Kalahn moved closer to Taryn. “Yes, but that’s because he’s my brother. He’s always been overprotective and wishes to keep me in a bubble of ignorance. He says females shouldn’t worry about complicated matters. He thinks my ignorance will make me happier.”
She narrowed her eyes. “Is that so?”
Kalahn waved a hand. “Yes, but every male thinks that way on Keldera. It’s not just Kason.”
She studied the princess. Taryn should use the time to gather information about Kason, but her curiosity about the princess won out. “Then why are you here? You had to know that you’d be caught eventually. You could even be punished.”
Kalahn shrugged. “I’ve always wanted to see the stars. Ever since I was a child, I dreamed of piloting a spaceship. My family tried to discourage me whenever possible. It took a year of planning to get aboard this ship, but no matter what happens later, it’ll be worth the pain. Traveling on a ship was everything I thought it’d be.”
Taryn was starting to wonder if any of the Kelderan royalty actually wanted to rule. Both Kason and Kalahn seemed to have other dreams.
At least Taryn had become leader by choice.
“Maybe you’ll have the chance one day to fulfill your dream and actually pilot a ship instead of merely being a passenger on one.”
Kalahn shook her head. “Given how fragile the planet is with regards to not only resources, but also the unity of the inhabitants, changing the status quo of no female pilots is low on the list of priorities.” She paused. When she spoke again, Kalahn’s voice was lower. “However, if given the chance, I’d gladly give up my royal status if it meant I could explore the stars.”
Her heart broke at the longing in Kalahn’s eyes. “Well, I think some changes will be coming to your planet regardless of whatever else is going on. Don’t give up hope. My presence alone has already changed things.”
Kalahn smiled. “I look forward to seeing just how much.” She leaned closer. “But enough about my planet. Will you answer some of my questions about yours?”
Taryn could easily make up an excuse about needing to settle into their quarters or not feeling well from her first space flight. But that would be lying and since she valued honesty, she decided Kalahn deserved it as well. Taryn finally replied, “I will try my best, but only insofar as it doesn’t interfere with my mission. If I’m given the choice between sharing information with you or making it to Keldera to negotiate a treaty, I will choose the latter.”
“Understood,” Kalahn said. “Tell me, how did you win against Kason?”
While Kason had said to keep her true self hidden, she sensed it didn’t include Kalahn. Tugging up her skirt, she displayed her dagger. “Women don’t sit idly by on my planet.” She released her skirt. “But many alien males tend to underestimate a torn dress and tears, which gives us the opportunity to pounce. It really isn’t that difficult.”
“So, you just make them think you’re weak? That’s clever. Although I don’t think that tactic will help my situation.”
Taryn studied the woman who had to be almost a decade younger than her, if Kelderans aged about the same as humans. “I know you mentioned the status quo, but why exactly can’t you become a pilot? Is it a tradition or a law?”
“Both. Women are treasures that give life and nurture it. To go against this creed is treasonous and a sign of ultimate weakness.” Kalahn scrunched up her nose. “That’s what every girl is taught growing up. We may have schooling, but it’s full of useless classes compared to the boys.”
“What about women who can’t have children?”
“Oh, you mean the Barren. They live in designated citadels and take care of our records. Sometimes they help with the sick, especially during an epidemic.”
Taryn made the connection. “Because they are seen as disposable if they catch the disease.”
“It’s not my law, Taryn. That is just the way it is.”
“But laws can always be changed.”
“Maybe someday, although I doubt my father will do it. My oldest brother, Keltor, is more understanding, provided he lives long enough to take over the throne.”
She tucked away the information about Keltor living long enough to take over the throne for later. She couldn’t pry too quickly, or Kalahn wouldn’t answer any of her questions. “You seem different than what I’ve been told about Kelderan women, Kalahn. How is that so?”
Kason’s voice boomed from the door. “Ever since our mother’s death, Father has spoiled her.”
