Page 113 of Warlord’s Empire

“It is with great pleasure that I announce the People’s Party for Change has won the election!” Saagan shouted to his campaign staff, friends, and followers. Loud cheers erupted and he waited for the noise to die down before continuing. “Through corruption, assassination attempts, and election fraud, we have succeeded in securing the majority of the vote. From the bottom of my humble heart, I thank the people for their confidence. I have heard your messages of faith and I will not fail. Change is coming to the Central African Republic.”

Screams of support echoed through the hall.

“These are unprecedented and dangerous times, but together we are stronger; together we will make our country a home again,” Saagan added.

Saskia blinked back tears. She was happy for Saagan, for the people who voted for him, and she was happy for herself. Pride swelled as she thought of the months leading up to this moment. The intensity of Saagan’s opposition when it became clear he would take the majority of the vote. There had been shootings, bombings and a car chase through a remote area of the CAR. Saagan had survived it all.

Saskia had gone to battle on the Deputy’s behalf with Radik’s resources behind her. She’d flown security teams to voting stations all over the CAR, mobilizing hundreds of Radik’s mercenaries. It had been a largescale operation with her at the heart of it. And now she was beyond pleased to watch as the fruits of that labour were reaped by the people who deserved a man like Saagan as their leader.

The Deputy finished his speech and left the stage. It took several minutes for him to make his way to them. When he arrived, he exuberantly shook Radik’s hand, then hugged Saskia with enough strength to drive the breath from her body.

“It’s because of both of you that I am to become President, that I can enact my policies for change.” His gaze softened on Saskia. “Your tireless efforts on my behalf have not only secured the election but have saved my life multiple times. If you are ever in need of a favour, please come to me. I will give you anything you ask.”

Saskia shook her head. “I only want you to do the things you’ve promised. Provide your people with clean drinking water, roads, safe infrastructure, vaccination programs, environmental programs… all those good things.”

“You have my word,” he said, bending to kiss Saskia on the cheek before moving along to meet his new constituents.

Saskia grinned up at Radik. “This might be the best day of my life.”

“No,” Radik said decisively. “Our wedding day will be the best day of your life, but you may have this as the second-best day.”

Saskia laughed at his autocratic demand. “Speaking of wedding, we should get back home. We only have a week and there’s so much left to do.”

“Nikka and Nonna have things well in hand, but yes, we should be getting back home. I’m eager to see Rory.”

Saskia’s heart melted, the way it did each time Radik showed interest in their daughter, which was often. This trip to Bengui to support Saagan was their first time away from her. “Yes, let’s go to our daughter. I don’t trust Shola not to teach her weapons before she can even walk.”

After a quick word with Saagan’s head of security, they drove to the airport and were soon in the sky on their way back to Marifiya.

Shola met them at the airfield. “Rory is sleeping, but she was upset that you weren’t here to put her to bed.” Her tone was displeased. After falling in love with the baby, she’d decided it was her mission to clear Rory’s path through the world. Any disruption to routines and schedules was met with extreme displeasure from Rory’s self-appointed nanny.

“She’ll survive,” Saskia said drily, though she was a little sad she’d missed Rory’s bedtime routine. “Have our sisters arrived yet?”

Ayaan and Leeza had promised to fly out early to help with wedding preparations.

It was a simple question, but Shola seemed to struggle with the answer. “Y-yes, they’re here, along with Dr. Koba. I put them in a guest room… I mean in their individual rooms. By themselves.”

Saskia and Radik stared at her. Shola was the master of confidence when it came to weapons of war, but whenever a certain someone was mentioned, she turned into a stuttering mess.

Saskia pushed the needle in a little further. “Have you discussed Koba security yet with Ayaan? I understand Jozef has some specific requests and Ayaan is to communicate them to our security team.”

“I… y-yes, she said something about it. I’ll put her in touch with Nuani in the morning.”

Saskia gave her a predatory grin. “I think you should handle this yourself.”

Radik frowned. “Nuani is head of s–” He finished with a grunt when Saskia stomped on is foot.

To Shola, she said, “Can you handle liaising with Ayaan along with performing your other duties?” Saskia tossed out the gauntlet, knowing Shola couldn’t resist a challenge.

“Of course, you needn’t worry about a thing.”

Later, after they’d checked in on their sleeping daughter and were in Saskia’s room getting ready for bed, Radik asked, “What was all that about with Shola? It’s Nuani’s job to secure the compound, he should be the one working with Ayaan on Koba security.”

“But is he in love with Ayaan?” Saskia asked, pulling her nightshirt over her head.

Radik stood motionless, his expression blank, before he growled, “He’d better not be. I’ll snap his fucking neck if he touches her.”

“Why?” Saskia giggled, turning on the bedside lamp before crawling into bed.