“That’s what they tell me, but I’m still getting accustomed to the idea,” she said casually waiting for him to reveal his identity. She took a step forward and added, “Sir, you have me at a distinct disadvantage. You know who I am, but I don’t know who you are.”
“Don’t you?” With nothing more than a hand signal, he dismissed the guards from the room.
He walked over to the table and gestured for her to have a seat. “I think this may help explain things to you.” He reached into his pocket and removed a gold oval-shaped locket. He leaned across the table and dropped the locket into her outstretched hand. She turned the locket over for a moment before opening it. There was a picture of a lovely woman not much older than Vaush. It was apparent that the picture was probably taken a couple of decades ago. Slowly, Vaush began to notice the slight resemblance … to herself!
Before she asked the question, she already knew the answer. “Who is she?”
The man was silent.
“It’s Skylar Payce Erlacher,” Vaush said evenly. “My deceased mother.”
The man seemed to swallow a lump in his throat, and his voice was filled with distant melancholy. “Yes … that was your mother.”
Vaush stared at the woman a few seconds longer before she lifted her eyes to him. “That uniform, this ship, the pride in your voice when speaking of me and the sadness when speaking of Skylar,” she smiled wanly. “You’re none other than General Erlacher, which would make you my grandfather.”
His eyes were filled with such sorrow and loss. “Hello, granddaughter. Welcome home.”
“I … I’m a little confused,” she said staring back at his watery eyes. “I was under the impression that you died shortly after … losing Skylar.”
“In a sense, I did die after losing your mother. I went through a period of deep depression and despair. I resigned my position as one of the emperor’s Generals Elite and tried to drown myself in a thousand bottles. You see, I had failed her. I failed to protect her and keep her safe.” He took a moment to gather himself. “When I finally pulled it together , I resurfaced as the Earl de Qilar, a glorified gun for hire.”
Vaush looked around. “From what I’ve seen of your operation, the Earl de Qilar has done quite well for himself. Very well.” She gave him a pensive look as the next thought occurred. “Why have you waited until now to contact me? Why not come for me sooner?”
“Dear child,” he replied with deep emotion. “If only I’d known that you survived. If only I’d known that Bastionli monster kept Skylar alive long enough to give birth to you.”
The power of the revelation hit her. “You mean, you’ve only recently learned of my existence?”
“Yes,” he said anxiously. “Two weeks ago, the Murkudahl woman, Chaiyse, came to me and told me everything. That was the day that I learned my daughter had lived long enough to bear her child.” His eyes glistened and he smiled warmly. “I can’t tell you how much it has meant to me to learn that you were alive, that a piece of Skylar had survived.”
Deeply moved by his emotion, she replied in kind, “And I am equally pleased to learn that I still have a link to my mother, to learn that I still have family in this world.”
Unable to contain his feelings, he went to her and she rose from the chair to meet his embrace.
“Vaush, Vaush, I am so sorry that it took me this long to find you. I had no idea, I swear, I didn’t, sweet child.”
“You found me in time,” she said and lifted her head from his shoulder. “That’s all that matters now.” It was only then that she truly breathed a sigh of relief. How pleased Comron would be to hear that there was no grand conspiracy, that the mysterious ally was motivated by grandfatherly love … and a powerful need to avenge his daughter’s death.
“I look forward to making up for all the lost time and getting to know one another. But first, there is the business of getting you to Novoxos.” He handed her a handkerchief; they both wiped their eyes.
“The Earl de Qilar seems to have a penchant for military memorabilia,” she observed. “You practically own a fleet of imperial battle cruisers.”
He nodded. “Being an ex-Generals Elite does have its privileges.” A look of concern came over him.
“Something’s troubling you. What is it?” she asked.
He looked at her with mild surprise. “Skylar could always do that, quickly read my moods.” He clasped his hands behind his back, assuming a more serious manner. “I’m very worried about Captain Yaeger. He is one of my finest officers.”
