he’d appeared in the area. Thanks to the big brute they’d been able to hold the border against skirmishes and protect the outposts, but there was nothing to explain what had happened after the attack that morning.
His spies were silent as the dead and it worried him.
Varan sent out another cast and then contacted some of the guards he knew at the Seprilles Family Seat. He grimaced and set down his device to focus on the Games.
Ladra protect his people.
Chapter Six
Joslynn
Palace Grounds
Draga Royal Palace
Planet Draga Terra
Joslynn waited on the terrace, watching the events unfold on the grounds below. Rings were set up for the various fights, and galinas were carefully brought out of the stables for the races. It was exactly like the Games she’d held on Pedranus every cycle, but all the citizens participated and it could take weeks to complete. These Games were on a completely different level, and the gold spent for the prizes as well as the decorations had to have been substantial.
With only nobles competing in these Games it wouldn’t take nearly as long to finish up the various different competitions. Though the Hunt would be the most favored as a crown was in the balance; king or queen for a night would tempt anyone. The crown of bones with a single ruby was on display for all to see, and the palace publicist spoke into a recorder as she explained the events on the stage in front of the massive display. The events were shown on the vid and allowed all to watch from any location.
Joslynn watched the nobles, courtiers, and everyday citizens pass by – but she kept her eyes sharp for Adelina. She hoped to help the princess in any way she could after what had happened that morning. The feelings evoked had introduced Joslynn to an entirely new level of horror, one she hadn’t quite thought possible. What frightened her most was that she knew this was only the beginning. Raena was a dangerous ruler, even if she didn’t actually plan on serving up her youngest sister as a sacrifice.
Joslynn shook her head. It wasn’t just that unpleasantness, it was coming face to face with the Neprijat King. That’s what Sirus had to face on the battlefield, that’s what he’d somehow survived per the reports. It was more than a miracle; it was the skill he had as a warrior.
Goddess, she missed the big brute so much. It hadn’t been long, but Joslynn had gotten used to having him by her side. Then she’d thought of nothing else but the wedding, the diamond she’d given to Adelina, and how she should have listened to the princess and married Sirus when she’d had the chance.
What if something had happened to him? Hearing the report, seeing those awful, dead eyes of the Neprijat had made the reality of the war and the danger hit home. Joslynn pressed a hand to her belly and tried to keep the tears back.
At first she’d been devastated to find out she wasn’t pregnant. She’d hoped against hope that she would conceive and it would be a fantastic surprise for Sirus when he returned to her. Now Joslynn was almost thankful it hadn’t occurred after seeing what monsters hunted them all. But sadness and pain weighed on her, not only emotional – but physical as well.
It was the first time in her life Joslynn had menstruated after activating her fertility. The cramps hurt worse than she’d ever thought possible and she thanked the ancient doctor who had allowed them to prevent the pain unless attempting to conceive. It had to have been a female physician; no male could understand everything a human female had to deal with.
“Joslynn,” Adelina said. Her soft voice was like velvet fluttering in the wind and Joslynn turned with a smile to the princess.