No one had sent her a cast warning her of the new arrival time. She hadn’t even noticed when they went through the shield gate. Adelina gritted her teeth and activated a new search and download on her simulcast as well as her shreve while the lift took them up to Command.

Varan stayed close and it helped settle some of her anger and nerves. Part of her worried they would be denied access to the Hai Galaxy, and another part wondered if they’d have to fight their way to the core of Hai. Because Adelina wouldn’t give up without a fight, not after everything she’d done to get to where she was.

With the download started she tucked the devices away and looked ahead, ignoring the others. Adelina wanted Nadyah’s look of reassurance but she couldn’t afford to look unsure in front of Delphine. She could no longer be weak, not when she had to keep fifteen thousand people alive on her ships and still get aid for the Draga Galaxy.

“Captain Ali, why was I not informed when we were close to the border, let alone when we crossed it?” she demanded the second the lift doors opened.

She released Varan and stalked over to the male she’d hired, glaring. The ship before them was like nothing she’d ever seen before, but it matched the descriptions of Hai starships. At the very least it didn’t seem they were going to be blown out of the sky. If that was the intention they would have done so already.

That old anxiety rose up to choke her but Adelina shoved it down hard. This was something she had to do. She’d known this would be difficult for her, holding the leash of thousands, making the ultimate decisions, but the more she let her dominance rise the easier it became. What it didn’t do was ease a lifetime of nervous fear of the unknown. Somehow she’d have to learn.

“My apologies, Princess. I didn’t want to disturb you while you were with the Captain Delphine.” The older male glanced at the purple-haired pirate and then let his eyes rest on Adelina’s collarbone. He was dominant and in charge of his crew, but she could see the sweat on his brow as her dark jasmine scent filled the room.

He feared her claws and rage.

“And have they sent a transmission?” Adelina crossed her arms over her chest and stepped down onto the main floor so she could get a better look through the viewer. The ships were so strange, built like some kind of bird. The wings were sharp and vicious though. There was no doubt they could slice through their ship with ease if they didn’t have their shield up.

“Yes, Princess, but no one here can speak the Drakesthai tongue.”

Adelina knew this was her moment. This was why she’d insisted she had to be the one to travel to the dragons. She clasped her hands behind her back as she’d seen Giselle do and lifted her chin. “Patch them through.”

The air of fear and apprenhsion was thick in the room. Command was full of it and the smell rankled, but Adelina ignored it, taking a deep breath to settle her own nerves. She’d trained for this. She was strong and capable. Nothing could stop her.

The vid transmission popped up and Adelina said nothing as she took in the three, massive, winged males before her. She’d read about their extra appendages – the side effect to their genetic engineering. Large, massive wings in jet black with a glittering shine in various colors. The apex of each wing ended in a deadly talon over each shoulder and then reached nearly to the ground, fully capable of bearing each male in flight.

They were a glorious sight to behold and Adelina tried to recall everything she’d ever learned about the Drakesthai and their customs. It seemed per the sigil on the middle one’s military uniform he was a prince, the other two were lower in rank.

Adelina dipped her head in a slight bow, acknowledging their equal rank as she didn’t know his level of dominance. But she said nothing. He had hailed her. She would wait for an explanation before possibly digging her own grave.

The tension on Command rose exponentially as the silence stretched. A few of the crew even had their mouths open in wonder and awe as they stared at the fierce warriors.

The dragon prince smiled slightly but it was fleeting. “I am Prince Kaiden of House Skye. We have been waiting for you.”

The Drakesthai tongue was strange to hear in its natural state, the accent was a bit different than the one Adelina had learned, but she could still understand him. “It’s a pleasure to meet you Prince Kaiden. I am Princess Adelina of Draga. Heir to the Draga Galaxy. Why have you been waiting for me?” The words were a strange mix of harsh consonants and lyrical syllables that made the mouth twist. It was a melody of sound that made her want to speak only Drakesthai.

Her accent made him smile again and she felt a flutter in her belly. Everything about Prince Kaiden was strange to her. His brown skin so different from her golden tan, the blacker-than-night wings with an iridescent sheen of royal blue in the light, and then his height and breadth was astonishing. Adelina guessed he was larger than Nash, but she didn’t think he was overly aggressive or dominant. Rather…a calming balm to ease tensions.

