The princess shook her head. “They wouldn’t do this,” Caoimhe said. “We were going to work together to save our system.”
Freya tried to push her toward the escape pods. She just stood there, trembling.
Lost in her thoughts. In some noble place that only she knew. One likely filled with duty and honor and all those things they had filled her head with for so many years.
Those things that Freya had had to cram into her brain when she had become the Lady in Waiting. Things that really didn't matter right now.
She needed to be more worried about her own life instead of the fate of the Terran Empire.
Freya prodded her from behind, but the princess still didn’t move. Eleanor glanced at Freya.
"Is she in shock? Something?"
"Something," Freya replied. Though what, she didn't know.
The ship lurched again, and it sounded like blaster fire in the distance. Had they been boarded?
They had to get out of here!
Veta grabbed Caoimhe’s shoulders. “Princess.”
She didn’t move.
“Princess!”
Still nothing.
“Caoimhe London Montgale Bron! Future leader of the Terrans! And the biggest brat I’ve ever known,” Veta yelled, each word getting louder.
Caoimhe blinked. Met Veta’s gaze. “I’m sorry. I…”
Veta grabbed her hand. “We have to save you.” She turned to Eleanor. “Both of you princesses.”
Veta gestured toward the escape pods.
“There is only room for one,” Caoimhe said.
“We all get pods,” Freya said and glanced at Veta. “Right?”
Veta nodded.
Freya gestured to one, and Eleanor began climbing inside. Bianca had already entered her own. So, Freya helped Eleanor get seated in all her layers before she could help Bianca. Bianca, however, had her own robes well in hand and locked herself into place.
“We can do this." Veta continued instructing them as she hit controls inside each of the pods. "Land your pods. They’re stocked with survival gear. Stay in contact. We’ll get through this.”
Freya nodded. “We shall,” she said, though her voice revealed the fear that swarmed all around her.
Back on the streets, a child of war, trying to survive with nothing but--
“Head toward civilization,” Veta said, yanking her back into the moment. “Civilization means communication. Communication means we can reach each other.”
“And don’t lose your jewels,” Caoimhe said.
Veta stopped and stared at her. “What does that have to do with anything?”
“Our future depends on them.”
“On jewels?”
