Dovetailed by Rashelle Workman Page B

His body crushed his hands. He heard Charles kneel next to him and press something into his neck.
    “The target is secure.”
    Dervinias knew his mind was fading. He’d be unconscious in seconds. Forcing his eyes open, he watched a team of agents stalk forward. Their movements seemed silly and he wanted to laugh, but couldn’t.
    “Get him into the van. Abe is waiting.”

 
     
     
     
     

    The Chans continued to debate how best to handle Amberlee’s coronation. They knew it needed to happen. Following protocol, keeping at least the appearance of order, was in the best interest of Alayeah.
    Venus stayed along the edges, trying to blend in, to let the leaders of Alayeah do what needed to be done. She also kept an eye on Amberlee. Venus knew the child was extra sensitive and she worried that her guilt over what had happened to her mom and dad affected her even more than she let on.
    She wished she could take away her pain, help her understand that she wasn’t completely to blame. But it wasn’t something Venus could make her feel. Amberlee needed to arrive at the conclusion on her own.
    A Formytian Venus knew as Ander rushed into the room. He was tall and thin, and his Ostwallow sword was strapped to his back. He paused a moment, searching. When his gaze landed on Venus, he bowed.
    “I have news.”
    Venus stood straighter. “Come and tell me.” She noticed Zaren began move in her direction and motioned for him to stay put.
    “It’s about Dervinias,” Ander began.
    That set her on edge. “What is it?”
    He pressed a fisted hand over his heart. “His Transport returned a few minutes ago, but Dervinias wasn’t inside. We searched the cockpit and discovered this.” He handed her a clear strip that was the Transport’s recording device. “We believe Dervinias activated this.”
    Venus took the strip and pressed it against her forehead. She listened in awe. When it was over, she pulled it off and crushed it. “Who else knows about this?”
    “Only myself and Wilhelm.”
    Venus placed a hand on his shoulder. “Tell no one what you discovered. Can I count on you to do that?”
    “Yes, Goddess.”
    “Thank you.” She smiled. “And please bring Wilhelm to me.”
    “Right away.” The Formytian quickly left.
    Venus would need to get things in order. “Modna, is the convoy prepared?”
    “Almost. It should be ready soon.”
    Venus hid her irritation. Modna was a good woman, but she was also cocky. Her innermost thoughts included her belief that she should be the next queen. All of the Chans thought anyone but Amberlee would be better suited. That thinking needed to change. “May I speak with you privately a moment?”
    Modna was suddenly terrified. She seemed to be looking for an excuse to say no, but there wasn’t one. “Of course,” she said, her voice shaky.
    “Excellent.” Venus turned and walked from the room while Modna reluctantly followed.
    Once she was in the hall, Venus opened the door to the king’s study and went inside. The room was deathly quiet and a thin layer of dust covered everything. It was obvious no one had been in here for some time, but it still smelled of the king, like old books.
    When Modna was inside, Venus closed the door. Modna seemed to shrink before her. “I know you believe Amberlee isn’t ready to be queen. And you’re right. She isn’t, but it is her right. Becoming queen is her destiny.” She paused, waiting for Modna to take in all she’d just said.
    The Chan leader nodded. “I-I know,” she began.
    “You may know, but you don’t agree,” Venus interrupted, upset that the Alayeahian leader thought she could deceive her. She crossed her arms and waited for the other woman’s response.
    Modna started to sweat. “I’m sure you can understand. Amberlee is a spoiled child. She wasn’t taught how to lead. And she’s a traitor. It was because of her the king and queen, her own parents—your parents—were slaughtered. How can that be forgiven? How can you