“Oh,” Vaush said, her face suddenly burning with guilt. “I’m afraid it’s my fault that he’s in danger.”
“Yaeger is a grown man and a disciplined soldier,” he replied curtly. “If he’s out there, the fault is his alone.”
“But I pressed him to do it. Do you know my reasons?” she asked, wanting to justify her request.
He nodded grimly.
“But you don’t feel it was worth the risk?” she asked tentatively.
He stared at her compassionately and then answered. “You must understand. Yaeger isn’t just one of my finest officers. He’s been the closest thing I’ve had to a son.”
Her guilt was compounded. “I’m so sorry. I was blinded by my own grief. I just couldn’t see my way without Comron.”
He nodded and sighed. “As I said, you didn’t force him to do anything against his will. All we can do now is pray that they’ll make it back safely.”
“Can’t you spare one ship to go back and help them?” she entreated.
“I won’t compromise our mission. I failed my daughter once; I won’t fail you too.”
She sat back in her chair, feeling dejected as she stared at the tabletop. Leaving Anchorii without Comron had been difficult, but she’d given her word.
“Don’t despair, my dear,” he said, smiling encouragingly. “If anyone can get them out of this alive, it’s Captain Yaeger. Let’s keep faith, shall we?”
She forced a smile in return. “I suspected as much.”
Just then, the door chimed.
“Yes.”
“Lepkin, sir.”
“Come in.”
From the look on Lepkin’s face, Vaush knew there was bad news.
“Sir, our sensors just picked up a fleet of Nethicaen battleships on an intercept course to Novoxos. Thalonius’ ranks keep swelling, the markings of Venarch and Keizher have been observed along with Nostrom and Warbrenger. They outnumber us six to one.”
“What is their ETA?” Erlacher asked, now in full military mode.
“We will intercept in just under two hours.”
“Good, all is proceeding according to schedule. Begin the alpha sequence.”
“Aye, sir.”
Erlacher turned to his granddaughter, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. “Don’t look so discouraged. This old dog still has a few tricks up his sleeve.”
She smiled faintly.
“There is one thing that I’m quite curious about,” he said with a distinct look of disapproval. “Your adoptive house and Van Laven are sworn enemies of the highest degree. How is it that you came to be so intimately acquainted with Lord Comron, Crown Prince of Nethic?”
She squared her shoulders. “I presume you’re aware of the Patheis incident.”
“Yes, I was able to dig beneath the publicized version of that event.”
“Then you must already know how it is that we became intimately acquainted,” she answered wondering what he was truly fishing for.
He shook his head. “I can certainly understand putting aside your differences under those trying circumstances but, forgive me for being forward, I’m under the impression that your relationship goes deeper than mutual toleration. Did this development occur before or after he learned of your true identity?” he asked with a raised brow.
Her expression fell and her tone was suddenly icy, “We fell in love on Patheis when he still believed I was the daughter of the man he loathed. And when he learned
my true parentage, he risked his life to remove me from the line of fire. For all intents and purposes, he gave his life to save mine. So forgive me if I get a little defensive when you call his motives into question.”
He bowed his head. “Forgive me, but I had to ask with so much at stake. Especially after I had him investigated—”
“You did what?” she exclaimed.
“Vaush, everyone and their mother are going to want a piece of you once news gets out of who you are. The timing of Comron’s involvement with you was highly suspect. I had to wonder if he was working some political agenda.”
“Political agenda? Listen, grandfather, Comron is a permanent, inextricable part of my life. So whatever concerns or reservations you have about him, you need to get over them.”
He closed his eyes and sighed. “I thought you’d say something like that.”
Her frown deepened. “What exactly is that supposed to mean?”
“Vaush, dear,” he said in a soothing tone. “This really isn’t the proper time to get into this. But you need to understand that as empress, you will have to place the needs of the empire ahead of your own.” He patted her shoulder. “Just bear that in mind. Meanwhile, I have a major battle to prepare for.”
