Adelina wandered the corridors aimlessly, checking the schematics on her simulcast every so often to ensure she didn’t get lost. Joslynn walked in amiable silence beside her. They hadn’t had much opportunity to chat since Joslynn had come to Varan’s warehouse except that small moment before the wedding.

They finally had some time to relax and catch their breath.

Adelina had spent the entire first day of their trip locked in her quarters with Varan after Nadyah had left to seek out Roxy. They stopped only to eat or sleep and it was exactly the wedding holiday Adelina had wanted it to be.

After so many days and nights without sleep she hadn’t woken up until late this morning. It had felt so wrong and luxurious to wake when she felt like it, knowing there was nothing she had to do unless she wanted.

“Are you happy to be headed home?” Adelina asked, attempting some form of chitchat to ease the bit of awkwardness between them. She nodded to two crew members as they walked by. Protocol was loosely instated on her ship. It was preferable that way.

“I am, but I am not pleased with the reason. It worries me to leave Pedranus barren and unprotected.” Joslynn crossed her arms over her chest and glared at nothing in particular.

The female was in a relatively casual dress. It was apparent she hadn’t brought much comfortable clothing, having expected to spend all her time at court.

“It is unfortunate,” Adelina said. “But I hope you will leave with your people to Avvis. You are welcome to stay at the palace if you prefer. It will always be available if you wish it.”

They stopped before another floor to ceiling window. The views of space were absolutely breathtaking. The starships were so fast the stars were mostly a blur, but it was still beautiful to watch them fly by like snow. Occasionally there was a flash of color from various different stars, the planets, and the occasional space dust.

Joslynn tugged on her red hair. It was the only thing she’d let go after they’d left court. The curls draped down her shoulders and back exactly as Roxy’s did. “You have no idea what that means to me. I might actually take you up on your offer. It depends on how Masha has handled her new rule of Avvis. She is so young and inexperienced to be Archduchess.”

Adelina clasped her hands before her, glad to be in her hunting boots and leather pants. Her elegant sweater kept the chill at bay. The climate controlled interior of the ship was worlds apart from the heat she was used to.

“She’s no younger than you were when you became countess. Older even, I’d say,” Adelina reminded her. It was odd how uncomfortable Joslynn was about Masha.

“True. She doesn’t have the benefit of my training though. I doubt anyone thought she would ever rule. Indra only planned to marry her off for the most advantageous alliance.” The glare on Joslynn’s face deepened. “Goddess help me, but I’m glad that female is dead where she can no longer harm anyone. She always was a snake.”

Adelina nodded and turned away from the window to inspect the countess. Joslynn looked a bit off. Her skin wasn’t the same creamy pale it normally was. There was even a greenish tint to it. She breathed in and even Joslynn’s scent was different – deeper somehow.

“You’re pregnant,” Adelina said in Ilashyan, noticing the differences in the countess – the flurry of emotions Joslynn hid so well that her courtesan genes gave her the power to see.

Joslynn’s eyes widened in shock as she turned to Adelina and one hand went to her belly. “How did you know? Is that a royal skill?”

Adelina shrugged one shoulder delicately as she tried to decide how to handle the matter. “Perhaps it’s my mixed genes. Courtesans are incredibly empathetic and perceptive, and as a royal I’m closer to my wolf. I can smell it on you if the other signs weren’t apparent.”

Joslynn nodded and looked out the window again at the streaking white stars. She didn’t smile and she didn’t seem pleased about the situation despite Adelina knowing it was something she’d wanted.

“Is it the war?” Adelina asked, placing a hand on Joslynn’s elbow so they could walk through the starship.

Already Adelina’s protective instincts were kicking in. The current status of their personal relationship didn’t matter. Her wolf demanded she get Joslynn back to their living space and feed her something. Pregnancy was such a delicate time regardless of the advancements in medicine.

“It’s the war, the evacuation, that I didn’t find out until this morning and as such I haven’t even told Sirus. I wasn’t sure I was going to,” Joslynn admitted.

They passed the training room on Adelina’s top floor. There were grunts and smacks as Roxy and Varan trained. He’d been at it all morning. When Adelina had asked he’d said he needed to train Roxy within an inch of her life so she could win the competition. She knew it wasn’t just that, but she left it alone.