Taryn turned to look at Kason as Kalahn answered, “I wouldn’t say spoiled so much as he gave me more freedom.”
“Which is the definition of spoiled,” Kason stated as he walked closer.
Taryn tilted her head. “Freedom should be a right, Prince.”
“Using your culture as a filter for mine is the definition of bias, human.”
She stood and lifted her chin, although she was still several inches shorter than him. “Not speaking up and sharing my beliefs is the ultimate recipe for disaster if we’re to share the only habitable continent on my planet. If you expect me to give up everything we are and kowtow to your ways, then I may as well go home now.”
He closed the distance between them until he was only a few inches from her body. “Originally, I had wished you to be more like the females of my planet.”
With Kason’s breath on her cheek, she forgot about the others in the room. “And now?”
“Now, I think your differences makes things interesting,” he murmured.
Taryn’s eyes darted to Kason’s lips. “Oh, there are many more ways I could make it interesting.”
Kason’s breath hitched, and she smiled. Regardless of his protesting before, he enjoyed Taryn’s confidence and ability to stand up to him.
Just as she met his eyes again and tried to figure out what he was thinking behind his impassive façade, Kalahn cleared her throat and said, “I think there is something you need to tell me, brother.”
Shit. So much for keeping the secret about being Kason’s bride. She was going to have to be more careful in the future.
Taryn retreated a few steps to clear her mind, but before she could speak, Kason did. “What happens in this room stays in the room, Kalahn.”
His sister raised her brows. “Or what? I think I should get something in return.”
“I’m your brother. And unless you want me to lose my command and Thorin to be in charge, you’ll keep your mouth shut,” Kason growled.
“Since I don’t want to be locked away forever, I think we can make a deal,” Kalahn replied.
“I’m not as indulgent as our father, but what would you ask for?”
“If the treaty succeeds and we’re allowed to form a colony on Jasvar, I want to go.”
“What?” Kason barked. “A princess’s place should be on Keldera. We can’t allow the traditions to fully break down or there will be war.”
“Since females can’t rule, it doesn’t make a lot of sense as to why I need to stay, except for maybe marrying me off to a decorated warrior to form an alliance.” Kalahn took a step toward her brother. “I won’t be married off to further anyone’s standing.”
While the siblings’ conversation was revealing, Taryn needed them both with cool heads. One outburst at the wrong time could derail her mission. “How about we delay this argument until we know if I succeed or not? If so, then Kason promises to revisit this discussion later.”
Kason’s gaze met hers. “You don’t speak for me, female.”
Taryn tilted her head. “I’m being rational. Deny Kalahn outright, and she’ll probably just get herself into more trouble. This way, options are open and she’s more likely to cooperate.” She looked to Kalahn. “I’m right, aren’t I?”
Kalahn smiled. “Yes. Otherwise, I may just disappear again and you’ll never find me. That won’t look good for the crew of this ship, and I’m sure my brother doesn’t want to ruin the careers of all those men because of his stubbornness.”
Kason growled. “I should lock you away until we return home.”
The glimpse of Kason acting like an older brother rather than a cool, collected warrior gave Taryn a peek of who the man was. Family was important to him, for a start.
Taryn jumped in. “Then let’s just decide here and now that we’ll revisit Kalahn’s request later, provided she keeps our secret.”
Kalahn met her eyes. “I have my guesses, although no one has said outright that you’re his potential destined bride.”
Kason replied, “The less you know, the better. Just keep your suspicions to yourself and we’ll talk about your future later.”
When Kalahn nodded, Taryn sighed. “Good, that’s one less thing we need to worry about. Now—”
The panel Evaine had been playing with beeped loudly. Kason rushed over, tapped a few times, and it ceased. He looked at Evaine and then Taryn. “First off, you need to learn the writing system and a few basic words so you can work some of the computers that aren’t linked to the AI system.” His gaze moved to Kalahn. “And you’re going to be their teacher.”
