by Cheree Alsop
Nova stared at her. “You knew my mother?”
“Oh, yes! Why else do you think I took this assignment?” Lady Frissa replied with a laugh. “I know you were too young to remember her when she passed on, but the Countess and I had a very good time as young women at the House.” She shook her head and her hair moved in waves. “We danced with all the men and dreamed about the adventures we would have through the ‘Verse.”
“Did you?” Nova asked. At the woman’s questioning look, she said, “Did you have the adventures you wanted?”
A true sigh left Lady Frissa’s lips as they walked along the path. “I was swept up into the world of Parliament when my husband was killed in the Centari Wars and left a hole to be filled that I was already prepared to step into.” She glanced at Nova. “Never underestimate the woman behind the man in power. I did his paperwork and presentations and knew more about trade routes and tax variances than he did. Imagine their surprise when I showed up the week after he died with a plan to increase route efficiency while at the same time taking the burden off the lesser families of our system.”
Nova lowered her gaze. “I’m so sorry about your husband. That must have been difficult.”
The woman’s reply was firm when she said, “Not as difficult as never having the adventures we dreamed of. Your mother married young, swept off her feet by a dashing young count, and I was entranced by a man I thought was in charge of most of the innerworkings of Parliament. It was a very heady place to be.”
A small smile touched Nova’s lips. “My father never spoke of my mother. It’s nice to hear about what she wanted.”
Lady Frissa glanced at her. “Her dream for you was to have the adventures she never did.”
Nova stared at her. “She told you that?”
“Many times,” the woman replied as they stepped onto the open landing bay. “I always encouraged your father to loosen the reins and let you do what you pleased. Your mother wanted you to live your own life and not have it dictated by the whims of Society and what they felt a Lady should do.”
A thrill of electricity ran across Nova’s skin at the sight of the SevenWolf still parked near Lady Frissa’s hopper. The possibilities made her breathless. Did she dare leave Evia once more?
Lady Frissa paused at the loading ramp to her ship. At her motion, the rest of her entourage walked into the craft, leaving them alone.
The woman reached out and caught a tendril of Nova’s long dark hair. “You remind me so much of your mother,” she said with a wistful expression. “Oh that I were younger and could take your place gallivanting through the stars wherever your whims carry you.”
Nova felt the force of the woman’s words behind her soft tone. In her heart, she experienced a lightness as though it was her mother talking, wishing her well.
“It’s not too late to have your adventures,” Nova said.
Lady Frissa laughed lightly. “Back when my hair was pure purple and not laced with the wisdom of my years, I would have taken your mother up on that offer.” She paused, then said, “It’s your turn to have the adventures for both of us. Your mother would be proud.”
She walked up the ramp and left Nova standing alone in the landing bay.
Engines rumbled to life behind her. She looked over her shoulder at the SevenWolf as the repair crew pulled back their carts and unplugged the generators. The hatch began to close.
Nova glanced back once at the long walkway that led to the palace. She knew McKy waited for her so they could discuss the best method of guarding Malivok’s pyramid and harvesting the Andenite.
A mischievous smile crossed her lips.
“He can handle it,” she said. She ran toward the ship. “Wait!”
Jashu Blu paused with his hand on the panel.
“Countess?”
“That’s Captain,” she replied as she ducked inside.
He grinned at her and saluted with both of his right hands. “Yes, Captain. Welcome aboard, again!”
She made her way up the familiar hallways and paused outside of the bridge. She took a deep breath, then put her hand to the panel.
“Are we clear to take off?” Kovak asked.
Junquit glanced back. “Yes, Captain. We—” Her voice caught when she saw Nova.
Kovak turned in his chair.
When their eyes met, a thousand emotions rushed through Nova. She felt flushed and cold, shaken and comforted. Her breath caught at the sight of him in the black and gold uniform of a flight captain, his shoulders stretching the fabric to capacity.
“Nova!” he said in surprise. He caught himself and stood. “She’s all yours, Captain.”
She shook her head, barely containing a laugh at the realization of how off-guard her appearance had taken him. He looked relieved and very, very happy. She couldn’t help the answering smile that spread across her face. “No, Captain Sunder. McKy gave you the SevenWolf for all you did for our planet. It is yours to command.”
Kovak crossed to her, his gaze intense and searching. He paused in front of her, then surprised her by taking her hands.
“We both know one thing McKy does not,” he said.
His direction of thought caught her off-guard. “And what’s that?” she asked.
His smile deepened and he said, “The SevenWolf was never his to give.”
Anaya gave an appreciative whistle from behind him.
Kovak stepped aside and motioned toward her chair. “Your seat awaits, Captain.”
Nova found she couldn’t do more than walk to the chair and sit down. She had expected to be welcome, but not this.
“Where to, Captain?” Junquit asked from the pilot’s seat.
Nova glanced at Kovak.
He motioned to the orders pulled up on the screen in front of her chair. “We’ve got a list of directives from Parliament, the wide open ‘Verse before us, and several star systems in need of rescue in one way or another.” Kovak gave her a searching look. “You sure you’re up for this? You could stay on Evia safe and secure like you deserve.”
Nova smiled. “You know me better than that.” She turned back to Junquit. “Head to the closest Trayshan so we can check our electrical. We don’t want to push the SevenWolf too hard in case we need to jump later.”
“Yes, Captain,” Junquit said. “Setting the course now.”
Kovak cleared his throat. “Please tell me it’s any Trayshan but X Eighty-four.”
Junquit grinned at him in reply.
Kovak gave a loud sigh that made Nova laugh. The gladiator set his hand on Nova’s shoulder. Warmth ran down her arm at his touch. She covered his hand with her own.
“Ready for this?” he asked with his roguish smile.
“I’m always ready,” she replied, an answering smile of her own toying at her lips.
With the gladiator at her side, a trustworthy crew at her back, and an adventure into the unknown ahead of them, she couldn’t ask for more.
If you enjoyed this book, you would like the Girl from the Stars Series! The first book is free and the rest are on Kindle Unlimited. Here is the link for it on Amazon:
Link for Girl from the Stars Book 1- Daybreak
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About the Author
Cheree Alsop is an award-winning, best-selling author who has published over 55 books. She is the mother of a beautiful, talented daughter and amazing twin sons who fill every day with joy and laughter. She is married to her best friend, Michael, the light of her life and her soulmate who shares her dreams and inspires her every day. Cheree enjoys reading, traveling to tropical beaches, riding motorcycles, playing the bass for the band Alien Landslide, spending time with her wonderful children, and going on family adventures. Cheree and Mi
chael live in Utah where they rock out, enjoy the outdoors, plan great quests, and never stop dreaming.
She loves hearing from her readers. Feel free to email her at [email protected]
