The disguised starship commander placed his arm around her waist and drew her close to his body. "She's all of that and more, Grandfather."

Jana watched and listened as the two men laughed and chatted about Ryker's excellent selection of wife and joint ruler. Grandchildren, heirs, and the continuation of their bloodline was mentioned. She perceived an immense mutual pride, affection, and respect between the two men, an easy and undeniable rapport. If she had doubted this blond alien was Ryker Triloni, she could never do so again after witnessing this episode. No matter how skilled Varian was at playing his half brother, he could not fool his own grandfather. Any lingering doubt vanished.

People she would meet, places she would be shown, and things she would do were related briefly to her. Rather, they were spoken of before her because it seemed more like they were talking about someone who wasn't present. She told herself they weren't intentionally ignoring her, simply a slip in their excitement. Her husband seemed to prove it when he smiled and drew her close again.

"No female is better qualified to take a place at our sides than she is. She will perform her new duties and responsibilities with perfection, Grandfather, because she is perfect. If I had searched the entire Universe, I could not have found a woman to suit me better. Jana is totally satisfying and utterly enchanting. Soon you'll see for yourself."

Maal chuckled and teased, "I need not be told or shown she has woven a spell around my grandson because it is obvious even to these old eyes and aging senses. The fact you chose her and married her reveals her matchless value and superior traits. Before your arrival, I had already seen her potent effect on you, cherished flame of my soul."

As he made his last statement, Maal walked to a nearby table and lifted several pictures. "A hidden reporter took these and sent them to any source who would pay for copies to display across the Tri-Galaxy. It appears to be a private moment in a romantic garden late at night."

The blond alien eyed the pictures and frowned for effect. Yet he was delighted by the unplanned aid to his daring ruse and wished he had thought of it himself. "It was a special moment for us, Grandfather. Have I no privacy anywhere in their galaxy?" He teased Jana, "If my exquisite wife had not distracted me, I would have heard or sensed his brazen presence."

"You must stay on alert at all times when you are away from Androas and Darkar," Maal reminded him. "Never trust them, cherished flame of my soul. They will betray you and try to destroy you before we destroy them. If they had no use for you and what you supply, they would have you slain or expelled. They are blind, stupid fools. One day, those flaws will provide their punishment and destruction. Then I will be happy and vindicated."

"I'm safe, Grandfather. Don't worry about me."

"I cannot help but worry, cherished flame of my soul. You are the last of our bloodline. They humiliated and tormented my only child. They killed her. If they dare harm you, Maffei will be destroyed: every person, every animal, every tree, every insect, every living thing. If all is taken from me, all will be taken from them. Any person or thing that survives my vengeance will become my slave and possession. The Maffeians have grown bold and lax; it would be simple and quick to conquer them. When the right moment arrives, it will be done and victory will be ours."

As Maal spoke, Jana witnessed a startling change in the older man: an intensity and deep-rooted bitterness and hatred. Maal had not forgiven or forgotten the transgressions committed against him thirty-two years and seven years ago, no matter who was to blame for both incidents, be it Shara or Galen or both. In the blink of an eye, she glimpsed another side-a dark and deadly one-of this man. His frail and mild appearance had belied an inner strength of body and mind. All soft and serene lines had become sharp and hostile edges. A violent and savage aura now surrounded him that chilled her to the bone.

Maal was harsh, cold, and forbidding, as Ryker had been at their first meeting. The incident was shocking and disturbing because her husband was not only close kin to this mercurial man, but he also had been reared by this unpredictable and suddenly frightening force, and by his crazed daughter. Jana worried that Ryker might be more like his family than he had revealed to her. She hoped and prayed he wasn't. But that initial scene-the barely clad prisoner in a birdcage in his complex after Canissia had delivered her-stayed foremost in her mind to torment and worry her. Perhaps, she fretted in alarm, this new existence was not as safe as she had led herself-or been led by Ryker-to believe. It caused her to wonder if Ryker had been playacting during the past weeks since her recovery. She couldn't surmise why he would go to such lengths to dupe her when she was under his complete control, actually at his mercy. It could have been to evoke her best behavior during this journey, mainly before the avatars and Maffeians. It could have been to stroke his male ego or to taunt Varian.