Then they were at her personal quarters and Adelina placed her hand on the door as she considered Joslynn’s words.

Her reasons were the very same as Adelina’s. It was why she hadn’t activated her fertility yet despite being the heir. If she did end up with child she couldn’t hide it from Varan or Nadyah. They would instantly know without her having to say a word.

Adelina was about to enter a galaxy no one in Draga had been able to see in far too long. She was about to wage war on the Neprijat and rip them from the Khara throne, hopefully with Nash and Kaita at her side.

She had no doubt in her mind she could be just as vicious and cruel and cunning and violent as she needed to be, even carrying a child – but what would that do to Varan? To Nadyah? They would be too worried about her and that would put them in danger and could risk their lives. Adelina couldn’t afford to stay in her gilded cage, or constantly be easing their concerns when she needed to make an alliance and then shred the Neprijat to pieces.

She pointed to the couch and Joslynn obeyed. Then Adelina went to the food processor set into the wall and selected something full of protein as well as a glass of refreshing water. She brought both to Joslynn and sat next to her, watching until the female started nibbling at the food.

If they were to bridge the chasm that was before them…Adelina knew she had to take a step forward. How would she want a friend to advise her in such a precarious situation?

“You should tell Sirus, but tell him the babe is healthy and there’s nothing for him to worry about because once you’ve settled your people you will be staying at the palace – behind three separate shields. My mother will help you with anything you might need, and the royal physicians are the best in the galaxy.” Adelina tapped her bottom lip with a nail sharper than she realized.

She hissed at the mild pain, but didn’t bother retracting her claws and canines. Ever since the Game of the Wolf she’d been easing her wolf closer and closer to the surface, getting used to it as Veri had instructed before the wedding.

And a female without anyone to protect her in such a vulnerable state aggravated that wolf.

“You don’t think it’s too early to tell him?” Joslynn asked, taking another tentative bite.

Adelina remembered her mother saying how the fried meat was the only food she could keep down those first few weeks she was pregnant with William. Hopefully it didn’t set off Joslynn’s morning sickness.

“Have you had a scan?”

“Yes. I went to the medical ward when I vomited this morning – thinking I was sick. A full body scan showed the recent implantation. It’s healthy and looks like it will stick but I’m not even a week along.” Joslynn set the fried food on the table and drank her water instead. “If I eat anymore I will ruin your pretty outfit.”

Adelina smiled at that. “As long as you eat a little throughout the day. You need to keep up your strength.” She had never known anyone during a pregnancy. It was strange now that she thought of it, but other than the children she met as Lina she didn’t know any. The idea that Joslynn carried life was incredible and precious and filled her with awe. “You’re a warrior in your own way; don’t let anyone treat you like a babe, not even me.”

“Good, because you’re hovering,” Joslynn said, smiling tentatively. “I’m fine other than a few normal symptoms. Now tell me, how was your wedding night?”

Adelina laughed loud enough she covered her mouth with her hand at the unexpected question, glad they spoke in Ilashyan in case Varan wandered into the living room. “It was beyond compare.”

“Even to Nash?” Joslynn asked with a raised brow.

“The two are nothing alike,” Adelina said, her smile dropping. Goddess, she missed the big brute. “It wouldn’t be fair to compare them.”

Joslynn took another sip of water. “I can only imagine. The thief is quite handsome and very – well, attractive. What do you plan to tell Nash if you see him in the Hai Galaxy?”

Adelina ran a hand through her hair, fixing the tangled curls at the bottom. It was so nice to have it down for once. “Varan and I are going to propose to him.” It wouldn’t do to keep it a secret. That was her new policy after all, wasn’t it? Be honest and open whenever she could.

Joslynn actually spit out the water in her mouth, looking up at Adelina in shock while she dabbed at her skirts absently. “Excuse me?”

It was the reaction she’d expected. Adelina eyed Joslynn. “We are going to ask him to be my second husband,” she clarified, though she knew it wasn’t necessary. “Multiple spouses aren’t unusual.”

