Red Shift - Part 4 Chapter 6
Posted: Fri Sep 07, 2007 4:11 pm
Please accept my apologies for the lack of updates in recent weeks, but as you are aware, I was without an internet connection foa all this time. So, I'm going to leap straight in with the story tonight, and restart my personal comments next week. Okay?
Thanks.
Wayne
Red Shift
Part 4
Chapter 6
The Royal Carriage - a term of endearment only as the ship was as un-carriage like as you could get - sped along the roadway that lead into the town of Wier, floating on the pocket of air that it's engines produced. Light tanks escorted her, not out of fear of attack, but because of protocol. Technically, she was still the ruling Monarch, albeit in name only, and she believed that showing up in force might make her son view her differently. She needed to take control of the situation, until Zan was ready. Because clearly, he was not thinking straight.
"A roadblock?" Dalena frowned when the pilot informed her that they were being made to stop. "Don't they know who I am? Have the Bloodguard been away from Antar so long that they have forgotten who I am?"
"Perhaps," Count Heldin nodded. "But those soldiers do not look like Bloodguard to me."
"Can we not drive through them? Or around?"
"Probably not a wise idea," Heldin shook his head. "If these soldiers are asking us to stop, who knows what they might do if we don't."
"Then stop," Dalena nodded. "And I will deal with them."
The ship stopped at the block. Dalena puffed herself up to reprimand the guards for not recognizing her. As the door opened, however, it became clear to her that the guards had indeed recognized her. As one, they had knelt down on one knee, before rising and saluting. With a knitting of her eyebrows, she looked for the one in charge.
"You," she nodded at the man. "Where is my son? Where are Zan's quarters?"
"King Zan and the others have taken residence in an abandoned house on the west side of town, My Lady," the officer saluted. "By the river."
If Dalena needed an indication of where the soldiers' loyalty lay, it was clear to her now. She might be a Queen in name, but the King had returned.
"House?" she gasped. "Surely, you mean a palace. Or a mansion at the very least."
"No, My Lady," he shook his head. "A house. A rather modest house. Rath has taken one close by and..."
"Was the palace damaged then?" she frowned. "Uninhabitable, perhaps? As I recall, Count Barala and his family lived here. They had a fine palace to the east. Surely it must have been repaired by now."
"Count Barala lives there still," the officer nodded. "And the palace is indeed in fine repair."
"And why is Zan living in a house when there is a palace available to him? Surely Barala offered his palace to the King. I shall have words with Count Barala."
"He did, My Lady," he nodded. "Max... I mean, King Zan declined his hospitality."
"Did he," Dalena voice turned frosty. "Take me to my son at once."
The officer motioned toward a small squad of soldiers, not in dress uniform, but in battle dress.
"Is this my escort?" she turned on the officer.
"Yes, My Lady," he nodded. "We are in the middle of enemy territory so we have had to dispense with the ceremonial uniforms, I'm afraid. I am sure that King Zan's safety is the most paramount of importance."
"Right," Dalena nodded. "Lead on, then."
The guards moved in a skirmish formation, that is, they did not march in rows or files, but spread out, their eyes constantly moving, looking for danger. The town had certainly welcomed Zan with open arms, but they were trained soldiers, and it only took one slip up in security.
They came to a halt again. Dalena looked through the window to see what the hold up was. It was another barricade. Once again, she climbed from the ship and turned to face the barrier.
"Let me through!" she called out. "I am Lady Dalena. I am your King's mother!"
"My Lady," someone stepped from behind the barricade and bowed.
Crimson! Lady Dalena recognized at once, the uniform of the King's bodyguard. The Bloodguard were here. At last, she would be treated with the respect she was due.
"Ah," she smiled. "Someone who understands. Let me through, at once."
"I am sorry, My Lady," he shook his head. "No one is to enter the temporary Royal enclosure."
"But, I am royalty!" she spluttered. "You know who I am! Surely, my son is aware of my presence."
"He is, My Lady," he bowed once more. "And it is my duty to escort you to your quarters."
"I will go to my son," she shook her head.
"I beg your pardon, My Lady, but..."
"You are the Royal Body Guard," she stated. "As such, you are answerable to me. Take me to my son, this instant."
"I am the King's bodyguard, My Lady," the Bloodguard stated. "I am answerable only to the King... well, and one other... but never the less... my orders are to take you to your quarters. The King is tied up in a rather taxing negotiation, at the moment."