Her muscles relaxed and she smiled back. “I would still like to know why you’ve been waiting for me when we haven’t sent word.”

Kaiden ducked his head in deference to her and she noticed his eyes were the same blue as the sheen on his wings. Those massive, gorgeous appendages rustled as he tucked them in tighter to his body. He was definitely not more dominant than she. “Prince Nash has been on our capitol Hai Delta trying to convince our Council to aid in the war. He warned us of your impending arrival. We are here to escort you safely to Hai Delta.”

Adelina knew no one else could understand what was being said. She glanced at Varan and then Delphine, the two most dominant in Command other than her. Then she looked to Roxy. Varan was the only one who seemed to have any sense left. “Nash sent us a greeting party, Prince,” she said, choosing her words carefully in case the dragons could understand her.

“Friendly?” he asked, taking a step closer to her.

“Thus far.” She switched back to Drakesthai. “And what is the intent of your escort? To imprison me?”

Delphine subtly pulled out her simulcast and Adelina angled her body to hide what the pirate captain was up to. She gave a small hand signal behind her back to Captain Ali to warn him just in case.

Prince Kaiden bowed low. “No Princess, we are here because the Council wants to hear what you have to say. Prince Nash has told us a little of your plans and the war. We’ve managed to keep the Neprijat in the dark thus far, but without an escort we fear they will discover you. The journey will take only a few hours.”

Adelina felt such relief her legs felt weak and unsteady, but she kept the emotion from her face and nodded at the prince. “Can you speak Dragan?” she asked.

There was a Common tongue, but no one had used it in generations. Not when trade had been restricted to Khara and Brogna after the first attack from the Neprijat during King Beo’s reign. The only reason she was able to speak Drakesthai at all was those old texts and teachers from before the borders were closed.

“We can,” Prince Kaiden said in Dragan as he straightened, eyeing what he could see of her. “We treasure many things, but information above all.” His accent was husky and soft. The words seemed to roll off his tongue.

“My kind of bloke,” Varan muttered.

Adelina cut him a look but then turned back to the dragon prince. He was incredibly handsome and those strange blue eyes looked stunning against his deliciously browned skin. She had to remind herself this was a political situation. Just because one of them seemed to like her, and if she were honest with herself she liked him as well, it didn’t mean things on Hai Delta would go smoothly.

“Then please, lead the way,” Adelina said, tilting her head ever so slightly at Kaiden. “I look forward to discussing our options with your Council.”

Prince Kaiden bowed again and then turned, those magnificent wings flaring out as he did so right before the vid transmission cut off.

“We are powering up all engines,” the captain informed her. “Full speed ahead.”

“I should head back to my ship,” Delphine stated, the color completely drained from her face.

Adelina smiled warmly at her over her shoulder. “I request your presence until we reach the capitol,” she said, feeling a canine prick her lip. “I wouldn’t want you to get lost along the way.”

Delphine’s face closed off and she crossed her arms over her chest, her two shipmates stepping closer to her. “I doubt I’d get lost, Princess. I’ve been traversing these stars for cycles. I am loyal to you above all others.”

Adelina glanced at the pirate captain. Maybe she was. “Swear it. We are entering unfamiliar territory and I need those who are loyal without question close to me.”

“I swear on my blood, Princess.”

The pirate may be a thief, murderer, and the goddess knew what else, but Adelina could trust her, she knew it deep in her bones. “I accept your oath. Please if you feel the need, send your first mate back to your ship, but I would like your counsel.”

Delphine nodded and the two males left with a crew member back to the lift.

Adelina stayed on Command, watching as they followed the route the Hai ship led them through. A few hours he’d said. Their engines were at full power and she wondered if the Hai ships were faster, more powerful than even the Kharan ships with their fancy tech.

“Lina,” Varan whispered, coming closer, his breath against her ear. Goddess, what would she do without him? He gave her such strength and courage. “The download has completed and you need to see it.”

Without question she went to her console and pulled up the downloads from the livestream and everything Asher had sent her. A battle raged before her and she could barely stomach the sights but she made herself watch it.