“No,” Joslynn agreed slowly. “But he is a Corinthian male. It is not common for them to marry multiples.”

Adelina smiled and picked at the fried food. “Yes, it will be a difficult proposition for him I’m sure. The situation on Draga Terra escalated in ways we couldn’t anticipate. He would rather I be wed than dead, but I’m not sure he’ll have anything to do with me any longer.”

It was the one thought that had been niggling at the back of her mind, one she hadn’t been able to dismiss. Nash still didn’t know about her courtesan genes. Their reunion would be interesting to say the least.

Joslynn sighed. “I know we aren’t as close any longer and I only have myself to blame. And because of the repairs I need to make to regain your trust completely – I feel that perhaps I shouldn’t say what’s on my mind, but we can’t move forward if I am not truthful.”

Adelina narrowed her eyes but nodded.

“Nash is not a Kalan, he is not from Draga. He doesn’t have the same dominant or submissive genes that we do. That may or may not work in your favor. You can be as dominant as Raena was. I saw it during that dreadful council meeting. This will work to your benefit with Nash because he may not have a dominance marker, but he does have all the same traits as a dominant Kalan. The test will be between him and Varan. I worry for you and your new husband. The Corinthians are…violent. What if he challenges Varan?” Joslynn chewed on her lower lip and fiddled with her hair. “It is in their nature to be possessive. In his culture they can challenge the spouse. The winner lives and gets the male or female they were fighting for.”

Adelina sighed and went to the food processor. She put in the code for two glasses of her favorite iced tea with milk and some dates. Then she brought both to the couch, setting the tray on the low table. “I believe that’s why Varan is training so hard with Roxy. It’s not just for the thieves’ competition. He is already dominant, but Nash is naturally stronger.”

Joslynn took her hand and squeezed. It was the first time since the Games Adelina felt a spark of their old connection as they both opened up to each other once more.

“Are you going to allow Nash to make the challenge?” the countess asked.

Adelina had already considered the situation and she felt that rage rise up again, nails lengthening, and canines elongating into delicate points. She ran her tongue over them and didn’t bother to hide the slight transformation. This was who she was.

Joslynn turned their clasped hands so she could see the long, black lacquer nails. “May I?”

She nodded warily, unsure what the countess had planned. Joslynn’s hand shook as she reached out, but she didn’t hesitate. One finger ran along the curve of Adelina’s ring finger, up and over the emerald-cut diamond, and then along the claw. She hissed when she felt how sharp it was but didn’t withdraw. She brought Adelina’s hand closer to her face to inspect the way they grew from her natural nail beds – retractable.

“It’s strange to me only the royals can make this full transformation,” Joslynn admitted. “We’re no longer the same feral people we used to be. It makes bloodshed and war so distasteful now that we’ve wrapped this genteel life around us like a spidersilk gown. For generations the strength of the royals was forgotten. I am sorry Adelina, I’m sorry that I didn’t believe.” Joslynn shook her head and released Adelina’s hand with a rueful smile. “I knew there was more to you, but I didn’t think there would be literal teeth and claws.”

She actually laughed at her own small jest and something in Adelina’s chest loosened and she smiled. “It’s not something we talk about much. To show such violent delight got out of hand with my great-grandfather. We were forced to hide it lest we lost our people’s trust, and then as time went on there was no moment to remind our people without cause. The Games have been the only event where the galaxy has seen those small glimpses.” She tapped her nail against her thigh as she remembered the treatises on the slaves they’d once possessed just for blood sport.

Joslynn propped her elbow up on the back of the couch and eyed Adelina. “So the other blood royals, they can as well?” she asked.

Adelina nodded and sipped her tea. “Yes, though it seems they have more control than I do.”

“Or your mixed genetics allows for a more intense physical transformation,” Joslynn speculated. “So, are you going to allow Nash to challenge Varan?”

That rage flickered in her veins once more and Adelina gritted her teeth, feeling the canines prick her lower lip. “Varan is mine. It is my job to protect him. If after a rational explanation to Nash, he still wants to challenge Varan – he will have to go through me first.” Her feral grin felt so right on her face – the lack of her court mask such a freedom. There was no one to whisper and talk about how she was too emotional or eager for violence.

