To see a trap.
Her father had.
Veta had suspected it.
“He must be wrong,” Caoimhe said.
“Your ship is dying. We have minutes.”
She shook her head. “They wouldn’t do this,” Caoimhe said. “We were going to work together to save our system.” Caoimhe stood there trembling.
Veta grabbed her 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…” She glanced around like she just realized where she was.
Veta grabbed her hand. “We have to save you.” She turned to Eleanor. “Both of you princesses.”
“There is only room for one,” Caoimhe said.
“We all get pods,” Freya said and glanced at Veta. “Right?”
Veta nodded. “We can do this. 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 her fear.
“Head toward civilization,” Veta said. “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?”
“Trust me,” Caoimhe said. She glanced at Veta. “You’re not the only one who thought this mission would fail.” She patted the necklace. “It is insurance.”
She wouldn’t go into her pod.
“Fine. Yes. Go.” Veta shoved her in. “Don’t lose your jewels, Imperial order.”
Caoimhe smiled for a moment, then put her hand on Veta’s arm. “And you?”
“Don’t worry about me,” Veta replied as she shoved the princess back into the pod and slapped the panel that closed. The lock engaged and the pod jettisoned off into space.
Veta dove into her own pod just as a nearby piece of hull exploded.
Wait a second.
That wasn’t hull exploding.