She watched as Scyria was nearly decimated; as pirates attacked evacuees, and privateers were able to rescue some of them thank the Three-Faced Goddess. The armies led by Asher, Veri, and Sirus did the best as Priea and Scyria have always fought for their lives and others.

But the royal forces were out of practice, unable to do much against the Neprijat. At least they’d been able to take out most of the pirates along with the privateers. But they were messy and lost many. Adelina’s eyes stayed dry as she took it all in, absorbing the intel and mulling it over.

When the vids ended Adelina had to close her eyes for a moment. The death reports were still coming together so they didn’t know the full extent of their losses just yet, but it seemed the shield made no difference when the monsters were already within their borders.

Asher’s face popped up and she noticed it was a live message. They weren’t as far from each other as she’d first thought. Whatever tech the Drakesthai had they were allowing her this message. And probably listening in.

“Prince Asher,” Adelina said, warning him with her formal words. “It is a pleasure to see you, brother.”

“Did you get the updates?” Asher demanded. That glare was back on his face. Whatever happiness he’d enjoyed with Veri had taken a back seat to the gruesome war.

“I did.”

“Elle is devastated and unstable.” More code. Asher didn’t want anyone knowing he spoke of their queen.

She considered her brother’s words, too many thoughts swirled for her to settle on one. “What does our queen plan next?”

“The queen believes it is best to remain defensive. She’s even considering abandoning the outer rim and pulling our forces back to the inner shield now that the evacuations are mostly complete.”

The silence on Command as they all took that in was deafening.

Adelina could see the worry and fear in her brother’s eyes. If they gave up the outer rim how soon until they were all the way back to Draga Terra? Giselle’s word as queen was now law. Her fear and indecision could cost them the war.

What could Adelina possibly do to help from her current position?

“And what did you advise?” she asked, sitting back on her console chair as plans whizzed through her head.

“I advised we hold the line.”

“And the queen?”

“We are still waiting for word from the core’s shield,” Asher stated, his frown deepening as he crossed his arms over his chest.

She nodded. All was not lost then. “My plan is still to head for Draga’s border once business here is conducted. I am currently in the Hai Galaxy with a Drakesthai escort to the capitol. It seems Prince Nash has kindly paved the way for me.”

Asher’s frown eased at that news. Adelina knew him well enough to be able to see the shadow of hope deep in his eyes. “Congratulations sister, you are the first of us to see the Drakesthai in more than a hundred cycles.”

Adelina let a small smile play at her lips. Yes, she was, and it would do to remember that. She was strong and determined. Adelina would not fail her people. “I will be uploading a vid to the livestream soon, most likely at the end of my day. Our people will know not all is lost. Please inform the queen of the new developments as well?”

Asher dipped his head ever so slightly in a bow, deferring to her for the first time in their lives. She’d always had a bit more rank than him, but his dominance had always overshadowed hers. Now…now her dark brother saw her as equal in dominance, recognizing her higher rank on top of that made her more powerful than him for the first time ever.

Somehow Adelina kept the shock from her face, but the others on Command could not.

“I will tell Queen Giselle of your progress. And I will send another update tomorrow, live if at all possible. We will stay on the border until I receive word from you. May your hunt end in blood and victory.”

“May yours as well, brother.”

The vid chat ended and Adelina drummed her fingers on the console as she thought, the stars streaking past them. If Giselle pulled all the forces back Adelina would have to go to the border without backup. She would have to start the search and destroy mission from scratch. Perhaps once their space was safe again she could convince Giselle an attack was necessary.

Adelina sighed. Her sister was the warrior, the brave one. Why was she so afraid now? Was she frightened of failure? It would make sense as everyone in Draga now depended on her. Giselle didn’t like such responsibility and never had. A fight? That was fine. But a war perhaps was too much.

Though with General Tamika’s help she should have plenty of sound advice, so why was she running scared with her tail tucked between her legs?

“My love,” Varan whispered, placing a warm hand on her shoulder. “I’m going to train a bit before we arrive.”

Adelina didn’t even look up at him, so lost in her own mind, the plots and strategies… “I understand your reasoning, husband, but I would suggest you keep it to a light workout. Limber up and stretch, warm up your muscles. Nothing more.”

“Lina…” he protested.