Joslynn grinned. “That would certainly be something to see. I don’t doubt your ability to take him despite the difference in size. You are extremely quick, which was Hayden’s downfall.”

Adelina clicked her nails against the glass. “Yes, that ass certainly deserved it. Now he rots in a cell and I can’t help but think we should put him on the front lines as his punishment.”

There were so many things to consider. Ever since Raena’s death and Giselle’s struggle with the queen’s crown, Adelina had been considering every possible avenue and route, each and every available resource and situation.

It was why P’draic was on the medical floor below them with his own suite of rooms and a project that would occupy his time. If he could crack the Neprijat cloaking tech it would give them an edge in the war.

Giselle’s floundering had pushed Adelina to submit a request for all prisoners to serve their sentences as soldiers on the front lines. Criminals who’ve been committed for murdering or raping children were all put to death. The rapists would be nothing more than fodder with their cock-less selves and Adelina felt a grim satisfaction at that.

She still hadn’t heard back regarding her request and Adelina didn’t expect to. It was part of the reason she’d placed the spycast on Giselle’s shreve. She had access to everything her sister did and it would be nothing to push the order through. It wouldn’t have Giselle’s seal, but Adelina was the Heir now.

Caspian wouldn’t question her order after his folly with the Neprijat tech.

“You’ve already asked for it, haven’t you?” Joslynn finally took a sip of the tea.

Adelina’s wolf felt relieved when Joslynn nibbled at the dates as well. “Of course I have, my sister only thinks of the war. She can plan battles better than I ever could, but it’s the extraneous details she tends to forget. My request pardon’s anyone who survives, but their case will have to be reviewed once the war is over to ensure there have been no war crimes. We will have to wait and see what Caspian says.”

Adelina played with the trinket around her neck that William gave her on her departure. Her sweet brother would be fighting on the border, protecting their people. The criminals should be there as well, paying for their misdeeds in blood – protecting the Draga Galaxy.

Such a small thing, a rosanera petal – not a jasmine – preserved in gold. But it wasn’t. Not when Adelina was known as ‘the Jasmine’ among their people. William recognized her power, dominance, and strangeness, and yet he still loved and cherished her.

“He won’t deny you,” Joslynn reassured. “Not with Giselle needing all the help she can get.”

“Varan has also sent out a summons to every spy, assassin, and rogue in the galaxy,” Adelina admitted. “He’s requested their presence. They are to amass and form their own legion. I’ve written up a pardon for them as well. Anything before our wedding will be forgiven. It will be a new era whether we win this war or not.”

Joslynn shuddered and set the tea down. “For our sake I hope we win.”

Adelina nodded absently and tugged on her necklace.

Her simulcast chirped and she glanced down to see a message from the captain. “We’re entering Pedranus space,” she told Joslynn, gathering her shreve.

“I’m still packed. Only one trunk was brought up.” The countess stood from her seat and disappeared into her room.

Adelina sent out a cast requesting assistance and then stared off into nothing as she considered the next few days.

So many would be in the thick of things and there was nothing she could do to help. It wasn’t prudent to stop their travels and fight on the front lines, not when the potential for another army was within her grasp. Whatever happened in the next few days she would have to ignore it and Adelina wasn’t sure how she would manage.

And something would happen. She wasn’t sure what – but she could feel the violence and expectation in the air, taste the metallic tang on her tongue.

Then there was the issue of crossing into the Hai Galaxy. Varan had a route all planned. He’d mentioned the hope that they wouldn’t be stopped at the border at all. It would be much easier if they weren’t discovered until they were well within the Hai borders.

Servants came and took Joslynn’s trunk. Adelina followed the countess to the lift. She paused by the training room and watched Roxy take Varan down in a move so graceful it was practically dancing, but it was far more brutal and efficient than anything Adelina had ever learned.

“We’re saying farewell,” she said, admiring Varan’s roll to regain control.

He looked up, pinning Roxy to the floor. Deftly he avoided her knee to the groin without even looking and smiled at Adelina. “We’ll wipe down and meet you in the hangar.”

