The Conquest (Kelderan Runic Warriors Book 1)

by Jessie Donovan

  The new guards carried trays, signaling meal time. Since Kason was lying next to Taryn, he moved a fraction closer to her ear and murmured, “Do as you did during the training demonstration with the females.”

  His words were a bit cryptic, but Taryn was intelligent. When she gave an imperceptible nod, Kason watched the guards through slitted eyelids. Once the old pair left, he bided his time. The second the force field went down, he poked Taryn’s side.

  She rolled off the bed and screamed as she grabbed her middle. One of the guards rushed to her side while the other pointed some type of blast gun at her.

  Kason took his cue and lunged for the armed guard as Taryn rolled the other guard to the ground. While it was foolish to think they could escape, Kason had a different goal in mind.

  As he finally punched the guard and secured his weapon, he pointed it at the male’s head and said, “Tell your captain I want an audience. I’m tired of being ignored.”

  The guard growled. “The captain won’t respond to your threats.”

  He pushed the gun harder into the male’s back. “The longer she holds me here, the greater the chance of starting a war with Keldera. I’m the best hope at avoiding that, so I doubt she’ll kill me. Tell her my message and your friend won’t be harmed.”

  From the corner of his eye, he saw that Taryn had the other guard’s arm behind his back as well as her knee digging into the base of his spine. She leaned some more of her weight on the man, and he grunted. The guard in front of Kason finally spat out, “I’ll tell the captain. Then I’ll have the pleasure of watching you be put on trial and hopefully executed.”

  Kason pushed the man out of the cell and toward the door. “And I look forward to you apologizing to two diplomatic representatives later for your temperament.”

  The man glared but exited the room. However, once the door clicked closed, the sound of another door sliding downward filled the room. No doubt, it was a safety protocol to fence them in, but Kason had expected it.

  All he wanted was an audience with the captain. After a day, Thorin should have discovered the true culprits.

  He turned back toward Taryn. The sight of his female holding the much larger male hostage caused pride and desire to flood his body. She was truly a worthy bride.

  Taryn met his gaze. “Help me find something to tie him up so I can help once the others return. Even though I expect them to gas us and knock us unconscious, on the small chance the captain agrees to see us, I don’t want this guy jumping us unaware for revenge.”

  Kason opened a panel. Thanks to his mandatory technical training before becoming a general, he found and ripped out some nonessential wiring. He handed it to Taryn. “If a prisoner had jumped one of my warriors, it would’ve garnered my attention. I hope Geneva is the same.”

  Taryn finished tying up the guard and stood. “She’s not Kelderan, Kason. It may not work.”

  “She’s half-alien too, from her looks. Considering she’s an empath, she can see that I mean no true harm to her staff. It also should spare us being killed since death takes its toll on empaths.”

  Taryn opened her mouth to reply, but the inner door slid open and Geneva’s form stood at the other side of the electrified gate. “Just because I feel it more than others doesn’t mean I won’t kill if necessary.”

  Kason turned toward the captain and smiled. “You came.”

  “Only because I sensed you had no desire to kill my staff.”

  Kason studied the female and stated, “And there’s something else.”

  “Yes. Release my guard and I’ll share what it is.”

  Kason may not have any otherworldly abilities, but he sensed Geneva was telling the truth.

  He helped the guard to his feet and escorted him to the door. “You’re going to have to turn off the electricity and open the gate if you want him in one piece. Although I’m more than happy to cut him down to pieces so he can fit through the openings.”

  Geneva tilted her head. “A Kelderan with a sense of humor. I haven’t experienced that to date.” She glanced to Taryn. “I’m intrigued at how much being in love with a human female can loosen a male’s ways.”

  Kason mentally cursed at not better guarding his emotions around the empath. He could feel Taryn’s eyes on his back, but he resisted looking at her just yet. “Sharing my feelings without my permission is without honor.”

  The captain met his gaze again. “It makes us even for what you did to my guards.” She motioned and the gate rose. “Speaking of which, hand over my crew member.”

  He pushed the male forward, and Geneva guided the guard to someone at her side.