Jana couldn't prevent a stunning suspicion from storming her mind: as Heather had pointed out, almost everyone had expected Varian to keep her. Ryker had admitted he demanded her in payment for a truce, even called her Varian's "prized treasure." He had said Kadim Tirol "had no choice except to do as I asked." Varian had disobeyed orders by taking possession of a charl. Had his punishment been to sacrifice her to Ryker to prevent Maffei from being cut off by Trilabs or attacked by Androas? Did Varian secretly love and want-Stop this, J. G.! Listen to them.

"Let's not speak of such distressing things on our first day here, Grandfather. We have time to discuss them later, in private."

Jana saw the silencing nod that Ryker directed to the old man to signal a stop to the revealing talk. Maal grasped his meaning and complied. She watched Maal's other, gentle, side returned in a blink.

"This should be a happy occasion. Will you have a servant show Jana to our suite so she can settle in before tonight's activities?"

"It will be done, cherished flame of my soul." He looked at Jana. "You are free to go where you wish inside the palace," he told her. "But if you desire to venture outside, you must take guards with you as escorts and protection. We would not want anything to happen to our finest treasure."

Jana feigned a smile. "You are kind and thoughtful, sir. I will obey you." But she was surprised by the caution. She wondered if Maal was plagued by malcontents, rebels, or spies. Here, in the kadim's stronghold? She also wondered how closely her aural device was translating their Androasian words into her English language.

"You must rest and settle in, my new daughter. I have planned a busy evening. There will be a grand reception honoring the marriage of my cherished grandson and future heir, and the first visit of our beloved Jana. We have a special guest tonight, Ryker, one who will surprise you."

Varian looked at the ruler who had called him by name for the first time. "Who is it, Grandfather?"

Maal grinned and winked. "Wait and see."

Varian hoped his sudden apprehension and alarm didn't show. He prayed that Canissia hadn't sneaked here and was waiting to pounce on him and expose him at the party tonight. But if that she-creature had stolen across the boundary and was hiding in the palace, she hadn't revealed his ruse to Maal yet, because the ruler had not made any slips. On the other hand, Maal could be very proficient at acting.

The starship commander also hoped the surprise guest wasn't an old or close friend of Ryker who would talk about things of which he was ignorant. Nor did he want to put himself in the position of having a medical or scientific discussion in which his mental implants might not be able to provide in-depth knowledge and accurate responses.

If only he knew what was in store for him, for them, tonight.

Chapter Nine.

Jana stared into the large mirror as her husband tastened a gem-filled necklace at her throat that matched the royal circlet around her head. The crown jewels? she wondered. He handed her matching earrings to don. As she did so, she thought about how simple and efficient it was to create a marriage in this alien society. To become Ryker's wife, all she had done was accept his matrimonial bracelet and sign a doc.u.ment agreeing to become his spouse. The only witness had been a video camera to prove both parties were joining of their own free wills. After he signed the form and it along with the video was registered, their union was legal, almost unbreakable as in the word wedlock. Because of who Ryker was, they had signed two doc.u.ments and made two tapes. One set had been presented to Maffei for their records and one to Androas, so their marriage was exposed and recognized in both galaxies. After she was presented tonight to his people, it would be official. Jana mused: no ceremony, no vows, no flowers, no attendants, no romance, no gay nuptials. Yet, if they desired, couples could have their friends and family present for the signing and banding and for partying. Still, it seemed to Jana too much like a business proposition, a merger, a deed they had gotten down to a cold science.