* * *
"Yet?" Liz rained kisses down on Max's lips as the young couple made out on the large sofa in the room that has become their private chamber.
As Max tried to capture her lips, she darted away.
"No," he chuckled, pulling her closer to him, reveling in the warmth of her body against his. "But soon. I'm sure of it."
"God, I hate that word," Liz shook her head.
"What word?" Max frowned.
"Soon," Liz stated, nuzzling her lips up under Max's jaw-line before leaving a few wet kisses up towards his ear. "Hey!" she sat up straight as an idea came to her. She started to grin. "What if I was to tie you up? You couldn't stop me then."
"Yeah," Max laughed. "You and who's army?"
"Your army," she smirked. "I think they're starting to like me, now. Maybe they'll help me."
"Starting to like you, Liz?" Max turned serious. "The Bloodguard have liked you almost from the start. You are just so easy to like. Easier still, to love."
"So, you think I'm easy, huh?" she raised her eyebrows.
"If the shoe fits," Max shrugged. "I mean, you're the one throwing herself at me."
"True," Liz nodded. "But remember this, mighty King Zan. Payback's a bitch. When we do start making love, maybe I will put you on short rations."
"Uh huh," Max snorted. "'Cause that wouldn't bother you at all."
Three well spaced knocks at the door attracted their attention.
"You know," their playful manner dissipated. "I really think I'm supposed to answer them in some ceremonial manner or something."
"Well," Liz sighed. "Ceremonial or not. We better answer."
"Come in," Max shouted as Liz moved off of him and straightened her clothing.
"Sire," a crimson clad soldier entered. "Lady Dalena has arrived."
"She didn't waste any time, huh?" Max raised an eyebrow at Liz.
"What?" Liz gasped, running her hands through her hair. "Your Mom is here?"
"Well," Max shrugged. "Zan's Mom is here. My Mom... my other moms are back on Earth."
"I guess she got here faster than you thought, huh?"
"I figured tomorrow morning at least," Max nodded. "Guess she really wants to get me on board before my meeting. Any news from Dray?" Max turned to the guard.
"Apparently, he had a fit," the guard smiled.
"No surprises there, then," Max smirked. "Maria said that would give him conniptions when she suggested how I phrase that reply. I really doubt I could have pulled off that kind of arrogance by myself."
"And I never really figured Maria as a royal speech writer," Liz laughed.
* * *
Dressed in a rather stiffly formal attire, Max stood by the door to the modest bedroom that he and Liz were sharing. He was staring at the door handle, as though willing the door to open.
"I know what you're doing, Max," Liz sighed with a shake of her head.
"What am I doing?" Max turned to ask her.
"You're trying to put off the moment," Liz shrugged. "Trying to delay the inevitable."
"What am I going to say, Liz?" Max frowned. "I mean, this is my... this is Zan's mother. She's been waiting for me to return for more than fifty years and I don't even know her."
"She doesn't know you, either, Max," Liz rose from her seat and crossed the room to his side. "She's probably having the same worries that you are."
"But how much is it going to hurt her when I can't return the same love that she is going to have for me?"
"Max," Liz reached out her hand and placed her palm on his cheek. "All I can tell you is what a very important person in my life once said to me. Follow your heart."
"But what does that mean, Liz?" Max groaned. "What is my..."
"Be yourself, Max," Liz gave a gentle smile. "I think that's what Grandma was trying to tell me. To be true to myself. Just follow what you feel. She's your mother. Your ultimate mother, I mean. She knows you for who you were. She knows that you are a hybrid alien with human DNA and mixed with your alien essence. You don't have to hide anything from her."
"I know. It's just..." Max waved his hand in frustration. "I think the thing that really bothers me is this thing about me and..."
"And Ava," Liz nodded.
"Yeah," Max dropped his shoulders.
"Well?" Liz raised her eyebrows. "What are you planning to do about it?"
"About what?" Max blinked."
"About her plans to get you back with Ava?"
"Not going to happen, Liz," Max shook his head. "That boat has sailed, only it's been renamed the S.S. Max-and-Liz. She's going to have to learn to love you."
"As much as I love spending time with you, Max," Liz smirked. "she is never going to love me if I keep hogging her time with you. Go. Get this over with."
Taking a deep breath, Max kissed Liz on her lips and left their room. Liz stared at the closed door for a moment before she turned and returned to her seat.
