“Who is they?” Lamira asked, and Cambry colored.

“Sorry. I meant slave masters in general—I know the Zandians are different.”

“Yes.” She looked at her hands. Zandians were different, but she hadn’t considered that when she’d acted. She didn’t want to tell the women she’d chosen to stay, had given her word to participate in the study and then had intentionally thwarted it. How could she blame Daneth for not wanting her near him anymore? “Well, Daneth has no use for me now. I suppose I’ll be returned to the Ocretions.”

Lamira and Lily shared a look. “I doubt that,” Lily said.

“Why not?” she asked.

“You know too much,” Cambry offered. “You sat at the table and listened to the discussion of war plans. I don’t think they’ll be sending you anywhere.”

A shiver ran through her.

“You could come to the training pod to serve as a soldier with us. There are lots of humans there, and they’re treated decently. You just have to train for war, but it could be in any capacity. You could help Lily with the medical unit.”

She nodded. The thought of leaving Daneth made her sick, but even worse was staying, being near him but banished from his presence. “Could I? I’d like to help that way.”

“You’ll have to ask Prince Zander,” Lily said. “If he gives you his permission, you can leave with us this planet rotation.” She looked down at her sister. “That is, if you’re sure you’re going to be fine.”

Lamira nodded. “I haven’t had any more contractions.”

“Good.”

“Do you need anything from me?” Bayla asked.

“No,” Lamira answered. “Zander is in the meeting room in the long wing. Go and ask him and let us know the result.”

She curtsied. “Thank you—all of you.” She bowed her head in an arc to make the curtsy encompass each of them before she backed out of the room.

Her body trembled with nerves as she sought the chamber Lamira had indicated. She found the door open and Zander scrolling through holograms.

“Forgive me, my lord. May I request an audience?”

His eyes narrowed, but he gave her a single nod.

She entered, clasping her hands in front of her. “My lord...I was wondering if I might serve you and the Zandians by joining those on the training pod? I betrayed Master Daneth—and you. I deeply regret my actions and accept my punishment. But I wish to make amends. I want to be of service to the Zandians. I’m not much of a soldier but I could be of use to Lily in the medical unit.”

“Daneth will have other uses for you here,” he said stonily.

She curtsied. “My lord, I do not mean to disagree, but Master Daneth has banished me from his sight. He said he has no further use for me.”

“I see.” He pursed his lips. “I should throw you back to the Ocretions for what you did. But...I also recognize that you were of service to Lamira last night.” Prince Zander’s brown-violet eyes studied her for a long moment. “I will speak with Daneth. The decision will be his.”

She stiffened, not so much because she feared Daneth would say no—although she honestly wasn’t sure what he would say—but knowing the prince would speak to Daneth about her made her stomach flip flop.

If she was honest, she’d admit she was running away from Daneth. Away from the pain of his rejection, the devastation of witnessing his disappointment and knowing she was responsible for it.

Not knowing where else to go, she found her way to the kitchen, though she had little appetite. Still, Chef Barr was always happy to see her. At least one being on the pod was.

~.~

“Your human requested a transfer.”

Daneth gulped air, hoping Zander’s words would rearrange themselves into an order that made sense. “Pardon?”

“She said you have no further use for her. Is that true?”

Heat flooded his face—whether it was from anger or shame, he wasn’t sure. “The last egg wasn’t viable. I was angry,” he said stiffly.

Tags: Renee Rose Zandian Masters Science Fiction
Source: readsnovelonline.net