It took Dahlia an hour to pack her things and explain the situation to Lacey her companion who chose not to travel back with them but stay and continue with the important research. "Strange" Burford grumbled as they loaded up the luggage "Lacey has been desperate to return home since the moment they arrived, I haven't seen her do anything but chase men since she has been here"
Cole looked at the girl who was fussing over the princess "Will you keep an eye on her once we have left, something doesn't feel right"
They set out as the late evening light disappeared over the mountains and left the devastated planet behind. Dahlia sat quietly in Ashes captains suite staring out the window "They made such a mess" she muttered watching the smoking ruins of the city "Beasts" she condemned them as she took a swig of brandy Ashe had passed her "Thanks ... I don't even know your name " she glanced at him apologetically .
"Captain Will Ashe Bodkin at your service, I will introduce the rest of the crew later I'm afraid space is a bit tight so we will be in close courters for the next 2 weeks. I will bunk down with the boys and you may have this space as your own."
Dahlia blushed a deep red "Goodness you're the counts nephew!" she exclaimed Ashe smiled gently "One of them, I can guarantee I'm not the one he wants you to marry so don't worry"
She assessed him from top to bottom "I'm not so sure, you look like your father"
Ashe looked at her in astonishment "I'm very certain I'm not the nephew, Uncle hasn't spoken to me in years. When he asked for my help in retrieving you he said I was little better than a pirate those are not the words of a man who plans to marry you out to royalty"
"Not that it matters now" Dahlia sighed forlornly "I won't be able to choose who I marry anymore."
"Why not?"
"As the second born I have had a different life to my brother, for as long as I can remember my brother had the best of everything I however if I was remembered it was only as an afterthought. Sam was a king in training only my mother really wanted me around but she eventually lost interest in me when she couldn't get me to dress and act the way she demanded but Sam and I made so many plans together I would venture into the world find materials that would help our dying planet and he would act as king and saviour once we found them I won't be able achieve anything now "She sighed sadly "Sam had so many great ideas he would of made a wonderful king"
"You can still implement his ideas" Ashe lent forward taking her hand gently
"No, haven't you ever noticed it has to be a king" she muttered quietly
"Whatever do you mean?"
"Did you know my aunt is a year older than my father the king or that my grandfather who everyone celebrates as the best Touzel king in memory married into the family it was my grandmother who was born the only child of royalty" she pulled way taking a swig of the brandy
"Should have bloody married when I had the chance" she grumbled" At least then it would have been my choice now father will pick who he wants to carry on the dynasty" she downed the contents of the glass and waved the empty glass at Ashe "The only important job the queen is allowed to do is make babies to be groomed for the next generation of kings my opinions now means squat" she pulled an unladylike face when she saw Ashes look of bewilderment "Sorry don't drink often " she mumbled finishing of the glass he had just refilled "I'm blathering just leave me to it"
Ashe nodded unsure as to what to do with the emotional woman "Ok I will send for you at supper" he stood to leave the room
"Best leave that with me, I'm going to toast my brother and grieve for the life I have lost" she mumbled pointing to the full bottle of brandy.