  Kason raised his brows. “Well? What else aren’t you telling me?”

  “Come with me. Oh, and if you try anything, you’ll be drugged unconscious. Keep that in mind.”

  Geneva turned and walked down the corridor. Taryn appeared at his side and whispered, “Once this is over, we need to talk.”

  He knew what it was about. In a way, Kason would be glad to tell his bride how he felt. He hated keeping secrets from her.

  Placing a hand on her lower back, he followed the captain’s lead. They just needed to leave the ECA’s ship so he could do it.

  ~~~

  Taryn wanted to grin at learning Kason’s feelings, but resisted. As much as she might wish otherwise, her own feelings weren’t the most important factor at the moment.

  Captain Geneva knew something about the origins of the missile that had hit the ECA ship, she was sure of it. The sooner they discussed things with her, the sooner Taryn and Kason could clear up the misunderstanding and leave the ship.

  Despite the glances some of the guards threw as they walked past, no one touched them. They clearly respected their captain’s wishes.

  They finally arrived at a set of double doors. Once they opened, Kalahn, Vala, and Jerrick’s faces came into view. The three of them sat at one end of the table.

  Kason spoke first, thankfully in CEL. “Kalahn? What are you doing here?”

  Geneva jumped in. “Sit down and you’ll find out soon enough.”

  He grunted but held his tongue. Considering Kalahn was smiling, the news couldn’t be that bad.

  Once everyone was seated, except for the guards posted around the room, Geneva spoke again. “Princess Kalahn, tell your brother and Taryn why you’re here.”

  Kalahn looked at her brother. “Why, I wanted to be captured of course.”

  “Kalahn…” Kason growled.

  “Okay, so that’s not the whole of it. But I like being the one to rescue you. Let me bask for a few more seconds because I doubt it’ll happen again,” Kalahn replied.

  Geneva folded her hands in front of her. “As much as I understand a sister’s need to pester her older brother, time is of the essence. As it is, we should’ve left this star system by now.”

  Vala’s soft voice filled the room in her accented CEL. “We discovered who fired the missile.”

  Taryn studied the Barren. She had to be wearing a translating device inside her ear. Since the Kelderans didn’t have them, it had to be from the ECA.

  More than that, she sat taller and her voice was firmer. Whatever had happened recently had given the woman some much-needed confidence. “Who was it?”

  Kalahn answered, “Ilren.”

  Taryn had no idea who Ilren was, but Kason’s curse signaled that he did. “Once we return to Keldera, I need to find out who helped him at the remote base I sent him to.” He glanced at Taryn. “He was one of the warriors who refused to work with the females and that we sent away.” He looked back to Kalahn and then Jerrick. “He couldn’t have orchestrated it all on his own. He has fire, but isn’t a strategist.”

  Taryn leaned forward. “Knowing who did it is only half of it. How did you figure it out? Does Thorin know?”

  Jerrick nodded, signaling he must also be wearing a translating device. He spoke in Kelderan, but Kalahn quickly interpreted. “Thorin knows. He helped once we found the fighter ship an
d captured the traitors. Ilren managed to take control of one of the two the king sent to help us.” He gestured toward Kalahn and Vala. “These two are responsible for not only finding them but for also tricking them into confessing.”

  Taryn looked to Kalahn and raised her brows. “I’m intrigued.”

  Kalahn shrugged. “Playing a helpless female afraid of the recently fired missile worked to our advantage. To calm us down, Ilren assured us he had fired the weapon by mistake and that he would protect us.”

  Yes, it certainly seemed that Kalahn was destined to be more than a princess. Taryn only hoped Kalahn would have another chance to show her potential again in the future.

  Kason grunted. “There is a reason Ilren was never given an officer’s position.”

  Geneva spoke up. “All that matters is your Lt. General sent us the proof the other ship fired and I trust you to charge him accordingly since Keldera is outside our jurisdiction. If we’re to investigate and possibly help Jasvar, we need to move on as soon as possible. I offer you passage on our ship, if you so choose.”