She looked at the expensive golden gown that Ryker told her had been ordered by Maal and made for her and tonight's special event. The snug bodice with flowing bottom was heavy. The garment had a neckline that was off-shouldered and low cut but not immodest. As she moved, it glittered from reflections of light and made a rustling sound like satin did on Earth. Her tawny tresses had been swept up and placed in leafy curls by a female servant, with the circlet pa.s.sing through them and across her forehead. Her cosmetics were perfect in colors and amounts, again the work of the reserved alien who had carried out Maal's orders and departed minutes ago. Even a heady perfume had been sprayed in strategic locations on her body, a scent Jana found pleasing. As she studied herself in the large mirror, she admitted the makeup, costly gown, and hairstyle were flattering to her. Without a doubt, she looked regal. She was relieved, because this occasion was so important to her and the two men.

Varian pressed kisses on her nape, bared by her uplifted hairdo, and across shoulders exposed by the gown's design. Her skin was soft and enticing. He could not resist tasting it or touching her. In a husky voice, he murmured, "You are breathand wit-stealing tonight, Jana of Earth, totally enchanting. Every man present will envy and congratulate me, and every woman will be jealous. You look like a queen instead of a princess. Even the G.o.ddess Kimon would envy you, my bewitching angel."

Jana wondered about their ranks. Why did her t.i.tle and Ryker's translate to "Prince" and "Princess" when Maal's remained Kadim instead of King. And why were kadims' first names used after their t.i.tles instead of last ones, as with political leaders on her planet? Yet, she reminded herself, English and other royalty used first names, like King Richard or Prince John or Queen Elizabeth or Princess Di.

Before she could query Ryker about those matters, a servant arrived to tell them it was time to make their grand entrance. Jana's apprehensive gaze locked with Ryker's encouraging and comforting one in the mirror. He was magnificent, s.e.xy, virile, and enormously handsome in his matching gold garments that fit like a leather glove. His accessories included a gem-encrusted medallion with symbols unknown to her and a solid gold circlet. "You are the one who is breath and wit-stealing, my husband," she said, her voice quivering.

"Just be yourself, Jana, and they will love you, as I do."

She turned to face him and search his intense emerald gaze. "I'm scared. I feel as if I'm trembling from head to toe. My hands are like ice."

Varian grasped them, rubbed them with his warm ones, and smiled. He noticed she did not respond to his rash confession, and he was glad. "I promise everything will be fine. Come, everyone is waiting to see my wife, joint ruler of their empire one day. You have nothing and no one to fear."

As they walked down the long hallway, she inquired as a distraction, "Why does Kadim Maal call you 'cherished flame of my soul?' "

From notes in Shara's diary, Varian explained, "Because I am the sole reason for his existence. I am the flame in his heart, the blaze that keeps him alive and vital. It is what he called my mother before she died years ago. Afterward, he pa.s.sed the endearment along to me. I don't care for the name, but it gives him great pleasure, so I say nothing to stop it."

"It's good and kind not to steal joy from others, especially * loved ones."

They approached large double doors. He smiled, caressed her rosy cheek, and almost whispered, "Remember, you are my wife, not my charl or captive. You are a doctor, a scientist. You are intelligent and well bred. You come from a life of riches and elite status. You are a princess, a future queen, their future kadimess. No one will say or do anything to frighten or displease you."

Those words and descriptions did not dispel her anxiety, but she smiled as if they had worked magic upon her fears and tension. Maal joined them via another door. His faded green eyes widened briefly in astonishment. He studied her from head to foot, smiling.

"She is indeed exquisite and perfect, cherished flame of my soul."

"Thank you, Grandfather. I was certain you would be as pleased with her as I am. Are you ready?" he asked Jana, who nodded.

Maal entered the huge ballroom first, easing through a narrow opening that prevented any guest from getting an advance peek at them. The music halted, as did voices and laughter.

The blond alien whispered, "You have filled the last void in my life and heart, Jana of Earth. I do love you, woman."

Jana stared at him. It looked as if he were telling the truth! Before she could think of the right response, she heard Maal's voice.

"Friends, loyal citizens of Tartarus and Androas, my grandson and future effecta of our glorious empire, Prince Ryker Triloni, and his bride, my new daughter, Princess Jana Triloni, future effecta.s.s at his side."

