Galactic Gale

Chapter Five

Politics

Nona Galtionie crossed her arms as she dropped into the plush chair.

Before her, the curved window that covered the eastern front of her private cruiser revealed the empty void of space. Her smaller guard ships had taken off in a desperate chase after a rogue vessel (no doubt thanks to Amara and her friends). The royal flagship was accompanied only by the other cruisers Nona had purchased. Aboard them, countless hired guns waited for the chance to earn their wages and defend the princess against any attack.

She failed to remember the last time she had travelled to a city that was not Uterca or Sorium. There was little time for her to take trips for pleasure these days. When she toured, the journey was endured only because of her duty to Uterca – or Traen's responsibilities to the Sorii. Nona longed to remain in the golden city, but with Traen as Sorium's new ambassador it was not possible to stay grounded for too long.

A strange light reflected on her jewelled rings as the doors to her chambers opened. She listened to one of her servants' footsteps, the room otherwise silent. With Traen speaking to their captain, Nona had expected an hour or so alone to dwell on her thoughts. It seemed that was not to be.

"Announce my guest, Leh," she said with a lazy wave of her hand.

The servant, Leh Lena O'Frien, tossed her glossy hair over her bronze shoulder. "It is not my duty to announce your guests," Leh said simply. Her voice, much like the rest of her, was wispy and soft. "My obligation is to serve the royal family of Uterca in the way my people always have. Through helping them settle their emotions."

"I know your place," Nona snapped. She turned in her chair and forced herself to find a better tone. "Just as you know mine."

Unlike Kael, Nona had never been fond of Leh. It was strange to Nona that an outsider would be called into help their family in the way that Leh did. To Nona, the best way to solve her troubles was to cry on Traen's shoulder, not have one of the Feelings settle her mind for her.

It had been Telion's idea for Nona to take Leh with her when she left Uterca. Nona had been insistent that Leh should remain behind. The queen had taken to relying upon Leh more so than any other ruler of Uterca had on their personal Feeling. After Kael had left, Nona had seen their mother turn to Leh more and more. Given Telion's current condition, it made Leh's presence aboard Nona's cruiser even more confusing for the princess.

With a snort she realised Telion had perhaps sent Leh away for the same reasons Nona herself wanted to be free of the young woman. There was nothing that could be hidden from the Feelings. They had a sixth sense which allowed them to gauge the emotions of their company. Leh was sworn to only seek understanding of the emotions of those who asked for her aid, but Leh had likely broken the promise long ago.

"Here is your guest." Leh motioned at the tall man beside her, then turned on her heels and left.

Nona waited until she could no longer see Leh's strong perfumes before addressing her visitor. Normally she would have waited until Traen was around before dealing with any requests from subjects or the Assembly of Nor. But Wedjank Kkrole was a special case, so she forced herself to stand and straightened her dress.

A native of Uterca, Wedjank had the same tanned skin as Nona. A smattering of freckles covered his nose and cheeks, his curled hair was tucked into a tight bun, and his eyes were wide and the same shade as the blue light flickering overhead. Regardless of his form, Wedjank was only partly human. The third eye resting in the centre of his forehead was proof enough.

"I believe you may need to find a new personal assistant," he said. Winking at Nona, he made for the desk at the far wall. "If that is what Lady O'Frien is to you."