Chapter Twelve

  Shandar

  “We have word that war ships have reached the outer ring of Cenzan,” Kalek said as he flanked Shandar’s side, keeping his voice low.

  I folded my arms, absorbing the news. We were on the bridge, within thirty minutes of breaking the Earth’s atmosphere. I’d heard Fiona’s comments when she was alone with Braga, had already felt her remaining fear. My mind was heavy, weighted from the decisions I was required to make. The same jealousy remained, my desire to keep her as my own fervent, but I was also happy she’d succumbed to the men I trusted. “Sanzarkans?”

  “Mostly, but they picked up some hired guns, no doubt marauders from several other planets. Our Airtaks battleships are outnumbered but have prepared for battle.”

  “And the status of the other ships?”

  “They are hovering, as if waiting for a decision. Maybe for our attack on Earth.”

  I slowly turned my head. “We are not attacking Earth in any measure. If we enter the atmosphere and are fired upon, use every counter measure but they are not to be destroyed. Make certain the others in the fleet understand this.” I expected my warlord to defy my statement, to argue and give me a reason that we should.

  Kalek gripped my shoulder. “Good to hear, Captain. I will communicate your orders. Zatar is demanding that you release him, as well as the other council members he brought.”

  The Imperial leader had believed that by bringing the entire council with him, as well as hundreds of the more prominent citizens of Cenzan that he could bully his way into controlling my ships as well as the invasion on Earth. He’d been dead wrong. “Tell him a cold day in hell will occur first.”

  “Captain?” Kalek asked, a grin on his face.

  “An American expression. Tell him I will deal with him when I am ready. Make certain Killer and the other humans keep them under control.” Wasn’t that irony? I allowed a slight chuckle, shared by Kalek.

  “Will do, Captain. What else do you want me to do to help our people?”

  “There is nothing we can do. Even if we were close, we are not going to abort our mission.”

  “Then the ships could be destroyed, Cenzan overtaken. Thousands will die.” I heard the catch in his voice, the strain.

  I inhaled and held the breath. When I expelled, I turned to face him, keeping my voice as low as possible. “You are my first officer, my right hand. If what I believe about my father, our king, is true, we will need to alter our mission. I will know soon enough. Have Braga prepare our security team. Bring the ships to the outer edge of the atmosphere and wait for further instructions. If you detect any sign of opposition, let me know.”

  Kalek took a step back, his eyes shifting back and forth, searching. A smile crossed his face and he stood to his full height. “Yes, sir. We will be ready for your command.”

  I nodded, gave the other lieutenants a look of respect and walked off the bridge, finding Fiona in her quarters, standing quietly. She sensed my presence, tipping her head.

  “Is it time?” she asked, almost breathless.

  “For?” I moved closer, placing my hands on her shoulders.

  She placed both her hands on mine. I could see her pensive face in the reflection, her tired eyes as if she’d been crying for hours. “What you came here to do.”

  Taking one hand into mine, I pulled her around to face me. “Come to my quarters with me.”

  “Why? I can see where we are. I know what you’re poised to do. I’m no fool, Shandar. I promised you my submission, even my love, but I don’t have to watch you destroying my planet.”

  Kissing her hand, I tried to find the right words to say. “Please, come to my quarters. I asked you earlier to trust me and I make that request again.”

  Hesitating, her brow remained furrowed. “As you command.”

  The same obstinate and feisty woman. The very one I adored with all my being. I led her to my quarters, finding a secure line before attempting to communicate with my father. Seeing his face, I knew I was right. Gone were his worry lines, the shadows under his eyes. He had a look of peace, one of sublime resignation. “King Drateq.”

  “Prince Shandar.” His eyes caught sight of Fiona and he leaned closer. “Fiona Dupree.”

  “King,” she responded, keeping her fingers in mine.

  “She is lovely, my son. Have you performed the mating ceremony?”