Then she stared up into those emerald green eyes of his. Adelina flexed her newfound dominance. “That’s an order, Prince.”

Varan’s nostrils flared in annoyance, but he bowed before leaving Command, taking Roxy with him. His adopted sister nodded to her. She would keep Varan from overworking himself.

His feelings may be hurt that she pulled rank, but Adelina refused to let him train until he was exhausted. He could hurt himself or worse, be too worn out to hold up against Nash. And she knew he was stronger than the Corinthian now. Varan deserved to find that out for himself and not cripple his chances.

She loved him so, but Adelina also considered her reaction to the Drakesthai prince. There was a connection she had with him she didn’t quite understand. Kaiden answered a question she didn’t know she had. What that question was though Adelina was still figuring out.

“Princess, would you like me to find something for you to wear to the Council meeting?” Nadyah asked, keeping her eyes on the floor.

Adelina looked to her friend and lover and realized she’d stayed at the top of the dominance spectrum. It was almost effortless now and she eased up a bit so the others on Command could breathe a bit easier.

Then she looked to the pirate captain. Delphine arched a brow and crossed her arms over her chest. The female was resplendent in her coat and leather trousers. The boots though were truly wondrous with their buckles all the way to her knees.

“Do I happen to have a coat like hers?” she asked, inclining her head towards Delphine.

It looked a lot like the one Varan favored, but cinched at the waist to show how small it was. The fabric flared out at the hips and went to her knees. The sharp lines and long sleeves suited Delphine so well Adelina felt the way it gave the captain that extra boost in confidence.

Nadyah smiled. “I believe your husband actually put such a thing in your wardrobe request.” Her courtesan studied the pirate for a moment and then Adelina. “I know what you need. When you are ready come to the living quarters.”

Then it was just Delphine and Adelina while the crew worked. She held out her hand for the captain and Delphine hesitated before she placed her hand in Adelina’s. She pulled the female closer and tugged her down.

“When we arrive on Hai Delta I want you to stay with your ship, monitor the area, patrol, and gather whatever intel you can. Send your little sparrows and spies to gather whatever seeds are out there. No stealing, and no killing. I’ve no idea what the updated laws in Hai are. I will ensure to pay you all for your time. Worst case scenario you will evacuate and go straight to Asher. Do you understand me?”

Delphine nodded. “I do, but I won’t leave you, Princess. I swore an oath.”

“If me or my people can’t make it to the Ravager, leave without us. It is more important Asher stays apprised.”

When the captain agreed, Adelina felt more settled. If something did go south she didn’t think the Drakesthai would just let her leave. It would not be a simple thing to escape with her three ships. But a pirate ship would be familiar with disappearing. And Asher would know to make war plans without her or any aid she’d claimed to bring.

With everything taken care of she sat back and watched the stars once more.

Nash was on Hai Delta.

He was alive and well.

Soon she would see him and even though it hadn’t been more than a few weeks, the time apart felt like an eternity. So much had happened, so very much.

Adelina tried to sort through her raging emotions and decide what it was she planned to do about the usurped prince. She still loved him, loved him more than she thought possible, but Nash had always been wild and unpredictable. Their differences in culture caused problems and she knew it would be difficult for him when he found out about Varan.

She would have to explain about her courtesan genes, about Varan’s willingness to share so she could be who she truly was…

And there was a large possibility that once she told Nash about her true genetics he would want nothing to do with her. Her heart would break and Adelina had no inkling what would happen then. She’d keep their alliance of course…

“Princess?” Delphine asked, cutting into her thoughts. “Do you think the Drakesthai are truly here to assist us after scorning us for so many cycles?”

“Perhaps. We don’t know what life has been like for them, their politics, laws, ruling, and then the Neprijat took over…we know nothing relevant about them. There is a large chance this is all a mistake and they’ll throw me in a dungeon, but I’m willing to take that chance. Please, come with me.”

Adelina nodded to the captain and left Command for her living quarters. Per the report on her console they would reach Hai Delta shortly and she wanted to be prepared. She needed her version of armor.

Delphine watched everything with an experienced eye. And Adelina eyed the female pirate. There was so much she wanted to ask her, but they didn’t have the luxury of time for her passing curiosity. Adelina trusted her instincts regarding Delphine. They hadn’t steered her wrong yet, and something about sitting at the dominant end of the spectrum helped her trust them.

