It's a short scene today. Yuder's welcome home party could be a little more welcoming...and Royal Councilman Oiteil (remember him from Alien Indiscretions?) a little less scandalous.
* * * *
Yuder swallowed a feeling of dread he’d managed to block in the last few weeks’ excitement of returning to Kalquor. What would life be if he couldn’t serve his empire?
“Seeing you makes me wish not for the old days, but the missed opportunity to have seen Clan Zarl and Clan Clajak on the governing dais at once,” Oiteil sighed, loud enough to include the rest of them. “Imagine the fiery debates that would have taken place if Emperor Yuder, Crown Prince Clajak, and Princess Jessica faced off against the likes of Ospar and Rajhir.”
Eyes widened to hear the names of the two former councilmen who’d been indicted alongside Yuder. Thanks to the former emperor taking sole responsibility for the crime they’d been accused of, Ospar and Rajhir had served no prison sentences, but they’d still been banned from public service for life.
“It’s no use wondering what might have been.” Clajak’s tone was gentle but firm. “We do better to look to the future, which I’m thankful to know you’ll be a part of, Councilman.”
Oiteil bowed. “You’re too kind, my emperor. Speaking of debates, if you’ll excuse me, I must return to my chambers. We’re still ironing out the details of next year’s military budget.”
“I know you feel work is helping you at such a difficult time, but if you need a break—” Jessica began.
“I’m fine, my empress, thank you. Welcome home, Imperial Father. I hope to hear from you soon.”
Oiteil left. Clajak scowled, a ghost of his temper, as infamous as Jessica’s, showing itself. “Imagine bringing up Ospar and Rajhir. What was he thinking?”
“I wonder what’s happened to his voice. He hardly sounds like himself,” Jessica said.
Yuder hadn’t noticed anything odd about Oiteil’s tone, but he hadn’t spoken to him in years. He’d probably miss many nuances in the coming days.
Tara said, “Don’t forget, he’s grieving the loss of his clanmates. They were together for more than a hundred years. If he isn’t sobbing his heart out behind closed doors, I’d be amazed. He’s a Dramok, after all, not a Nobek.” She squeezed Yuder’s arm. He also had enjoyed over a hundred years of clanship with Zarl, his Dramok, and their Imdiko Tidro.
His throat closed at the losses he’d endured. First Clajak’s mother Irdis, who’d been so young when she’d died. Zarl and Tidro had lived long lives, but by then, the shadows of illness and scandal had touched them.
“This is no place to hold a homecoming,” Tara abruptly chuckled. “Shall we go in for a proper party?”
“Let’s.” Clajak’s tone was adamant. “My father is home…and no doubt his grandchildren are growing impatient waiting for him.”
“Yes.” Yuder was grateful to switch to such a delightful subject as they headed for the lift that would take them to the living areas of the Imperial Home, where his and Tara’s apartment was also located. “Tell me how tall Wayne and Noelle have grown so I won’t be too shocked when I see them.”
* * * *
The alien force dubbed the Darks has grabbed control of key positions on Kalquor and the Galactic Council of Planets. Other leaders are still unaware of the threat among them. The galaxy is wide open for destruction by an unfathomable enemy.
Former emperor Nobek Yuder has suspicions, but due to restrictions placed on him after his prison sentence, he can only stand by and watch helplessly. A renegade Royal Councilman has designs to bring him back to the political arena, but doing so could destabilize the Kalquorian Empire, leaving it vulnerable to invasion.
Meanwhile, one man on the brink of death, the only man who can detect the nearly invisible Darks, is pulled from a lifeless shuttle by Captains Kila and Nako. His incredible story tells them they’re in a race against time to save not only the empire but the whole galaxy…but are they already too late?
On Earth II, Governor Stacy Nichol’s relationship with Clan Rihep continues to grow. So does the danger, as opponents make deadly moves against her and the orbiting Kalquorian station where the clan lives. Nobek Kuran is determined to keep his clanmates and would-be lifemate safe, but how can he stop a faceless enemy?
Relationships, old and new, are strained to the breaking point at a time when Earthers and Kalquorians need each other more than ever. The Darks are closing in, and no one is ready to oppose them.
Releasing November 3. Pre-order now at Amazon, Amazon UK, Nook, Smashwords, Kobo, Apple, and print.
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