  While a part of her screamed to accept the offer and return home, she had a duty to fulfill. Taryn glanced to Kason. His people were also counting on her.

  She shook her head. “Thank you, but no. I still need to settle things with the Kelderan king before going home.”

  Kalahn spoke up. “You might need to go to Keldera, but I’m going, along with Jerrick to ensure Ryven and the other warriors are released. We can also help set things up for when Kason and Taryn return to Jasvar.”

  Kason studied his sister for a second and Taryn wondered if he would outright deny Kalahn because of her recent actions. Kalahn might try something else daring while on Jasvar without her brother’s presence. Since Taryn didn’t really know Ryven, she had no idea if the man could keep Kalahn from getting into too much danger.

  Kason finally replied, “I would try to stop you, but I have a feeling you’d go anyway.”

  She wanted to cheer but settled for elbowing Kason in the side. “Kason is trying to say he thinks you’ll represent Keldera well.” When Kason said nothing, Taryn smiled before looking to the captain. “Give us half an hour to talk with Kalahn and Jerrick and then we’ll leave your ship.”

  Geneva nodded. “Thirty minutes. However, if you’re still aboard after that, you’ll be joining us for the journey.” She waited for them to bob their assent before continuing, “I’m also going to give you a copy of the ECA agreement before you depart. While your final admission to the alliance is pending our investigation, I want to give you plenty of time to look it over and know what you’re getting yourself into.”

  “Thank you,” Taryn answered.

  The captain stood. “My staff and I will leave you alone to use this room. Once you’re done, a few guards will escort you to the appropriate shuttle bay.” She bowed her head. “I hope our future working relationship proves fruitful.”

  “As do we,” Taryn answered.

  Geneva and her staff exited the room. Once they were alone, Kason turned to Kalahn. “How did you convince Thorin to let you execute your crazy plan?”

  Kalahn tilted her head. “My crazy plan saved your royal behind, so you should thank me.”

  “Kalahn,” Kason growled.

  Vala spoke up. “Thorin want success. Try anything to get it.”

  Jerrick jumped in, and Kalahn interpreted into CEL again. “Vala is right. Thorin wants to command his own ship, and after this, headquarters will probably grant him one.”

  Kason wrapped one arm around Taryn’s waist. “Especially when I announce Taryn is my bride and they take away my rank.”

  Hearing Kason’s statement made her both happy and sad. She loved the thought of a future with her warrior prince, but not at the expense of his career.

  Jerrick smiled. Kalahn’s voice put his words in CEL. “Maybe, maybe not. I already figured that out and I can’t be the only one. And yet here you are, still a general.”

  Hope fluttered in her chest. Maybe they could have it all.

  Taryn looked between the two men. “I thought you’d said that if anyone found out, you’d lose your rank.”

  Jerrick shrugged, and Kalahn translated again. “Most of us have worked for years with Prince Kason. Besides, we sent away most of the dissenters with Ilren back to Keldera, after Thorin forced their surrender. I can’t say if headquarters will feel the same way once it’s public, but the ship is loyal to the prince.”

  “We’ll find out what headquarters thinks soon enough,” Kason said. “For now, we don’t have much time. I need Kalahn to give a message to Ryven. Do you trust Vala enough to hear it, too?”

  Kalahn placed a hand on Vala’s bicep. “Of course I do. Without her, our mission might’ve failed. She’s a skilled pilot. The only reason I’m not bringing her with me to Jasvar is because I want her to watch over Taryn.”

  Taryn rolled her eyes. “I can look after myself.” Kalahn growled and she grinned. “But I admit it’ll be nice to have a friendly face at my side.”

  Vala looked anywhere but at Taryn. She might be more confident, but the Barren wasn’t used to compliments. Taryn would have to remedy that.

  Kason motioned for his sister to come closer. Once she did, he whispered something in Kelderan that Taryn couldn’t understand.

  Kalahn answered back in the same language before switching to CEL. “Now, you two and Vala need to hurry along. I doubt Father will deny the colonization agreement now, after all Taryn has done to help us. But the sooner a formal agreement is signed, the sooner we can put everything in motion for the colony.”

