The woman was clearly not a prisoner. They weren’t looking for a trade of some sort. She was healthy, a spark in her eyes, and she was armed to the tooth.
“I am Rakshasas Sa’ri, general of the Sri’thaen fleet.” The Sri’thaen introduced himself, his eyes never leaving Khaazai.
“I am Khaazai, general of the Khuuz’eth fleet. You are approaching our space. Unfortunately, we will have to insist you leave or we will consider it an act of aggression.” Khaazai stated, his voice level and pleasant.
The human woman on the screen sneered at him.
Rakshasas inclined his head ever so slightly. “We will approach no further. We have simply come to send you a message. Join with the humans and fight on their behalf, and you will be considered an enemy of the Sri’thaens.”
The human woman’s gaze flickered to Zahra, and Zahra knew she was being sized up by the other woman. She got the feeling that this human woman might actually be able to kick her ass in a hand to hand fight. There was something about the human that made the hairs on the back of Zahra’s neck stand on end.
“Then you can consider us your enemy.” Khaazai said, still calm as could be. “We have already formed an alliance with the humans.”
“Yes, I heard of your nuptials.” Rakshasas’s eyes flickered to Zahra, assessed her, and then disregarded her as he glanced back to Khaazai. “Until your first aggressive move towards us, you will be left alone. Gives you time to change your mind, if you so wish.”
“It won’t happen.” Khaazai stated. “Either way, we thank you for your leniency, and we will see you in battle.”
“As you wish.” Rakshasas inclined his head, and then they ended the hail.
The Sri’thaen ships began to move, slowly turning around before zipping into hyperspace with a bright flash.
Once they were gone, Zahra turned to Khaazai. “An in-person warning. I feel special.”
“They are threatened.” Khaazai seemed slightly amused by this fact. “They are wishing to frighten us away from this alliance.”
“What now?”
“We will remain here, monitor their ships, and then,” he turned towards her, “if you are up for it, we will begin to gather our forces… unless you plan on breaking the terms of our alliance in the next three months.”
Zahra held her breath, then closed her eyes before she uttered, “I don’t think I want to leave in three months.” When she didn’t hear anything, she opened her eyes to find Khaazai staring at her. “Khaazai?”
“Are you saying you want to stay after the remaining three months are over?”
“I am.” Zahra nodded her head. “If you’re okay with it?”
“More than you could know.” A loud rumble rocked through his chest, and she smiled.
“Good.” Zahra crossed the couple of feet between them and wrapped her arms around his waist. “I’d like to keep growing our relationship.”
“Sorry to ruin the moment, sir, but we have a call coming in from the home world.” One of the men said.
“The emperor?” Khaazai asked.
“No, it appears to be your sister.”
“Put her up on the screen then.” He pulled away just slightly so they could stand side by side. When Vera popped up on the view screen, Khaazai announced, “Zahra will be remaining with us after the three months are finished.”
Vera’s eyes sparkled. “I’m thrilled to hear this brother, but I’m afraid I bring disturbing news.”
“What news?” Zahra asked, knowing in her heart she wouldn’t like the answer.
Vera’s eyes darted between them before landing on Zahra. “Holly has gone missing.”
Zahra’s eyes widened, and then she turned to Khaazai. “We have to return.”
“How long has she been missing?” Khaazai asked Vera.
“Several days now, and I have no idea where she might have gone.” Vera ducked her head. “We’ve searched everywhere we could think of that she may have gone.”
