Chapter 72: Chapter 72

Raven

“We won’t be gone long,” she promised, pressing a kiss to their foreheads.

Raven was aware they didn’t comprehend her words, but it eased her heart. All she received in return were spit bubbles and a few babbles. Arenk helped her into her jacket.

“You’ll be back in a few hours. They’ll be fine, don’t worry,” Arenk reassured her.

“I know, but I can’t shake this feeling—that—”

“That something bad will happen while you’re gone.” He chuckled.

“That’s not funny.”

“It is, actually. I felt the same way when I first left my youngling. Still do. It’s something we all have to adjust to,” he comforted her, wrapping her in a hug.

“Are you ready?” Dhol asked, pausing at the doorway.

She nodded. “Let’s go.”

As she and Dhol stepped off the ship, Laro was already seated in the four-wheeler vehicle. Raven had seen plenty of ads for them before. It was compact and designed for off-roading.

The journey into the city was lengthy, but it was crucial to keep their ship concealed in case things went awry. Soon, a massive wall loomed into view.

Raven wished she had kept his contact information. Showing up unannounced, even though she was invited, felt incredibly awkward and risky.

“Do both of you have a plan for this?” Laro inquired.

“The only plan I have is to knock on the door and hope for the best,” Raven admitted.

“We’ll get through the gate pretending she’s a gift for the prince. Most of them should be aware of the negotiations, and this is expected when an agreement is near,” Dhol explained. “Just make sure you’re not late meeting us.”

“I’ll be back in two hours,” Laro promised as they entered the capitol.

Laro dropped them off a few blocks away from the modest palace. Compared to Soi-Ji’s palace, this felt more like a vacation home than a royal residence.

In the guard booth, a woman in uniform sat, which surprised Raven. Her face morphed into a frown as she put down her comm device.

“Tareaian? How can I assist you?” she asked.

“The prince is expecting us,” Dhol informed her.

The woman gave them a once-over, but when she noticed Raven’s outfit, understanding dawned on her face. Then it shifted into a look of sadness and pity.

Raven had to play the part one last time to slip under the radar. The woman pressed some buttons, and the gate swung open for them.

“Someone should be waiting to escort you in. Please enjoy your stay,” she said.

Two large purple burly men were waiting for them as they ascended the stairs. The interior was just as modest. She wouldn’t have guessed from his attire the times she saw him.

They were led to a sitting room and the doors were closed behind them.

“What are you planning to offer him exactly?” Dhol asked.

“What he wanted,” she replied, glancing around the room.

“He wanted a lot of things,” he pointed out.

“The meeting. He asked for a meeting, and that’s all he’s getting,” Raven clarified.

The doors swung open, and the prince strolled in.

“What a surprise to see you here. I thought you would be occupied for the foreseeable future,” he greeted with a smile. “Commander Dhol, congratulations.”

Dhol nodded.

“I can be persuasive when I need to be. I came to accept your offer,” she said.

“Hm, well, I’m sorry, but I’ve already established my own connection with the humans,” he said, settling into a seat. “King Soi-Ji called late last night and offered to share as part of the treaty. He was eager for me to sign immediately, and he wanted to come himself to seal the deal. I’m beginning to understand why.”

“That’s unfortunate. I was hoping you would be more open to listening to me than him,” Raven said. “Commander Cole is manipulating him. Soi-Ji would realize that if he hadn’t excluded me. I should’ve listened to you when you said you could help me more than he could. Don’t repeat my mistake.”

Raven had to sow some doubt in his mind and make him second guess himself, or at least exploit the greedy nature that all beings possessed.

“What could it hurt to have another connection with the humans?” she suggested.

“A lot. They could be enemies, or they could betray me. I’ll stick with what I have, but there is something you can do for me. Then I’ll give you the ship,” he proposed, clasping his hands together.

“And what’s that?”

“An heir,” he said.

Dhol rose from his chair. “We’re done here.”

Raven stood and started towards the door with him.

“Tori Fox.”

Raven froze. “How do you know that name?”

“I have my ways, and the wind has whispered that you’re very interested in this human,” he said. “I know how you can get the information. I can help you if you help me.”

“Are you lying?” Dhol challenged.

“Do you have a better idea of how to get it done?” he retorted.

“We’re leaving,” Dhol declared.

“Wait a second,” she said, grabbing Dhol’s arm. “I need that information about my sister,” she whispered.

“I would storm the palace myself before letting you sleep with him,” he whispered back.

“Trust me.”

He sighed, his brows knitting together in concern.

“I don’t have all day,” the prince reminded them.

“Deal. I’ll even sweeten it by giving you three. You can have them once I get all the information there is on Tori Fox and the ship,” Raven offered.

“It takes almost a year for one to fully mature. Don’t try and play me,” the prince warned.

“Humans have figured out a way to do it without any physical contact. I’m guessing Soi-Ji didn’t let you in on that. He’s probably planning to build his empire and then decide who gets to join,” Raven shared.

The prince’s expression didn’t change, but she could tell he was deep in thought. He rubbed his chin, then shot her a quick look.

“I can break into their system, but we’d need a keycard to get to their files. Commander Dhol, you should have one,” the prince suggested.

“I left them behind so they couldn’t track me,” he replied.

Raven’s mind flashed back to her stuffed animal on the bed, filled with the keycards she’d swiped earlier.

“I’ve got a few.”