  “We have, along with Braga Maak and Kalek Zanton, as you know, two of my finest officers.” I hated the formality, wanted nothing more than to sit and talk with my father face to face, discussing things like when I was a boy. Before I’d thwarted his teachings as well as my requirements.

  “You’ve chosen well. I know their families. Such a tragedy with Kalek’s sister. I suspect Zatar had something to do with that. Information you should keep in mind.”

  Rage grabbed my mind. Zatar would pay for his crimes against his own people. “Thank you for that, Father.”

  “Fiona, you remind me of Shandar’s mother. She was just as beautiful as you and for some reason, she adored me.” My father laughed, the sound to me full of sadness.

  “Thank you. I have so many questions to ask you,” Fiona said then offered a smile. “I know. Not my place.”

  “If we had time, child, you could ask me anything. Unfortunately, the warships have arrived, just as I knew they would,” the king half whispered, looking in another direction as if the attack was imminent.

  “What are you going to do, Father?” I wanted Fiona to hear the answer directly from the king of Cenzan, the man I most respected.

  “I believe you know, son. I’m going to destroy our planet instead of those bastards getting the opportunity to take our precious minerals.”

  Fiona gasped, her hand moving to my arm. “Why?”

  “Because, my child, there is little left but barren waste. There is no life, no future, only darkness. Our planet is dying anyway, but in its death could mean the destruction of so many others. I cannot and will not allow that to happen.” King Drateq moved to a standing position, adjusting the telescan.

  “And the other ships, the ones you sent before the Sanzarkans invaded our outer ring?” I held my breath, waiting for the answer.

  My father’s eyes twinkled. “You were always such an intelligent boy, much more so than any other children. I know why. Your mother. Yes, I sent everyone who remained alive toward Earth, including several human prisoners.”

  Fiona shuddered against me, her nails digging into my skin.

  “I will make certain they are well taken care of.”

  “As I knew you would, son. The ships are now out of harm’s way in order for you to make one of the most difficult decisions of your life.”

  “What is going to happen?” Fiona asked, darting a look in my direction.

  “First, I brought you here to say goodbye to my father. He is remaining on the planet.” I blinked several times, cognizant of the tears slipping from my eyes. “I also wanted you both to hear that there while we do plan in invading Earth, there will no imprisonments, no forced labor camps. We are hoping to live together, developing mutual trust and eventually friendships.”

  “I don’t know what to say,” she whispered. “I’m not certain how that will go over. I mean…” She huffed then broke into a grin, a nervous laugh pushing past her lips. “I will help you. I have no clue what I’m doing, but we will get through to the government.”

  “We will tell them the truth.” I had no concept of what my father would say. He hadn’t raised a traitor or a fool, but he knew how much I cared about the Cenzan people.

  “I had a feeling what you would do, my son. I’m very proud of you. I’m certain your mother would be as well.” His eyes were twinkling, as if there was more to tell. “I steered you away from Earth for a reason. I was testing your abilities and loyalty as well as my fear that what your mother shared with me would be tainted. But memories of her helped me realize that Earth is the only place for our people. I also knew the will of Zatar. He is not a good man, but I have never been a fool. I’ve had certain plans in motion for a very long time, allowing him to believe that this was his choice.”

  “He is behind bars, Father. Where he belongs. He will be tried in the Cenzan method and will never leave this ship.” I kept my voice even, trying to hide the emotion, the anger building. I didn’t want him to die, yet in his dying, so many could live.

  “An intelligent leader. Always follow your heart, son. Being half human will bode you well now. You will find the words in order to save our people, providing them with a new life. You were always meant to be king, my son and I know in my heart that I am doing the right thing. I also know that our people will live a better life, full of happiness and hopefully, the kind of love your mother and I were lucky enough to have for far too short of a time.” He attempted another smile, the light in his eyes fading. “The kind I know you and Fiona will share.”

  I was unable to stop the tears, the understanding that I would never see him again a crushing blow. “I… I don’t know what to say, Father.”