She didn’t question herself anymore and it was such a profound relief.

But she still questioned everything else.

They were silent as the lift doors opened onto her floor and Adelina led the pirate to her door, passing the training room where Varan was indeed stretching instead of working himself to death.

When she entered the living space with Delphine she didn’t hesitate. Her door was open and she could hear Nadyah rustling about in her closet. While she adored the jacket Varan had picked out, she wanted something a bit fiercer, yet regal for her reunion with Nash. Something that would show him she wasn’t the same princess he’d left on Draga Terra. She needed him to see her new strength.

While she loved Nash, Adelina was prepared to protect Varan, and she would do whatever necessary to keep her husband alive.

“Nadyah, tell me you’ve found something,” she said as she went into her room, letting a bit of her anxiety come through in her voice now that she was in her private, safe space.

Adelina didn’t want Delphine to be just an ally. She wanted her to be a friend as well, perhaps join her inner circle one day.

Nadyah came out of the closet with a grin on her face. “I knew we packed this,” she said, laying the piece out on the bed with care.

Adelina eyed the black coat. It was definitely something she’d never seen before. “Varan had this made?” she asked.

Nadyah nodded. “He added it to the list when I shared all the plans with him.” She caressed a sleeve and then flipped it over. “What do you think?”

It was darkest velvet, so black and inky one could get lost in the darkness. Adelina felt the fabric and smiled. It was rather simple except for the Draga crest embroidered on the back to match her new golden mark. The howling wolf and the rosanera glittered in gold thread. More intricate gold embroidery lined the bottom of the coat in sworls and curlicues, as well as the cuffs on the sleeves.

Adelina took off her jacket and slipped the coat on. It was heavy yet comfortable and brushed the floor with its luxurious length. “This is perfect.”

“Here, take it off for a moment,” Nadyah instructed. Then she handed it to Delphine with that way of hers. She already knew Adelina’s plans for the pirate without her having to say a word. “Put this on under that lace top, and this over it.” Then her courtesan disappeared back into the closet.

Adelina stripped without a second thought and admired Delphine’s blush from the corner of her eye. Nadyah had selected a plunging lace bra as well as an underbust corset. She grinned when she realized what her lover had planned. The bra was a deep ‘V’ that blended with the lace shirt she put back on. It did cover her breasts enough that no one would feel the need to ogle. The black corset went over the shirt, enhancing her small waist.

Then Delphine helped her put the coat back on and Adelina turned to the mirror to see the end result.

The gold buttons glittered and the entire outfit demanded one to sit up and pay attention. The gold jasmine vine tattooed on her skin was still visible through the lace, just above the small corset. The coat was open and framed her nicely with the cuffs ending right at her wrists, hiding her bracelet, but bringing attention to her wedding ring and diamond as well as the gold seal on her right palm.

Then Nadyah reappeared with a queen’s ransom in her hands. The gold torque necklace went around her throat to offset the high-necked lace shirt. Then she placed Adelina’s coming-of-age crown on her head. “To remind the dragons and Nash who you are.” Then she placed the new signet ring on Adelina’s left pointer finger. “And this is to remind them you are the heir.”

Nadyah fussed, fluffing her curls and then stepped back.

“Something is missing,” Delphine said, hands on her hips.

“Ah!” Nadyah disappeared once again and then brought out a pair of boots Adelina didn’t remember purchasing. “This was a gift from me, but I never had the chance to give it to you. Thank you for bringing me into your life, lover.”

Adelina took the boots that were close to what she wore when sneaking out of the palace, but somehow appropriate for a princess to wear. Nadyah kissed her cheek and she stared at her courtesan in wonder. The boots were knee-high, darkest black, and multiple buckles went from the ankle to just below the knee. Not only that, they were wedged heels that would add height to her small frame, yet still stable enough she could move quickly if need be.

Delphine grinned. “That’s exactly what was missing. Here, let me help.”

Adelina watched Nadyah and smiled. The female completed and complemented her in ways she’d never thought possible. She hoped the courtesan would be able to stay with her for many cycles to come.