"Hey," Michael nodded at Liz as he entered their room. "He finally left, huh?"
The strangeness to Michael's voice caused her to look up sharply.
"Okay," Liz's eyes widened. "Tell me that Mr. Stonewall Guerin is not really nervous."
"I am not really nervous," Michael shook his head, turning to look at the door."
"Okay, Michael," Liz suppressed her chuckle. "I know you're lying. What's up?"
"It's Max's mom. I mean, Zan's mom." Michael turned to look at Liz with real concern on his face. "What if she doesn't like Maria? What if she gets mad?"
"What is it with you two?" Liz snapped. "Aliens invade Roswell and want to kill you? No problem. Stand up to them and kick their butts. FBI want to find you and vivisect you? Simple, get rid of them. Planet needs liberating? Fly across the Universe and liberate it. That stuff is easy. Meet a woman you haven't seen in over fifty years and you quiver like a bunch of first graders caught playing doctors and nurses."
"Not just any woman, Liz," Michael shook his head. Zan and Vilandra's real mom. The Queen. And in case you had forgotten, your future Mother-In-Law."
"Thank you, Michael," Liz growled as her own show of bravado fell away. "I was fine until you mentioned that part."
* * *
"What if they have forgotten me completely?" Dalena asked her Lady in Waiting over the breakfast table. "What if they have no feelings for me at all?"
"You know what?" Valda gave a sympathetic smile. "I'll bet that they are just as worried about how this meeting will go as you are."
"I have waited so long for this day," Dalena mused. "And not once did I imagine that I would not see them until only hours before his first meeting with one of his enemies. Or rather, potential ally."
"Are you sure this is a wise idea?" Valda sat across from her mistress.
"Zan is not strong enough to fight both Dray and Kivar at once. While it's true that he does seem to command a rather large body of men, it's nothing compared to the combined might of the other two. He must ally himself to one or forever be the underdog. Better to be in league with the lesser of the two evils and strike at him after Kivar has been dealt with."
"I hope Zan agrees with you," Valda nodded.
"He will," Dalena nodded. "And if he does not, I am sure he will listen to Ava. She will be able to persuade him, I'm sure."
Valda rose from the table at the knock of the door. She opened it to admit access to the crimson clad officer.
"My Lady," he gave a very formal bow. "His Majesty will see you now."
"At last," Dalena muttered and she steeled herself for her meeting with her son.
* * *
Max was the first to arrive. Protocol dictated that. Max was the King, he 'went' to no one. His heart pounded in his chest as he rubbed the palms of his hand over the regal robes. His mind went back over the conversation he and Liz had had with Larek.
" What do I call her? I mean, Mom is someone back on Earth. Calling this woman who I haven't known for fifty years and not at all in this life-time, Mom just seems strange."
Whatever your feelings, Sire, Dalena is your mother. And regardless of her feelings toward Liz, she has worked tirelessly in your name. Whatever you do, do not insult her."
"Why don't you call her 'Mother', Max. I mean, in all the nursery stories I read as a little girl, the prince always called his mom 'Mother'."
"I can live with that. What would I do without you, Liz?"
"Yeah. I sometimes wonder that, myself."
"I am sure that Dalena will come to appreciate Liz as much as those of us who have already met her have. She is most definitely... unique."
"You can say that again."
"Max Evans. You can wipe that silly grin off your face right now."
"Oh? How? Like this?"
"Uh, I think I will leave the two of you now. Such open Earthly affections take a little getting used to."
Max started to smile at the memory of the kiss that he and Liz had shared. How was it that she knew not only 'how' to distract him, but 'when'?
Perhaps this meeting would not be so bad after all.
* * *
Dalena stood at the door to Max's 'Royal' audience chamber, which apparently had once been someone's dining room. This was it. After more than half a century, she was going to see her children at last. Whilst it was true that only two of the Royal Four were hers by birth, she felt like a mother to all of them.
She had elected to dress simply, today. Regally, for sure, but she in no way wished to upstage Zan. He was, after all, the true ruling Monarch. The last thing Dalena wanted to do was to give her son the impression that she believed he was somehow usurping her position. No, she needed Zan to be comfortable with her. She needed him to be able to confide in her, and to trust her counsel. His rash decision to reject Dray could very well cost him his throne if she did not manage to salvage some sort of deal with the general. To do that, she had to get through to Zan. He could not take both men on at once.