CHAPTER 66
With the Valiant firmly in their hands, Captain Yaeger laid in a course to rendezvous with the Emperor’s Majesty. Comron managed the ops station shutting down all ship’s communications and monitoring its activities to assure himself that there would be no interruptions on the bridge. Time was the only thing that stood between him and Vaush. The mere thought of her made blood rush headlong to his core. Memories of their last time together, when they’d made love as if it was their last time, swirled around in his head.
Damn it, focus!
“Comron.”
He turned to find Crausin standing there with the pertinent question in his eyes. His father tilted his head toward the conference room. “A moment, please.”
“This isn’t the time,” Comron said, keeping his eyes on the monitors. He knew exactly what Crausin wanted to know but was unsure of when, if ever, he’d disclose the truth about his metamorphosis.
“The bridge is secure, and we need to talk.”
Comron glanced over at Yaeger. He could see the newfound respect in the captain’s eyes and even he himself was still amazed at how well his body had been transformed into an efficient killing machine.
“DeOrchis and I can manage,” Yaeger said. “We’ll let you know if something comes up.”
Heaving a heavy sigh, Comron rose and followed Crausin to the small conference room. The minute the door shut Crausin turned to face him. The troubled look on his face told Comron just how deeply disturbed Crausin was over all he’d witnessed.
“You killed our men,” Crausin began.
“It couldn’t be helped.”
“And now you’ve hijacked a destroyer, Comron. Where will this end?”
“At Vaush’s side.”
“This bloody obsession with her, it’s insane!”
Comron inclined his head condescendingly. “Seems that particular gene runs strong in this family. You have no idea how that thought has haunted me.”
“We may have shared the same genes, but now you’ve—”
“Shared? Like a son?” Comron said incredulously. “I’m your genetic duplicate dreamed up in a lab, remember? Rhence and Gavin are your true sons. So whatever ugliness you see in me, you must see in yourself.”
“Don’t try to change the subject. Something horrible has happened to you, not just physically but mentally. I can’t ….” Crausin shook his head in frustration. “I can’t reach you anymore.”
Comron gave him a lopsided grin. “You mean you can’t invade my mind at will anymore.”
“You have no idea what I’m capable of,” he said in a dark tone. Trust me; he thrust the thought into Comron’s head. “Now, tell me what has happened to you?”
“Someone saw me dying and did something extraordinary.”
Crausin’s eyes narrowed suspiciously. “Recaban?”
Comron’s mouth turned down with disappointment.
“Well, who else could’ve … the girl?” He considered it a moment and then turned his gaze back to Comron. “What could she have possibly done that would result in such a radical transformation?”
“She did what was necessary to save my life, and that’s all I’m telling you.”
“No! What has she done to you?” he barked in his most authoritative tone.
“She has made me far more than what I was, which means I’m far more than you,” Comron said, taking an intimidating step closer. “Crausin, I won’t ever abandon you, but the days of you controlling my life are over.”
Crausin’s eyes darkened with an unspoken threat. “What happens to me after we reach the Emperor’s Majesty?”
“That is up to you,” Comron said evenly, then added, “But I would have you become the self-sacrificing oath brother you’ve always professed to be. Stay on with me and see this through to the end.”
The words had the effect Comron had hoped they would. He could feel Crausin warming to the idea as it fed on his need to belong, to feel that he was an integral part of Comron’s life. But then he felt the dark feelings of jealousy competing for dominance. All the years of dictating the terms of their relationship would not be so easily relinquished.
“If, by some miracle, the girl survives Thalonius’ crucible, what happens then? Do you think I intend to stand by while she pulls you further and further away from me? Do you deem me a complete fool, Comron?”
“This was inevitable!” Comron snapped. “You used this oath to force my exclusive friendship because you never understood that it was possible for me get close to someone else and still remain a true oath brother to you. The two are not mutually exclusive.”
Crausin stared at him and Comron could feel his anger flowing unabated.