The doors were pulled open by two black-uniformed guards, human ones this time, she noticed. Instruments akin to trumpets filled the area with a royal or state herald. Mouths and eyes went agape and everyone seemed to stare at the Earthling in ... disbelief and amazement.

Jana's right hand accepted Maal's extended one and let him guide her into the crowded and silent room, all without releasing her grip on her husband's with the left one. She felt Ryker's light squeeze of rea.s.surance, and she returned the gesture. She saw people lean close to whisper an exchange of opinions. She saw men eye her with admiration and desire. She saw women appraising her appearance and no doubt reasoning how a captive had snared the royal treasure from beneath the noses of local seekers. She gathered and returned smiles and nods. She even felt a pinch of jealousy as females raked her husband from head to toe with desirous glances.

In a whirlwind of activity that lasted for almost two hours, Jana was introduced to countless people whose names rushed past her in the flurry of excitement. She received congratulations and best wishes from everyone, as did a beaming Ryker. As he had vowed, no one offended or displeased her by word, expression, or action. The tension and fears quickly left her. This time, she was on display as a richly adorned and beloved princess and wife, not on an auction block as a captive and future charl. She was looked upon and treated with respect, admiration, and affection.

Jana could not help but enjoy herself. The heady wine in her grasp and many toasts helped calm her and rose her cheeks. She was grateful her breeding and training on Earth, on the Wanderl.u.s.t, and at Draco's had prepared her for such occasions. She noted with pleasure and delight that the same was true for her handsome husband.

At last, Maal led the couple to a slightly raised dais at the far end of the room. He seated Jana between them. The signal given, everyone took their seats and a fabulous feast was served, accompanied by more wine.

The clever Varian made certain Maal and the Androasians saw how much "Ryker" was in love with his bride by his enamored gazes, possessive touches, undeniably evident words, and other little actions like feeding her bites of food and giving her sips of wine from his gla.s.s.

Jana was ensnared in the fantasy world and her wits were dulled by wine and exuberation. It was evident the kadim and Androasians liked her and were more than satisfied with Ryker's selection of a wife. He was being so attentive and loving tonight. She presumed he, too, was caught up in the wonder of the special occasion. It was easy to be responsive and adoring in return. She realized they presented the image of a couple deeply in love, and it didn't matter to her if everyone was wrong about her feelings.

"Are you going to let me starve or will you share your treats with me?" he teased to evoke her unknowing a.s.sistance with the romantic ruse.

Jana pushed a tiny piece of fruit into her lover's mouth. He captured and kissed each of her fingertips while his smoldering gaze clung to hers. She liked this sunny side of Ryker Triloni, and it warmed her to the core. Whatever she had to do to keep any dark side at bay, she must. She laughed and teased, "Careful, my husband, you are playing with fire and there are no extinguishers around to douse your flames in public." "How can I help but stay on a slow burn for you?" "Exile me from sight and release yourself from consuming temptation."

"Never. I want you at my side forever." "I will remain there as long as you desire it, my love." "Until the Universe ceases to exist. Is that too long?" "Eternity is not too long," she replied, a twinge of guilt gnawing at her for deceiving him. If only Ryker didn't make it so easy for her to dupe or want to dupe him. It wasn't fair to him to pretend when she still-G.o.d, help her-wanted another man. Stop it, Jana. This past is over.

Pictures were taken all evening, some posed and some spontaneous. After dinner, the three went into a room where Jana's hair and cosmetics were freshened by the Androasian woman who had done so earlier. Official portraits were taken: hers, Ryker's, the couple together, and one with the newly weds and aging ruler.

As she paid a visit to the ladies' room before returning to a dance in progress, Jana told herself their marriage was legal and consummated. Her position as Ryker's wife was exposed and firmly established. If you could see me now, Andrea, what would you think? Jana Greyson, your best friend, wife to an alien, princess of Androas, future . .. effecta.s.s? She a.s.sumed that was the word for queen.