She studied him from head to toe and nodded. Varan looked happy, but there was a strain about his eyes Adelina didn’t like. The potential run in with Nash was bothering him more than he let on.

Joslynn waited at the end of the corridor with the servant and Adelina thanked her. The lift ride to the main hangar was silent. The servant didn’t look comfortable to be in such a small space with the countess and the heir, but Adelina kept her smile pleasant and clasped her hands behind her back to hide the claws.

Then the doors opened and Adelina couldn’t get free fast enough. She waited just outside for Joslynn, still wary someone else might scent what she had. They weren’t the best of friends at the moment, but Adelina would never leave a female with child alone and unprotected.

It wasn’t their way.

The captain appeared before them, exiting another lift. “We will be landing just outside the Pedranus Seat in ten minutes, Princess,” the captain said.

He was a retired royal soldier and had been one of the best during his prime. Adelina was fortunate to have his expertise with her new vessel and Captain Ali had been informed about the starships’ special, custom engines. He was the epitome of confidence in his new position and Adelina was glad she’d been able to help him.

Captain Ali had been one of those lost among the paperwork. They would have to ensure no one else slipped through the cracks again once the war was over. And if they did there had to be recourse. More than half the crewmembers she’d hired were veterans. The state she’d found too many of them in had broken her heart.

There was barely a ruffle as the ships descended through the Pedranus atmosphere. Adelina’s other two ships, the Rose and the Wolf, would stay in space while they waited for the quick drop off.

Adelina watched the proceedings with a strange feeling of detachment. Joslynn seemed excited, but also nervous. It had been weeks since she’d been home last and now she returned under strained circumstances.

Would she ever see the female again? Even if they made it through this war, Joslynn would have to stay on her planet and rule. She would have a child of her own to raise, and a husband who adored her. Would there be room for Adelina in the future? Would Adelina have room for Joslynn?

If she’d learned one thing from the last cycle it was that nothing was ever stagnant. Life changed too quickly and sometimes violently. A cycle ago Adelina would have laughed herself sick if someone had tried to tell her she would end up wedded to the Prince of Thieves.

As if the thought had conjured him, Varan stepped out of the lift with Roxy. Both looked mostly presentable if a bit weary. Adelina smiled at her husband and held out her hand for him which he gladly took.

The ship rumbled as it touched down, but there was no noticeable jarring sensation. “Roxy, your work is extraordinary,” Adelina murmured.

The engines were loud as they idled. The hangar door descended and the smell of sharp grass and rain filled the space. Adelina breathed it in. It was difficult to forget that Pedranus was where she’d learned her father was dying.

But still – the place held a bit of magic that never seemed to disperse.

Colin and an entire army of servants waited at the end of the ramp. Joslynn grinned, but she glanced back at Adelina. A friend would say good-bye. But Adelina was tired of good-byes. She didn’t want that to be her last memory of the countess, not after everything.

She strode across the hangar floor and hugged Joslynn as gently as she could. Then she went back to Varan without a word. There weren’t any words that would suit her needs. Adelina had no way to describe the ache in her chest – how it wasn’t just Joslynn, it was everyone she’d had to say farewell to over the last month.

Nash, her father, even Raena. There was only so much even she could take.

Varan squeezed her hand. “We’ll all make it through this.”

“How can you be so sure?”

He tucked her into his side and Adelina melted into him. She didn’t care if anyone thought it was inappropriate. Varan was the only thing that kept her standing – from spiraling out of control.

“Because I’m confident in you,” he whispered into her ear. “Without you none of this would exist. Adelina, I know you will get us through this with that wonderful mind of yours. And I will do everything in my power to assist you.”

She tightened her grip on his waist and Varan didn’t seem to mind the slight prick of her claws. Adelina may not be as confident in herself as he, but she did agree that with his help she could accomplish anything. They were the perfect partnership and always had been.

“Are you ready to meet the Drakesthai?” she asked.

Varan grinned. “I’ve been looking forward to the pleasure for quite some time now. Join me in the mess hall for dinner?”

Adelina nodded and allowed him to lead her out of the hangar as the ramp closed and the engines roared to full power once more. Three more days and she would be in uncharted territory.

Ladra help them all.