Page 164 of Star Bringer
Whatever comes nextis three soldiers pouring out of the large pod that hovers right in front of me. All three of them are carrying laser rifles, and all three of them level those laser rifles at me.
“Hands up!” the first one yells. She’s a stern-looking woman with a grumpy face, and the insignia on her heavy rust-colored uniform tell me she’s the highest-ranking of the three. I’d guess she’s from Kridacus, judging by her sturdy build and her velvety peach skin—wherever she’s from, this is a long way from home for any Inner, so the fact she’s out here means she probably did something the Empire didn’t like.
Which kind of makes me like her automatically.
While a part of me wants nothing more than to throw my hands up—I really don’t want to have done all this just to die out here on some distant outpost—I know there’s no way my mother would ever do such a thing. So I focus all of my attention on the lieutenant and give her my most disapproving face—one I’ve channeled directly from the Empress herself.
“Put those guns down,” I order in a voice as cold as a Glacean storm. “I am Princess Kalinda, daughter of the Empress Violatta of the Senestris System, and I am in need of your assistance. Please take me to your base so that I may speak with my mother.”
All three of them look confused at my words, but their weapons don’t so much as waver. My heart is beating out of control now. “I will give you three seconds to lower those weapons before I have you arrested and tried for treason.”
I would never—they really are just doing their jobs. Besides, I don’t even know if that’s a thing anymore. But I really don’t want to get shot, so this is what I’ve got to work with.
The laser rifles waver and then finally lower. “Princess Kalinda?” The lieutenant steps forward. “What are you doing out here?”
“With help, I escaped from theCaelestisafter the unfortunate incident a couple of weeks ago. I’ve been on a ship since then. It is time for me to go home.” My lip wants to wobble at the thought, but sheer will alone keeps it steady. “I assume you can help me with that?”
“Of course, Your Highness. My name is Belinda, and my men are Jakob and Vincen. We’ll take good care of you. Welcome to Espia.”
Once they accept who I am, things happen quite quickly. I get bundled into the front passenger seat of their pod, an extra blanket wrapped around my shoulders. A thermos filled with hot coffee is thrust into my hands by one of the male soldiers—Jakob, I think—and then we’re speeding off toward the buildings in the distance.
Within an hour, I’ve been given access to soldier’s quarters—with many apologies from Lieutenant Belinda for the unimpressive accommodations. I think they’re great, though—especially since they come with a hot shower and a comfortable bed.
I’ve just finished brushing out my hair and changing into the heavy soldier uniform Belinda left for me when there’s a knock on my door.
“Coming!” I call.
I open the door to find two female soldiers standing there—Julia and Dominique were the names they gave me when we were introduced. One is carrying a pile of bedding, and the other has a food tray.
“Come in, come in,” I tell them, ushering them inside. “Thank you so much for everything.”
“Where would you like me to put your breakfast?” Dominique asks. She’s tall and thin, with friendly eyes, brown skin, and the short-cropped hair of all soldiers in the Empire’s military units.
“The counter is fine,” I tell her, gesturing to the small kitchen area.
“May I make your bed, Your Highness?” Julia asks, holding up the bedding in her hands.
“Oh, you don’t have to do that! I can make my bed myself.”
They both recoil, and I’m not sure if it’s from shock or horror. Either way, I mentally kick myself. How could I forget that princesses don’t make their own beds? Rain had to show me the first day on theStarlight, but since then it’s become habit.
One I apparently have to unlearn if I’m going back to my mother’s palace. “Yes, you can make it for me.”
Julia nods, and her friendly look is back in place.
“How long have you been stationed here?” I ask Dominique as Julia moves toward the bed in the corner and begins making it up.
“Two years, Your Highness,” she answers, shuffling her feet a little like she’s nervous. “Julia and I came together, right out of training.”
“Do you like it?”
They exchange a look that tells me everything I want to know. But all Dominique says is, “It’s a quiet post, Your Highness. You’re definitely the most exciting thing to happen on Espia in the two years I’ve been here.”
“To be fair, having the princess show up out of nowhere would be exciting for anyone, not just us,” Julia adds.
“You’re right,” Dominique agrees. “We’ll definitely have something to brag about at our next post.”
“Dom!” Julia hisses, and the other soldier flushes as she just realizes what she said.