Judging from the way she had been received by the Bloodguard, perhaps this meeting would not be so bad after all.
* * *
Thanks.
Wayne
Red Shift
Part 4
Chapter 6
The Royal Carriage - a term of endearment only as the ship was as un-carriage like as you could get - sped along the roadway that lead into the town of Wier, floating on the pocket of air that it's engines produced. Light tanks escorted her, not out of fear of attack, but because of protocol. Technically, she was still the ruling Monarch, albeit in name only, and she believed that showing up in force might make her son view her differently. She needed to take control of the situation, until Zan was ready. Because clearly, he was not thinking straight.
"A roadblock?" Dalena frowned when the pilot informed her that they were being made to stop. "Don't they know who I am? Have the Bloodguard been away from Antar so long that they have forgotten who I am?"
"Perhaps," Count Heldin nodded. "But those soldiers do not look like Bloodguard to me."
"Can we not drive through them? Or around?"
"Probably not a wise idea," Heldin shook his head. "If these soldiers are asking us to stop, who knows what they might do if we don't."
"Then stop," Dalena nodded. "And I will deal with them."
The ship stopped at the block. Dalena puffed herself up to reprimand the guards for not recognizing her. As the door opened, however, it became clear to her that the guards had indeed recognized her. As one, they had knelt down on one knee, before rising and saluting. With a knitting of her eyebrows, she looked for the one in charge.
"You," she nodded at the man. "Where is my son? Where are Zan's quarters?"
"King Zan and the others have taken residence in an abandoned house on the west side of town, My Lady," the officer saluted. "By the river."
If Dalena needed an indication of where the soldiers' loyalty lay, it was clear to her now. She might be a Queen in name, but the King had returned.
"House?" she gasped. "Surely, you mean a palace. Or a mansion at the very least."
"No, My Lady," he shook his head. "A house. A rather modest house. Rath has taken one close by and..."
"Was the palace damaged then?" she frowned. "Uninhabitable, perhaps? As I recall, Count Barala and his family lived here. They had a fine palace to the east. Surely it must have been repaired by now."
"Count Barala lives there still," the officer nodded. "And the palace is indeed in fine repair."
"And why is Zan living in a house when there is a palace available to him? Surely Barala offered his palace to the King. I shall have words with Count Barala."
"He did, My Lady," he nodded. "Max... I mean, King Zan declined his hospitality."
"Did he," Dalena voice turned frosty. "Take me to my son at once."
The officer motioned toward a small squad of soldiers, not in dress uniform, but in battle dress.
"Is this my escort?" she turned on the officer.
"Yes, My Lady," he nodded. "We are in the middle of enemy territory so we have had to dispense with the ceremonial uniforms, I'm afraid. I am sure that King Zan's safety is the most paramount of importance."
"Right," Dalena nodded. "Lead on, then."
The guards moved in a skirmish formation, that is, they did not march in rows or files, but spread out, their eyes constantly moving, looking for danger. The town had certainly welcomed Zan with open arms, but they were trained soldiers, and it only took one slip up in security.
They came to a halt again. Dalena looked through the window to see what the hold up was. It was another barricade. Once again, she climbed from the ship and turned to face the barrier.
"Let me through!" she called out. "I am Lady Dalena. I am your King's mother!"
"My Lady," someone stepped from behind the barricade and bowed.
Crimson! Lady Dalena recognized at once, the uniform of the King's bodyguard. The Bloodguard were here. At last, she would be treated with the respect she was due.
"Ah," she smiled. "Someone who understands. Let me through, at once."
"I am sorry, My Lady," he shook his head. "No one is to enter the temporary Royal enclosure."
"But, I am royalty!" she spluttered. "You know who I am! Surely, my son is aware of my presence."
"He is, My Lady," he bowed once more. "And it is my duty to escort you to your quarters."
"I will go to my son," she shook her head.
"I beg your pardon, My Lady, but..."
"You are the Royal Body Guard," she stated. "As such, you are answerable to me. Take me to my son, this instant."
"I am the King's bodyguard, My Lady," the Bloodguard stated. "I am answerable only to the King... well, and one other... but never the less... my orders are to take you to your quarters. The King is tied up in a rather taxing negotiation, at the moment."
* * *
"Yet?" Liz rained kisses down on Max's lips as the young couple made out on the large sofa in the room that has become their private chamber.