Taryn said, “I hope you’re not going to suggest what I think you’re going to suggest because I can’t take a week being locked up inside this room.”
“Most of your time will be spent in here, for your own safety. Only I may escort you elsewhere,” Kason stated.
“And when, exactly, will you have time to do so?”
“I may not. We’ll see how my schedule plays out.” He looked to his sister. “Start language lessons with them now.”
Before Taryn could do more than open her mouth, Kason was gone. She wondered if speaking up for him had changed his mind about sex and protecting her. If so, Taryn would have to find another way into his bed. As much as she hated to admit it, she needed Kason’s help and protection if she were to succeed.
Kalahn clapped her hands. “All right, let’s get you started. The sooner you can peck out things on the computer, the sooner you can learn about Keldera and who you’re dealing with.”
Kalahn’s last words were directed at Taryn, but she wasn’t about to back down. “I’m ready, although I do have one question—why isn’t the AI system active here?”
Evaine spoke up. “Probably because we’re foreigners and they don’t trust us. I’d do the same in their shoes.”
“Evaine is correct. Not even sharing a room with a princess will break that piece of protocol.” Kalahn picked up a flat, shiny rectangular object. After tapping the surface, it lit up. “We’ll use this for now.”
As Evaine took the flat object, her eyes widened, but Kalahn took it back. “You can play with it later. First thing’s first, we’re going to review the Kelderan writing system.”
Taryn tried to pay attention as the Kelderan princess went over the basics, but her mind kept wandering to Kason. Would he really leave her to rot the entire journey?
Not if she had any say in it. Taryn had an idea, but she would need to get Kalahn on her side, so she leaned over and paid attention.
~~~
Kason ducked the swinging blow of his opponent, stepped to the right, and punched the male in the side and then under the jaw. He went down with a thud.
Looking up from the fallen warrior, Kason met the eyes of his training class. “Patience is more important than the first move. Any warrior who wastes energy by trying to be first for the sake of it won’t make it past age thirty. Now, divide into pairs and practice sparring for the next twenty minutes. I’ll walk around and give pointers after the fact. For those looking to be promoted from apprentice, this is your chance to show what you’re capable of.” He clapped his hands. “Begin.”
As he watched the various males begin their practice, Kason helped up the man he’d knocked out and slapped him on the back. “Find a partner and try again.”
With a nod, the young warrior followed his order.
There were others who could’ve assisted with Ryven’s apprentice training class, but the lesson had provided Kason some relief. Between his sister and Taryn Demara, he had desperately needed to relieve some frustration. Doing so in an educational way was the best use of his energy.
He still didn’t believe he’d agreed to revisit Kalahn’s request later. Barring their father’s death, she would never have the approval to join the colony.
And then there was Taryn. He’d revealed more of himself than he had intended, which had only invited the female to speak for him. Even now, she probably wondered if he’d reneged on his promise to bed her and protect her.
Not that he would do so. Taryn’s strength and confidence called to him in a way he’d never felt before. A small part of him wondered if she were as defiant without her clothes as in them.
Pushing aside the thought, he focused on the males. He walked to the first fallen one. “Patience is key. Try again.”
With a nod, the young man stood up and his partner took position. Kason signaled and the males began.
Fighting, tactics, laws, and tradition were all things he understood. Every male in the room had expectations of how females and society functioned. If the treaty went through and they had a colony on Jasvar, he wondered if everyone would be able to adjust.
He would have to find a way to make it work because for some reason, the thought of letting Taryn down didn’t sit well with him. Kason hadn’t planned on establishing the colony himself, but he might just have to. Of course, that would break with tradition, and that would look like hypocrisy to his sister.
He might just have to let her accompany him.
Then he remembered his brother’s right to succession and the possible civil war that could erupt. His duty was on Keldera.