  Taryn bobbed her head. “Of course, but if everything goes according to plan, Kason and I will arrive well before the colonists. Until we reach Jasvar, make sure no one kills each other. I’m sure the Kelderan warriors on Jasvar might be less than enthusiastic about remaining on my planet and undoubtedly under the ECA observers’ watch.”

  Kalahn waved a hand. “I’ve known Ryven nearly my whole life. I can handle him.”

  Kason shook his head. “Ryven isn’t one of your palace servants to order around, Kalahn. You’d best remember that.”

  Before the siblings could start an argument, Taryn stood between them. “I’m sure everyone will do a stellar job.” She walked up to Kalahn and put out her arms.

  The princess closed the distance and hugged her before saying, “Thanks for everything, Taryn. I’m glad you turned out to be my brother’s destined bride. I’m just sad I’ll miss the proclamation ceremony.”

  Taryn smiled. “I’m sure we’ll do something back on Jasvar. Otherwise my best friend, Nova, will badger me for the rest of my life for not including her.”

  Especially since Taryn had probably nabbed her alien man before Nova.

  Kalahn leaned forward. “I’ll have to find this Nova. Any friend of yours has to be interesting.”

  She moved away and smiled at Kalahn. “I think you two will get along famously.”

  Kason wrapped both of his arms around Taryn’s waist and drew her back against him. “We should go before you give any more bad ideas to my sister.”

  “Hey, there’s nothing wrong with making life interesting. Besides, Kalahn has a lifetime of mistakes and adventures to make up for,” Taryn stated.

  “And I plan to make a head start before you two arrive back on Jasvar.” Kalahn motioned toward the exit with her hand. “Go. As much as it pains me to say it, my brother is right. You don’t have much time, and Keldera needs you two too much. I’ll see you both soon enough.”

  The thought of not seeing Kalahn for who knew how long caused her heart to ache. She was going to miss her new friend.

  Kason’s low voice rumbled in her ear. “You’ll see Kalahn before much longer.”

  She smiled up at her prince. “And to think of the trouble we can cause once we’re reunited and I’m in charge of the planet.”

  Before Kason could reply, Vala walked up to them and bowed her head. “Excuse me for speaking out of turn, b
ut we really should leave unless we want to remain onboard this ship.”

  “Feel free to say whatever you want in my presence, Vala.” Once the Barren murmured she’d try, Taryn maneuvered out of Kason’s grip and took his hand. “Come, Prince. I think it’s time to meet the rest of your family.”

  When Kason said nothing, she instantly knew the meeting with the king and his older brother wasn’t going to be a friendly, laidback experience.

  While she’d work on repairing their family relations later, securing the agreement came first.

  Waving good-bye to Kalahn and Jerrick, Taryn led Kason out of the room. Vala followed close on their heels.

  As the guards escorted them to the designated shuttle bay, Kason squeezed her hand. His touch reminded her that if she ever needed strength, her warrior would lend it.

  With that thought, she picked up her pace. Taryn was anxious to see Keldera, negotiate an agreement, and return to her own world.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  For the short ride between the ECA’s ship and the one currently in Thorin’s command, Kason itched to take Taryn to the back of the small space and kiss her.

  With more people knowing she was his destined bride, he needed to claim her publicly. And soon.

  However, with only Kason, Taryn, and Vala inside the shuttle that Kalahn had used previously, Kason had to help copilot the vessel.

  And the Barren was doing a fine job. While he needed to adjust a few things every once in a while, with a little coaching, she would be as skilled as any male.

  He nearly blinked at that thought. Taryn was definitely rubbing off on him. Kelderan law still forbade females from becoming pilots. Maybe after the colonization agreement was reached, Kason could talk with his older brother about changing a few things. If not for all of Keldera, then at least those who became part of the colony.

  Of course, once they landed on Jasvar, Kason could help craft new rules. It would be his job to help enforce them.

  Taryn’s voice filled his ear. “What are you thinking about?”