As Max tried to capture her lips, she darted away.
"No," he chuckled, pulling her closer to him, reveling in the warmth of her body against his. "But soon. I'm sure of it."
"God, I hate that word," Liz shook her head.
"What word?" Max frowned.
"Soon," Liz stated, nuzzling her lips up under Max's jaw-line before leaving a few wet kisses up towards his ear. "Hey!" she sat up straight as an idea came to her. She started to grin. "What if I was to tie you up? You couldn't stop me then."
"Yeah," Max laughed. "You and who's army?"
"Your army," she smirked. "I think they're starting to like me, now. Maybe they'll help me."
"Starting to like you, Liz?" Max turned serious. "The Bloodguard have liked you almost from the start. You are just so easy to like. Easier still, to love."
"So, you think I'm easy, huh?" she raised her eyebrows.
"If the shoe fits," Max shrugged. "I mean, you're the one throwing herself at me."
"True," Liz nodded. "But remember this, mighty King Zan. Payback's a bitch. When we do start making love, maybe I will put you on short rations."
"Uh huh," Max snorted. "'Cause that wouldn't bother you at all."
Three well spaced knocks at the door attracted their attention.
"You know," their playful manner dissipated. "I really think I'm supposed to answer them in some ceremonial manner or something."
"Well," Liz sighed. "Ceremonial or not. We better answer."
"Come in," Max shouted as Liz moved off of him and straightened her clothing.
"Sire," a crimson clad soldier entered. "Lady Dalena has arrived."
"She didn't waste any time, huh?" Max raised an eyebrow at Liz.
"What?" Liz gasped, running her hands through her hair. "Your Mom is here?"
"Well," Max shrugged. "Zan's Mom is here. My Mom... my other moms are back on Earth."
"I guess she got here faster than you thought, huh?"
"I figured tomorrow morning at least," Max nodded. "Guess she really wants to get me on board before my meeting. Any news from Dray?" Max turned to the guard.
"Apparently, he had a fit," the guard smiled.
"No surprises there, then," Max smirked. "Maria said that would give him conniptions when she suggested how I phrase that reply. I really doubt I could have pulled off that kind of arrogance by myself."
"And I never really figured Maria as a royal speech writer," Liz laughed.
* * *
Dressed in a rather stiffly formal attire, Max stood by the door to the modest bedroom that he and Liz were sharing. He was staring at the door handle, as though willing the door to open.
"I know what you're doing, Max," Liz sighed with a shake of her head.
"What am I doing?" Max turned to ask her.
"You're trying to put off the moment," Liz shrugged. "Trying to delay the inevitable."
"What am I going to say, Liz?" Max frowned. "I mean, this is my... this is Zan's mother. She's been waiting for me to return for more than fifty years and I don't even know her."
"She doesn't know you, either, Max," Liz rose from her seat and crossed the room to his side. "She's probably having the same worries that you are."
"But how much is it going to hurt her when I can't return the same love that she is going to have for me?"
"Max," Liz reached out her hand and placed her palm on his cheek. "All I can tell you is what a very important person in my life once said to me. Follow your heart."
"But what does that mean, Liz?" Max groaned. "What is my..."
"Be yourself, Max," Liz gave a gentle smile. "I think that's what Grandma was trying to tell me. To be true to myself. Just follow what you feel. She's your mother. Your ultimate mother, I mean. She knows you for who you were. She knows that you are a hybrid alien with human DNA and mixed with your alien essence. You don't have to hide anything from her."
"I know. It's just..." Max waved his hand in frustration. "I think the thing that really bothers me is this thing about me and..."
"And Ava," Liz nodded.
"Yeah," Max dropped his shoulders.
"Well?" Liz raised her eyebrows. "What are you planning to do about it?"
"About what?" Max blinked."
"About her plans to get you back with Ava?"
"Not going to happen, Liz," Max shook his head. "That boat has sailed, only it's been renamed the S.S. Max-and-Liz. She's going to have to learn to love you."
"As much as I love spending time with you, Max," Liz smirked. "she is never going to love me if I keep hogging her time with you. Go. Get this over with."
Taking a deep breath, Max kissed Liz on her lips and left their room. Liz stared at the closed door for a moment before she turned and returned to her seat.
"Hey," Michael nodded at Liz as he entered their room. "He finally left, huh?"