When she left the lavatory, Maal was waiting. She was told Ryker was speaking with old friends and would join them soon. "What is an effecta.s.s and effecta?" she asked, as they hadn't translated to king and queen.

"What the Maffeians call kadim and kadimess," he replied. "You are not a prutay here, Jana. I am sorry you were captured to become one in Maffei. It is a role and destiny beneath you. Your humiliation at their hands is unforgivable and cruel. If Androas suffered a similar plague and problem, if our men could not use their charms to win a mate, they would have none. And would deserve to have none."

"Is a prutay the same as a charl, a slave mate?"

"Yes, charl is what Maffeians call their captive breeders. Come, let us join the celebration. We should not speak of troubled times tonight. You have made my grandson happy. For that, I thank you and love you. It is good to have a ray of sunshine here again."

"I am most grateful for my generous reception by you and your people. I will do my best to make all of you proud of me. Soon, my study of your language will begin and I won't offend your ears with Maffeian words."

Maal smiled. "Do not worry over a problem that does not exist. It is good to know the language, customs, and laws of rivals and enemies."

As Maal led her back into the ballroom, Jana wondered why Ryker had spoken in Maffeian to her earlier. Why hadn't he used the Androasian words for kadim and charl-effecta and prutay-words untranslatable by the aural device into English? She guessed it was because time for explanations didn't exist and he knew she was familiar with those Maffeian words.

Seated at their head table, Jana's probing gaze located her husband. As she eyed the two conversing men, Maal revealed the ident.i.ty of the one with brown hair and a short beard.

"That is the other special guest this evening, the one I mentioned to Ryker this afternoon: Dakin Agular."

"Are they old friends?"

"Only acquaintances. Agular presses me almost daily to make peace with the Maffei Alliance. Our old truce has expired and the Supreme Council has offered us another one. I have not accepted or signed the papers. I must keep a close watch on him. If things do not go as he wishes, I suspect he might inspire a rebellion against me. Agular and his faction are slow to challenge my rule and decisions because they will not go against me rashly because of Ryker's powers. I am certain he is trying to convince my grandson to persuade me to sign the treaty. I invited him so Ryker could study his threat to us and to confuse Agular with our friendliness."

Jana studied the fiftyish-looking man who was clad in sapphire. This was perhaps why Maal had said she needed guards if she left the palace, to avoid being taken captive by rebels, by his political rival, perhaps his enemy. If Androas and Maffei clashed, with their starships and advanced weapons, it would be a ma.s.sive battle. "War is a terrible and costly conflict. No one should enter it lightly. If one can obtain peace with honor, one should do so. On my planet, we have had many rebellions and coups d'etat. They resulted in great losses of life and destruction of property. Wars are cruel to families, Effecta Maal; please try to prevent an intergalactic one."

"You spoke the important word: honor. Maffei has attacked our honor in the past and must never do so again. Remember what they did to you."

"That was before Ryker and I met. If it hadn't been for the Maffeians, we would never have met; I would not be here tonight. My father taught me there is always something good, however small, hidden in bad things. All one has to do is look for it and draw it out. If everything was good and successful, life would become boring. Bad things and defeats give us our challenges, make us stronger and wiser, make us appreciate the good more. If people ignore and resist the values and powers of love and peace, many suffer because of such blindness and actions."

"You speak and think as my beloved Shara did before the Maffeians shamed and killed her. It is good to dream, Jana, but it is not reality."

Jana saw the man's pale eyes chill with bitter memories. She realized his dark side would surface soon if she didn't change the subject. "Will you ask the servant to refill my gla.s.s?" she asked. "My throat is dry. As soon as it's refreshed, shall we dance, sir?" She was relieved the ploy worked.

