Chapter 29: Chapter 29

Laro

Laro set down the last box in the corner of his new office. General Fleu had delivered on his promise. He didn’t even have to take the advancement test.

The view wasn’t the best, but the pay raise was, and that was all that mattered.

“Climb too high, and the fall may break your neck,” General Hokji warned from the doorway.

“I’m sure your body will cushion my fall,” he replied with a grin. “Shouldn’t you be practicing instead of pestering me?”

“There’s a meeting in an hour. Don’t be late,” General Hokji said, disappearing around the corner.

Laro spent the next hour decorating. He’d brought a few of his antiques and medals to display.

His desk felt bare among the rare pieces. He rearranged the items but couldn’t figure out what was throwing the balance off.

The meeting was dull, and the monotone fossil speaking didn’t help. Could the man speak any slower? They would be there all day instead of the thirty minutes it was supposed to take.

A man sighed and strode to the front. His jacket draped over his shoulders bore the symbol of the king. The commander of the King’s Guard.

“Thank you, Admiral. I’ll take over from here,” he said.

The old timer’s eyes closed as soon as he touched the seat.

“The results came in from the crash. In the wreckage, we discovered a new species, and upon testing the samples, it was determined that we are compatible.”

Laro glanced up and caught Arenk’s eyes; he could even feel General Fleu’s and Hokji’s as well. The room became tense but held excitement. The commander gazed around the table.

“Lieutenant General Arenk and Laro, you both made the first contact with the vessel. Correct?”

“Yes, sir,” Arenk said.

“Why wasn’t protocol followed? Instead of sending a team, you both went alone.”

“The recruits were lackluster the last time I sent them out. We went out to demonstrate to the younglings how things should be done,” Arenk said.

“Did either one of you find anything—anyone?” he asked, making his way toward them.

“Just the charred bodies,” Laro said.

“Are you sure? I sent out a team to comb the area, and we found footprints, tiny footprints, similar to the specimens’.”

“Quite sure,” Arenk said.

“So, I guess half of Main Street and the barracks need their heads examined then.”

“I’m not a doctor, I wouldn’t know,” Laro said.

“Imagine our surprise when a few men showed up to the palace and requested a female that wasn’t in our records. Even a few generals.”

Hiding her in plain sight had backfired; to most, she was a new toy that they didn’t get a turn with.

“Sounds like an administrative problem. Is there something you are accusing us of?” Arenk asked.

“I thought that was obvious. Stripping a ship for parts or taking items from the wreckage to sell for extra money is within your right, but a live being would classify as an S-rank spoil—all of which goes to the king first before it’s shared as he sees fit.”

“We know the rules,” Laro said.

“Then you know the consequences of keeping a female that was not acquired through the proper channels,” he said.

“A person found guilty would be stripped of their title and sent to the mines,” General Fleu said, looking at Laro.

“I understand the temptation. Anyone would. You both have had her for a few months now. There hasn’t been word of any births, so there’s no real damage done. Turn her over, and we won’t press charges.”

“We can’t turn over what we don’t have, but I think I might go back and visit the crash site. It sounds like your team left something significant out there. One worth a reward,” Laro said.

“Remember, I offered you both a kindness. Next order of business: there has been a sudden loss of keycards, ranging from rooms to the communications center,” he said, handing out folders.

“Everyone questioned seemed not to remember exactly where or when they’d lost it. It could be a coincidence, or it could be a spy trying to access our systems.

“I placed an order to keep them active so we’ll have a chance at catching the culprit. So stay vigilant and report anything that could be of use.”

Laro looked the list over and recognized the names; they were people who’d attended his party. He hadn’t noticed any suspicious activity.

General Fleu leaned against the table next to him as the room emptied, and Arenk stayed seated.

“We have a problem, and we’ll have a bigger one if she doesn’t return those cards,” General Fleu said.

“She’s not capable of this,” Laro said. “She was in our sight for the whole—”

Then he remembered when she’d disappeared for a while. He cursed and pulled out his device to message General Dhol.

“All of you need to think about yourself and your future. Playtime is over. Turn her in. The King will have his fun and make an heir or two, then place her in rotation like the rest—best-case scenario.

“From what I’ve observed of her, she’ll anger him—in the worst way. Prepare her to submit, and he’ll be quick rutting her.”

If looks could kill, General Fleu would be dead. Laro wasn’t ready to lose her or give up all he’d gained these last few years. There had to be another way.

Arenk’s expression didn’t fill him with confidence. The plan had been to mention her at the previous meeting when the king was present, but Arenk had returned and said he couldn’t bring himself to do it.

Laro didn’t blame him.

The king didn't wear his crown because of his kindness. No, it was his cruelty and power that kept it perched on his head. Lyka had spilled her stories about him, and they were far from pleasant. It was probably why she despised his games so much—they were a mirror to her reality, a reality she was desperate to run from. He couldn't bear the thought of throwing Raven into that nightmare. But if they got caught, who would be there to shield her?