  “There is little time left. The ships have breached the Cenzan ring. I must go. The only people who knew my plan were the commanders of our warships. They have been instructed to keep the Sanzarkans from the other ships at all costs. If there is anyone left after the battle, they will come to your aid as necessary.” King Drateq leaned in closer. “I know little of love, my son, except for what your mother taught me. Her name was Sabrina. Never forget that she loved you with all her heart.”

  “I will never forget, and our people will live on. With my last dying breath, I will see to it that they thrive, finding joy and happiness.” Placing my fist on my heart, I gave him a royal salute, proud to be a Cenzan.

  “My son. Fiona. Goodbye.”

  The communication was broken, and I dropped my hands to the table, gasping for air.

  “He loves you very much,” Fiona whispered as she held me, her arm wrapped around my waist.

  “As I loved him.”

  “Be proud of him as well.”

  I gave her a kiss, my eyes drawn to planet Earth. “I am very proud of my father, as well as my heritage. This is going to be a difficult and long road, but with you by my side, we will get through this.”

  “Yes, we will. At least the Americans will listen. They are good people. They will learn that you are as well.”

  There would be no bright light that I could see as my planet was obliterated, no screams of my people in losing the only world they knew as their home. A trust would be placed, not only on my shoulders but on certain humans who’d been taught to be afraid. I knew it would take years, decades before we could live in peace and there would be many who would die in the process on both sides. The right to live was well worth the fight and as long as I lived, for as long as I remained the king of the Cenzan people, I would honor my father’s wishes.

  “I need to address our people as well as Earth. This will be the most difficult thing I’ve ever done in my life.”

  She rubbed my face, brushing the tips of her fingers across my skin. “You will be a wonderful king.”

  We remained quiet on our walk back to the bridge. I was unsure of the words, the way to address what was about to occur, but I could hear the words of my father lingering in my mind.

  “Captain Drateq, there are hundreds of ships moving in our direction, Cenzan ships.” The lieutenant pointed to his command station. “It seems every passenger ship we had is headed toward us.”

  At least the ships could self-maintain for months if necessary while I was negotiating with Earth.

  “And Captain Drateq, Cenzan is gone. It’s just… Gone,” one of the lieutenants said as he rose to a standing position.

  “You will address him as King Drateq,” Kalek commanded, moving closer. I could see admiration as well as pain in his eyes.

  Braga flanked his side, a knowing look turning into a nod of respect.

  “I am merely captain of this ship as well as the others. In order for me to become your king, I must earn your respect. King Drateq gave his final command, in order to keep our valuable assets out of enemy hands. He is a hero. He also sent our men, women, and children to safety before he made the ultimate sacrifice. They will be frightened, uncertain of what to expect. I will need all of you by my side.” I said the words in a perfunctory manner before turning my full attention to Kalek and Braga. “Braga, please open the telescans for every ship as well as planet Earth. I need to address everyone, providing some information and make a request.”

  “Yes, sir,” Braga said.

  I studied the Earth, the beautiful colors that I’d enjoyed getting to know and thought about the future. And I thought about my mother. I knew in my heart that wherever her soul had flown, she was watching, and she was indeed very proud.

  “We’re ready,” Braga said minutes later, pointing to the main screen.

  I stood with my arms at my sides, sensing Fiona was there in spirit as well as with love in her heart. Whatever would happen in the course of the next few weeks would change the future, but I was looking forward to the endeavor.

  “Fellow Cenzans and people of Earth, I am King Drateq of the Federation of Cenzans, a planet in a distant galaxy. I am here to address you to ask not only for your forgiveness but also requesting asylum on your planet. We come in peace.”

  Almost thirty minutes later, I’d retreated to my quarters, knowing that within the hour I would hear from leaders on Earth. I had no way of knowing whether the plea had been well received in any manner, but I was certainly prepared for the outcome, our ships ready for any attack. I only hoped that I wouldn’t be forced to show a sign of force.

