Page 65 of Hope Forged
“Yes?” he asked, brushing her hair off her ear to trace the shell.
“Your brother is on the comm.”
Illan closed his eyes, the pain crushing his chest in such contrast with what Ziamee invoked.
“Go,” she said. “I will return with my mother.”
He pulled away, trailing his fingers to her chin. “Thank you.”
Only after she was no longer visible did he head to Brac’s side.
“Illan? Tell me what the king says is a lie.” Iddan’s eyes were wide, his cheeks shiny. Cyndi’s pale arm draped his. He would at least have the comfort he needed.
“Etterians do not lie, Iddan. And especially not about something as serious as this.”
“I am en route.” The comm ended.
“Seems like Vora’s going to get a little crowded,” Amet said.
“Indeed.” Illan sighed. “We have a week until my brother and the lima kuu descend. Brac, I have another task for you, if you are up for it?”
“How may I assist?”
“Is there a way to move Oz from theHaileto theCeleeri?”
“What? Why?” Amet asked, his eyes wide, his posture stiff.
“The program means much to Ziamee. If we can secure it, this will please her.”
“He is mine,” Amet snapped.
“Your opinion does not count,” Illan gritted out. “You have proven you lack concern for what has been placed in your care. Ziamee’s happiness matters to me. Its…hissafety would ease her worry.”
“It is possible. I shall port over now.” Brac jogged past them and up the stairs, making not a sound.
“You overstep yourself,” Amet said, peering at the text on the display vid.
“You seem to not understand. Ziamee is mine to protect.” Illan met and held her father’s gaze.
“Since when?” he demanded.
“Shall we say since you fell through a hole and left her to fend for herself? Or would you like to go further back to when she was twice wounded under your care? Or should I mention denying her the love of her mother?”
The male fell silent.
“Good, now you understand. Faerar will receive a suitable dhutyani, one that will reveal how much your daughter means to me. And until either female forgives you, neither shall I. You can assist with unraveling what Brac has discovered, or you can return to your truemate’s cave. The choice is yours.”
Considering the issue resolved, Illan turned his attention to how his plans would have to be altered. He activated his O.D.I. and sent Ulta a few instructions. Staying in theHailewas a no. He wanted a good bed, a cleansing room, and a common with a replicator and rehydrator. With the many battleships nearby or en route, they would certainly be able to build a housing structure he and Ziamee could live in for however long this mission took. One would also need to be created near Faerar’s cave.
“Ulta, scan the surrounding hills for other Sebas. We have to find him a mate.”
“Coll has inserted a tracker, and perhaps the beast can lead us to his kind. Lady Ziamee has taken him planetside, so the information should soon stream in.”
Illan scowled. “I thought she wanted to remain at her mother’s side.”
“When the med-E.D. takes at least a day?” Ulta said. “I will port her back at daybreak, as agreed, and I will monitor her location until then.”
Everything within Illan commanded him to head over to her, that she was in danger. “My thanks, Ulta.” He glared at Amet, fighting the urge to berate him for raising a stubborn daughter.