“And where will you reside if your Vaush takes the throne?” he asked coolly. “You planning to come back to Nethic while she’s on Novoxos surrounded by a myriad of eager suitors?”
Comron broke away from his gaze. Absently he began twisting his crest ring upon his finger. “Compromise will need to be made on behalf of us all. But I will remain faithful in my duty to Nethic.”
“Nethic doesn’t need your crumbs, Comron,” Crausin said raising his voice. “You’re needed there, fully committed and undivided.”
“You’re her duke, not I,” Comron said defensively. “And Rhence and Gavin can take a larger role in your administration.”
Crausin’s eyes went wide, and his face went a deeper shade of red. “You are the heir to my throne, not them! But you’d cast Nethic off like a dirty, worn-out cloak. Admit it; you don’t give a fuck about me or Nethic!”
“Do you have any idea what I can do for Nethic from Novoxos?” Comron shot back. “Right now, in the eyes of the greater empire, she’s just a dusty old stone, but I’ll make her shine like a gem.”
“You’ll never get the chance because they’ll devour you and spit—”
“Soon I’ll give you a grandson,” Comron railed with balled fists, “and one day, that grandson is going to sit on the imperial throne, so don’t tell me I don’t give a fuck about you or Nethic!”
Yaeger stuck his head in the door. “Gentlemen … we’ve got company.”
CHAPTER 67
Vaush made her way to the hangar bay flanked by Chaiyse and Bhedrus, the Murkudahl contingent who’d given her the essence. It had come to her as no surprise that they were aboard the Emperor’s Majesty, nor their palpable disappointment at learning she hadn’t consumed all of the essence as they had instructed her. Explaining that Comron was dying made no difference, the essence was meant for her alone and they had gone through a great deal of trouble to gain the approval to administer it to her.
Though she understood their frustration, Vaush refused to feel any regret over her decision. She argued that she needed Comron m
ore than she needed the essence to survive the challenges ahead. Aggrieved, they insisted that they see Comron upon his arrival as the impact of the essence on his system was unknown, making the situation volatile and him a potential danger to Vaush.
And now they had received confirmation that the Nethicaen destroyer, the Valiant, had arrived. There had been some difficulty with the crewmen breaching the bridge access tubes in an attempt to retake the ship, but Comron and Yaeger had managed to subdue them and were now ready to relinquish the ship and join the Emperor’s Majesty.
The news that Crausin, the Duke of Nethic, was accompanying him rattled her. This was the same man who’d beaten Comron within an inch of his life and had hunted them like animals. And now suddenly he’d switched sides in support of them? Hardly. What was Comron thinking bringing that man aboard this ship?
When they entered the hangar bay and she saw Comron step off the transport vessel, all thoughts of anger fled from her. Her husband was back from the dead and he looked unbelievable. Her breath caught in her throat. He’d always been a decidedly handsome man, but now he stood in a class of his own. Where there had been flesh gnarled by the acid in Crausin’s whip, there was only pristine, flawless skin that radiated health and vitality. His green eyes were vibrant and rich in color. The grin that tugged at the corner of his mouth was absolutely devastating. His long steady strides exuded confidence and power as they carried him across the bay.
Yes, if ever a man was, this one was born to be a Royal Consort to the Empress.
Unable to contain her emotions, she broke from the Murkudahl and dashed across the bay into Comron’s outstretched arms. Both made sounds of jubilation as they hugged and pelted each other with affectionate kisses.
“My love, once again, you saved me,” Comron repeated, holding her so tight, she could barely breathe. It was wonderful!
She laughed in her euphoria. “Did you really think I’d let you off the hook so easily after you promised me forever?”
He grinned and spun her around before planting a long-awaited kiss firmly on her lips. As he held her body tightly against his and his hands slid down, she heard a low growl from deep inside him letting her know how desperately he wanted her. If she didn’t pull away now, even the audience wouldn’t prevent him from taking her there in the bay.