But as an image of Taryn raising her chin as she leaned in toward him to voice her opinion flashed into his mind, he didn’t know if he could let her go once he claimed her.
There was only one way to find out. He needed to seduce Taryn Demara sooner rather than later so that Kason could plan the next stage of his life.
Later in the evening, the female had no idea what was coming.
Chapter Nine
Taryn finally managed to write out the entire set of symbols used in the Kelderan writing system on her flat pad computer screen. She might not be able to do much more than read them individually with a little bit of reminding from Evaine, but it was progress. Tackling the odd shapes of swirls and lines had distracted her for the last five hours and given her time to observe Kalahn.
Her initial observation that Kalahn was different than her brother hadn’t changed.
The princess nodded at Taryn’s work. “You’re both quick learners.”
Taryn leaned back in her chair. “Evaine is quicker with languages, but what I lack in natural ability, I make up with stubbornness.”
Kalahn smiled. “You sound like my brother Keltor.”
Not missing a beat, Taryn replied, “I’ve heard the name, but no one seems keen on discussing him with me.”
Kalahn shrugged. “He’s the heir. Talking about him could reveal a weakness and a possible threat to the throne.”
“And what about Kason? What can you tell me about him?”
“You seem to be cozy with my brother already. If you are a potential destined bride and he decides to keep you, you’ll have plenty of time to get to know him.”
“No one ‘keeps’ me.”
Kalahn tilted her head. “Your planet must be so very different from mine. I think you might actually be good for Kason. If anyone can try to change something through stubbornness, it’s Kason. He’s a good ally to have.”
“I’m sure his stubbornness hinders progress as well,” Taryn drawled.
Evaine spoke up. “If he had capitulated easily, we wouldn’t be here. I never would’ve been able to figure out this ship if we had succeeded in hijacking it.”
Taryn shot a look at her friend, telling her to keep quiet. For all of Evaine’s genius, she lacked the ability to keep a secret.
Kalahn’s eyes lit up.
“I want to hear this story.”
She could see Kalahn becoming an ally. “Maybe tomorrow. This evening, I want to talk with Kason in private. Is that possible?”
“The computer’s security system is monitoring access to the door. If someone tries to leave without using a special code, the guards stationed nearby will come running,” Kalahn explained.
“Ah, but for a princess who managed to sneak onto a ship and stay hidden for over a week, bypassing that problem should be easy,” Taryn answered.
“I’m not about to risk getting into trouble for free. I have a proposition.”
Taryn had a feeling she wasn’t going to like Kalahn’s proposition, but she nodded. “Go on.”
“If I sneak you into Kason’s room without any problems, then I want you to convince him to let me join the colony.”
She raised her brows. “You seem confident that the negotiations will be successful.”
“None of the warriors will say it, but Keldera would greatly benefit by becoming allies with the Earth Colony Alliance. Kason knows this.”
“But Jasvar hasn’t had contact with Earth in over 200 years and certainly no contact with the ECA.”
“So? You are an Earth colony. That and your word will be enough to start the process.”
Taryn decided to try her luck and pushed. “Why do you need the alliance?”
“Except for Keldera, our corner of the galaxy is sparsely populated because of the lack of life-supporting planets. However, rumors have it that the Brevkan have been spotted at the edges of our star system in the last few months.”
She frowned. “Who are they and why is that important?”
Kalahn hesitated and then finally answered, “The Brevkan are our greatest enemies. The last time they visited our planet, the Kelderans and Brevkans ended up killing half of their respective armed forces.” Kalahn raised her chin. “But we were victorious in the end.”
“And now they want retribution,” Taryn stated.
“Yes. It’s not a matter of if, but when. With overpopulation, dwindling resources, and the rise of disgruntled factions, Keldera is not as unified as it once was. The warriors would never admit defeat, but I’m not entirely sure we can win again if Brevka attacked.”
The Conquest (Kelderan Runic Warriors Book 1) Page 8