EVERMORE ─ marvel ⁷

V. Reflecting Light

Chapter Five
Naomi

Since trying to talk to the Nova Empire leaders together hasn't given us any results, Kieran and I came up with the idea to talk to the leaders individually. We need to get their side of the story, understand why they think they should rule and the other leaders shouldn't. Maybe we can devise a plan from the information we acquire from these one on one discussions.

We're starting with the Krylorian leader. We have just arrived at the Krylorian palace and have found the leader in the palace gardens, his hands clasped behind his back as he strolls down the winding paths. When I ask him if he's willing to discuss the issues we are tackling privately, he agrees, but only on the condition that Kieran not be present.

"I will not be in the same room as that criminal," He states aggressively, his purple eyes seeming to darken as his eyes fall onto Kieran, who is standing right behind me. "She has spilled Krylorian blood several times, she is one of the Kree's favorite instruments of destruction. Get her out of my sight."

As I'm about to open my mouth to object, Kieran places her hand on my arm, tugging me backwards. She puts some distance between us and him, and lowers her voice before saying:

"Don't fight with him on my behalf, it's not worth it. You need information from him, so accept his condition. It's okay."

"It's not okay, not at all," I hiss, trying my best to keep my voice down while still getting my point across. "Soroya sent you here to help me get Earth allies, we are a team, we are supposed to do this together."

"Director Roberts sent me here with you because I understand how the different galaxies and planets operate. I was never meant to handle politics or negotiations or treaties. You are the ambassador, not me."

I know she's right. Kieran has traveled all around the universe, has over two hundred years of experience with customs and politics of alien planets, and that knowledge is valuable to me as Earth's ambassador. Soroya herself even said that. I know that I'm the one who will do the political debating and negotiating on these missions. I know she's here to assist and guide me through life in space. I want her to stay by my side during this meeting and the others because I want everyone to see that she isn't the monster they think she is, that they don't really know her. I want people to see the real her. But Kieran's right, it's more important that we get the information we need. So I nod, though I still want to fight against what the Krylorian leader said about her. I think Kieran can see that, because she smiles, her dimples showing.

"I appreciate your attempts to change my reputation, Princess, but your efforts won't amount to anything, and that's not your fault, it's mine," Kieran finally lets go of my arm, taking a step backwards from me, her cloak swishing around her ankles, her hand resting comfortably on the hilt of her sword. "I'll make myself scarce, watch from the shadows, make sure you're alright."

"I can protect myself." I assure her, opening my palm and watching flames dance in the air above it, swirling around my fingers.

Kieran is still smiling, even as she looks at the flames, the fire I created. Most people are afraid when they see what power I possess, what I can do. She doesn't look afraid at all. She looks mesmerized.

"I know you can, but you've never fought alien species before, and the Krylorians are amongst the fiercest of warriors in this galaxy," Kieran taps the tilt of her sword. "I can put my experience as an assassin to good use as your bodyguard on these missions."

I can't fight the smile that starts to spread on my lips. "I don't need a bodyguard."

"Every princess needs a bodyguard." She says, and then with another flash of her smile, she disappears down another one of the garden's paths.