The strangeness to Michael's voice caused her to look up sharply.
"Okay," Liz's eyes widened. "Tell me that Mr. Stonewall Guerin is not really nervous."
"I am not really nervous," Michael shook his head, turning to look at the door."
"Okay, Michael," Liz suppressed her chuckle. "I know you're lying. What's up?"
"It's Max's mom. I mean, Zan's mom." Michael turned to look at Liz with real concern on his face. "What if she doesn't like Maria? What if she gets mad?"
"What is it with you two?" Liz snapped. "Aliens invade Roswell and want to kill you? No problem. Stand up to them and kick their butts. FBI want to find you and vivisect you? Simple, get rid of them. Planet needs liberating? Fly across the Universe and liberate it. That stuff is easy. Meet a woman you haven't seen in over fifty years and you quiver like a bunch of first graders caught playing doctors and nurses."
"Not just any woman, Liz," Michael shook his head. Zan and Vilandra's real mom. The Queen. And in case you had forgotten, your future Mother-In-Law."
"Thank you, Michael," Liz growled as her own show of bravado fell away. "I was fine until you mentioned that part."
* * *
"What if they have forgotten me completely?" Dalena asked her Lady in Waiting over the breakfast table. "What if they have no feelings for me at all?"
"You know what?" Valda gave a sympathetic smile. "I'll bet that they are just as worried about how this meeting will go as you are."
"I have waited so long for this day," Dalena mused. "And not once did I imagine that I would not see them until only hours before his first meeting with one of his enemies. Or rather, potential ally."
"Are you sure this is a wise idea?" Valda sat across from her mistress.
"Zan is not strong enough to fight both Dray and Kivar at once. While it's true that he does seem to command a rather large body of men, it's nothing compared to the combined might of the other two. He must ally himself to one or forever be the underdog. Better to be in league with the lesser of the two evils and strike at him after Kivar has been dealt with."
"I hope Zan agrees with you," Valda nodded.
"He will," Dalena nodded. "And if he does not, I am sure he will listen to Ava. She will be able to persuade him, I'm sure."
Valda rose from the table at the knock of the door. She opened it to admit access to the crimson clad officer.
"My Lady," he gave a very formal bow. "His Majesty will see you now."
"At last," Dalena muttered and she steeled herself for her meeting with her son.
* * *
Max was the first to arrive. Protocol dictated that. Max was the King, he 'went' to no one. His heart pounded in his chest as he rubbed the palms of his hand over the regal robes. His mind went back over the conversation he and Liz had had with Larek.
" What do I call her? I mean, Mom is someone back on Earth. Calling this woman who I haven't known for fifty years and not at all in this life-time, Mom just seems strange."
Whatever your feelings, Sire, Dalena is your mother. And regardless of her feelings toward Liz, she has worked tirelessly in your name. Whatever you do, do not insult her."
"Why don't you call her 'Mother', Max. I mean, in all the nursery stories I read as a little girl, the prince always called his mom 'Mother'."
"I can live with that. What would I do without you, Liz?"
"Yeah. I sometimes wonder that, myself."
"I am sure that Dalena will come to appreciate Liz as much as those of us who have already met her have. She is most definitely... unique."
"You can say that again."
"Max Evans. You can wipe that silly grin off your face right now."
"Oh? How? Like this?"
"Uh, I think I will leave the two of you now. Such open Earthly affections take a little getting used to."
Max started to smile at the memory of the kiss that he and Liz had shared. How was it that she knew not only 'how' to distract him, but 'when'?
Perhaps this meeting would not be so bad after all.
* * *
Dalena stood at the door to Max's 'Royal' audience chamber, which apparently had once been someone's dining room. This was it. After more than half a century, she was going to see her children at last. Whilst it was true that only two of the Royal Four were hers by birth, she felt like a mother to all of them.
She had elected to dress simply, today. Regally, for sure, but she in no way wished to upstage Zan. He was, after all, the true ruling Monarch. The last thing Dalena wanted to do was to give her son the impression that she believed he was somehow usurping her position. No, she needed Zan to be comfortable with her. She needed him to be able to confide in her, and to trust her counsel. His rash decision to reject Dray could very well cost him his throne if she did not manage to salvage some sort of deal with the general. To do that, she had to get through to Zan. He could not take both men on at once.
Judging from the way she had been received by the Bloodguard, perhaps this meeting would not be so bad after all.
* * *