Agular urged the man he thought was Ryker, "You must convince Effecta Maal to sign the treaty. We have not known war in our galaxy for a long time. Our people want to keep it that way, Prince Ryker. Many think your grandfather is still too consumed by hatred for the last remaining Saar and the Alliance to think clearly, to rule at his best, and to keep them safe from harm. He must let the past die; to continue his personal rivalry and hatred is dangerous to the Empire. If we are forced into a war with the Alliance, the bloodshed and destruction will be catastrophic. If we ally ourselves with the Pyropean Federation, we could not trust them. They would use us to defeat Maffei, then attack us. You are the only one he will listen to. He closes his ears to his advisers and even to his friends. Persuade him to stop this madness before it is too late."

Varian was tempted to use this political rival to provoke a rebellion in Androas to keep it busy while he and their starships were away. He knew it was wrong to endanger innocent lives for a personal motive and he realized the man before him was the perfect replacement for Maal. The question was how he could get Agular into power and Maal out without inspiring a rebellion here. With caution, he replied as Ryker would or should, "I am not ready to commit to a.s.sisting you at this time, Agular. Yet, I believe what you say and it sounds wise to me. I don't want to begin an impulsive war with the Alliance. I will ask Grandfather to reconsider his plans and to sign the treaty. If nothing more, I might convince him to delay them."

Agular's gray eyes filled with amazement. "You've changed since your marriage, Prince Ryker. You were always in favor of war when the right time came. I am glad you've changed your mind."

"My wife is responsible. She has me thinking of home, family, and peace these days. We have a good life on Darkar, so I'm more inclined to keep it that way than to disrupt it. Besides, your arguments are valid: war costs many lives and much damage. I don't want that for my people."

"Your new wisdom and compa.s.sion please me, Prince Ryker. Your grandfather is getting old and must step aside soon. A strong and prosperous empire needs a strong and clearheaded ruler."

"Like you, Dakin Agular."

The older man looked alarmed. "I did not mean-"

Varian interrupted. "It was not a question; it was a statement. You would be a perfect replacement. You know more of our needs and politics than I do. I have been away for long time. Grandfather does not know I prefer being who and what I am over becoming a galactic ruler. When the time comes to confess that truth to him, I will back you as the next effecta. That is, if you are interested and willing." From surveillance reports, Varian decided, this Androasian was the best man to take over the Empire.

Agular was astonished and relieved. "I am honored by your words, Prince Ryker. Perhaps we can meet tomorrow and discuss this further?"

Plans were made for a rendezvous the next afternoon.

Jana danced with many men and chatted with many women. Finally she excused herself once more to freshen up and catch her breath. She was having a good time, but it was late and the golden gown was getting heavier by the minute. The music was nice, but she would love to hear some of her favorite songs and singers from Earth: Barbra Streisand, Lionel Richey, Neil Diamond, and Kenny Rogers. She would love to dance just once to an old Bee Gees tune. She would love to strip off her clothes and shoes, climb onto her bed with a Cla.s.sic c.o.ke and popcorn, and watch a videotaped movie from Earth. It would be nice if some had been stolen along with her to provide a comforting link to her lost world. She recalled a favorite movie from her personal collection: Starman with Jeff Bridges and Karen Allen. It was the story of an Earthling and alien visitor who met and fell in love and shared dangerous adventures. Their love had been bittersweet and ill-fated from the beginning and had ended with the heroine losing the hero forever, as had her own torrid love affair with an extra-terrestrial. She loved science-fiction novels and movies, but had never imagined she would step into the pages or onto the live set of one. She had never imagined meeting a single alien, much less thousands of them.

That reminded Jana she should return to her duties in the ballroom. When she did, the blond alien swept her into his arms and around the dance floor. They moved as one, flowing like a glider in a serene sky. They talked, laughed, and smiled. He pulled her closer and she nestled against his stalwart body. She rested her head against his chest. His hands released her arms so they could band her body. She moved hers to the areas between his shoulders and neck. As one song and dance drifted into another, no one dared to interrupt the dreamy couple until three dances later when Maal approached them and said it was time to end the evening's festivities. Usually no guest departed before an elite host left the room, which was the signal that gave permission for them to do so. Jana, Ryker, and Maal walked to the double doors. They turned for a moment to smile and wave their farewells, then entered the hallway.