  “What are you thinking?” Fiona asked quietly as she handed me a glass of my favorite wine. I wasn’t surprised she remembered. There was little that she’d observed she hadn’t remembered.

  “That my father would have loved Earth.”

  “He was there.”

  “I’m not certain what you mean. I thought maybe so, but he wasn’t that kind of man. He believed in right versus wrong. I never gave him enough credit.”

  “Then how did he meet your mother?”

  I thought about the question and at this point, I’d assumed that she’d been kidnapped from Earth during the initial raid. “On our planet. We abducted so many humans.”

  “Did you ever see them?”

  I snorted. “Only my mother.”

  “Then you’re wrong. Your father was on Earth but if he’d been with the original group, wouldn’t he have lost his life to the gas?”

  “Yes, I would believe so.” I had no idea what she was getting at.

  “However, he was on Earth at some point.” She gave me a mischievous look.

  “What do you mean?”

  She smiled as she took a sip of her wine. “Didn’t you notice the picture behind your father when he was talking?”

  “Picture?”

  “Yes. On Earth we take photographs of special events to capture happy times, joy. Two people together? Special locations?”

  “Ah. We use our telescans.” I took a sip of wine, savoring the flavor before darting a glance in her direction. “I didn’t notice. What was the picture?”

  “Your mother and father and the old-fashioned photograph was definitely taken on Earth. She was very young, but so was your father. He was on Earth before you were born.”

  I thought about the comment, her brilliant observations and had to smile. “I knew my father was conniving in many ways.”

  “He loved her. That was apparent.”

  “Yes, he did.” I noticed the light flashing and finished my wine before waving my hand. My heart was still heavy, but I wanted to work through this more than I could have ever imagined. “I believe we are being summoned.”

  Kalek walked in and in his hands was an ornate box. “There are various telescan calls waiting for you. The Prime Minister of Israel, the British Parliament, and the President of the United States.”

  “Our work is beginning.” I placed my glass on the table, taking one last look at Earth, prepared for my duties.

  “There is one thing that I’m required to give you,” Kalek said as he approached, holding out the box.

  “What is this?”

  “Your father gave this to me, asked that I only provide if his life ended. I am honoring his request.” Kalek smiled, yet his face was ashen. “I know I shouldn’t have kept it from you, but he commanded and I…”

  “It’s all right, Kalek. My father was formidable. By the way, you were right about your sister. She was sadly murdered, but I promise you, we will bring justice to her death.”

  Kalek’s mouth dropped open, one fist clenching. “Your father told you?”

  “Just before his death.”

  “He was an honorable man.”

  Just as I hoped to be. I stared at the box for several seconds before finding the courage to take it from his hand. The box was old-fashioned, covered in jewels, rare wood surrounding the sides. Only the most precious items were kept in boxes of this nature. As I opened the lid, I gathered a scent of perfume. A rush of memories flooded in. The perfume was the type my mother used to wear. I remembered the scent filled my nostrils at night when she put me to sleep.

  “What is it?” Fiona asked, her lower lip quivering.

  I pulled a folded letter, paper, which was nonexistent on our planet, into my hand. Underneath was a necklace, what appeared to be a locket. “My mother’s. She’d worn it every day. I remember I used to wrap it around my fingers.” My hands were shaking as I opened the paper, blinking in order to focus. The handwriting was not my father’s, the ink faded somewhat but still readable and as I held the paper in front of me, I was in shock.

  “My dearest son. Words cannot express how much I miss you and how much I love you.” I was unable to read the remainder out loud and when I finished, there was no hiding the tears, the emotions that surged through every muscle, wrapping around my heart.

  “What’s wrong?” Fiona took careful steps closer. “Is that from your father?”

  “My mother.” I looked up, glancing from Fiona to Kalek. “My mother is alive. And she’s on Earth.”