Varian grinned and teased, "See, you returned in one piece."

Jana sent him a radiant smile. "It was wonderful, but I'm exhausted. This gown weighs a ton by now."

"Then, by all means, let's get you to our room and out of it."

Jana blushed. "Ryker!" she scolded, but couldn't halt her grin. It was pleasing and flattering that he seemed so proud of her.

Maal chuckled and said, "Do not worry, Jana. I am only pleased that he has controlled his desire for you long enough to do his duty tonight. I will see you at lunch. I am sure you will wish to sleep late tomorrow. Good night, cherished flame of my soul. Good night, daughter."

In their suite, Ryker helped Jana out of the gown and jewels. He laid them over a chair for a servant to tend tomorrow. As he began to undress for bed, Jana said, "I'm going to take a quick shower and brush my hair. I'll sleep better that way."

"Sounds like a good idea," he murmured and continued his task.

Jana went into the bathroom, and the door swished shut behind her. She took a quick and thorough shower, dried off, and donned a nightgown. She removed the pins from her hair and brushed it free of curls. She washed the cosmetics from her face and rubbed lotion into her bare skin. As a last act, she sprayed on a little more of the perfume. She suspected Ryker would make love to her. When she entered the bedroom, only one lamp was on, and Ryker was asleep. Jana was surprised but not disappointed. She was fatigued, ready for slumber. She eased into the bed, switched off the light, and settled down to seek it. Her final thought before slumber was: It's done; it's legal; I'm Jana Triloni forever.

On his side and facing away from her, Varian grimaced in self-denial. She was tired and it was late, too late to begin a bout of lovemaking. Besides, she had prepared herself to join bodies and share pa.s.sions with Ryker, not with him, and that nipped at his male ego and tormented him. Yet, it had been a good day. They had played their roles with perfection tonight and he was tranquilized by success. He had known of Agular's existence and position but hadn't expected it to work in his and Maffei's favor, not this soon. Tomorrow, "Ryker" would strengthen his bond with that valuable ally. From the way things looked, his ruse was working and his mission here was headed for a quick victory. When it and Project Starguard were finished, he could claim the woman at his side. That glorious and joyful moment could not come fast enough to suit him.

Jana awakened, yawned, and stretched as she glanced at the empty spot beside her. She waited a few minutes before rising to see if Ryker was in the bathroom, as she didn't want to walk in on him at a private moment. She was surprised he had fallen asleep last night after being so romantic all evening. Perhaps while awaiting her return he had been lulled into slumber by the fatiguing activities of the evening and an excess of wine.

After she bathed and dressed, she went in search of him. A servant told her the two men had gone out earlier and would return for lunch. She ate alone, then began a tour of the palace, after querying about any spots to avoid. The palace was enormous and lovely and she took a leisurely stroll through it. When she reached one particular room, she stared inside before entering, then, with reluctance, she approached the gla.s.s tomb where Princess Shara Triloni lay resting for all eternity. She leaned forward for a good view of the woman who had almost provoked an intergalactic war over an ill-fated love affair with Commander Galen Saar of the Maffei Alliance Star Fleet. Jana's curious gaze slowly studied the alien female who looked forever young and beautiful.

The woman's features were exquisite and flawless. Her skin was shaded like warm honey, as was her long hair. Her perfect mouth was painted with mauve lipstick, her high cheekbones ever so lightly brushed with soft pink. Her lashes were long and thick and lay like tiny black feathers against her flesh. The shadowing above her eyes was in emerald green and had to match those closed orbs. Her hands were crossed at the wrists-small and dainty ones-over her lifeless heart. Nails were polished in mauve like her lips. She was clad in a fitted green gown that evinced a stunning figure that had probably driven many men wild with l.u.s.t, but only one that Jana knew of had possessed her. Shara looked so tranquil, so ladylike, so regal. She was the embodiment of innocence and purity.