by T. M. Catron
“Welcome! To the noble houses who have honored us with their presence tonight, nothing makes me happier than to present my daughter to you. She has worked very hard over the past two years for her place at the Xanthes Flight Academy. I could not be prouder of her accomplishments, nor of the grace and quality with which she bears herself…”
As Davos enumerated Devri’s accomplishments, she tuned him out, trying to ignore the headache that was beginning again. She scanned the sea of faces in front of her, all of them people she had known since birth, all of them people who only how they could use her to their advantage. She felt no warmth for any of them or from any of them.
Her mother was nowhere in sight. In fact, Devri hadn’t seen her in days. With a pang, she realized how much she wanted to tell Jane goodbye. But she couldn’t. Her mother was absent, just as she’d always been.
As she scanned the crowd, she saw Harrison enter wearing a gold-edged ceremonial robe that touched the top of his jewel-encrusted sandals. Francivi Aron walked in behind him. As other guests noticed them, they created a small stir among the crowd near the door. But other than that, everyone’s attention was focused on Davos.
“…and now he’s here, I can finally announce the other reason we are celebrating tonight.”
Devri held her breath. Even now, he still had time to change his mind. She gripped her father’s hand tighter, like she was a little girl again, crying when she’d fallen into the fountain and ruined her favorite dress. She closed her eyes.
Don’t say it. Please don’t say it.
Every eye in the room turned to her. She didn’t have to open her eyes to see them. Then, she felt a small change in Davos’ hand. His palm was sweaty, something Devri had never experienced before. He gave her hand a quick squeeze.
He wasn’t going to do it! He wasn’t…
“My daughter, Devri, heir to the Noble House of Davos, will marry Harrison McConnell, heir to the highest noble seat on Xanthes, one week from today.”
A cold wave of disappointment and heartbreak ran down through Devri’s body until she felt like her heart was in her feet. As the crowd cheered, she fought back tears. When she opened her eyes, Harrison was striding forward, hand outstretched.
Devri watched in horror as Davos gave her hand to Harrison, like he was handing over someone else’s daughter, not his own. He refused to look at Devri, and she hoped he regretted this the rest of his days.
Then the general excitement coursed through the room. Harrison’s parents, both so heavily made up Devri didn’t recognize them, spoke with Davos and said something to Devri. Harrison’s clammy hand felt like a wet fish. She fought the urge to yank her hand away.
Then the flute began again. Harrison led her out to the middle of the floor, next to the fountain where the lights blinded her. Casual bystanders would think he was ecstatic. Devri was close enough to see the fear in his eyes.
“Don’t worry,” she said, pasting on a fake smile. “You deserved to be kicked into the fountain and drowned, but I won’t do it tonight.”
“Empty threats, Devri. I’m glad you see things your father’s way, at least.”
She inclined her head. “At least.”
Everyone waited for them to dance. They’d already taken too long.
“I will tell you this,” she whispered. “If you make me dance more than one song with you, I won’t hesitate to knee you in very sensitive places—as soon as no one is looking, of course.”
Harrison nodded and began moving with the music. With her threat still fresh in his mind, he didn’t try to pull her close as they performed a complicated ceremonial dance.
He wasn’t a terrible dancer.
He wasn’t a great one, either. The music seemed to stretch on for hours, and Devri tired of Harrison stepping on her feet long before the song was over.
Then, finally, he let go. Others joined in as a new song began, leaving Devri to the task of navigating through the crowd of fake well-wishers. As she allowed some to kiss her cheek and others to kiss her hand, she worked her way to the edge of the solarium.
More joined the dancing, and even more joined in the drinking. Devri took one last look at the enchantment that held no more magic for her and slid out a side door.
***
Even though she wasn’t doing anything wrong—yet—Devri couldn’t help but check behind as she walked. But the servants were all helping with the ball. Her way through the dark corridors of the private residence and galleries should have been clear. She hurried, unwilling to lose a precious minute. Her father and the guests would soon miss her. If she didn’t accomplish her task and get out of the house now, she’d never get another chance.
When she saw no one at all, Devri couldn’t believe her luck. By the time she reached the corridor going down the sub level, hope blossomed in her chest. Maybe her plan would work.
The entrance to the control room lay in a separate section of the house, under the courtyard. After easing down the stairs in her long dress, Devri checked the main corridor running the length of the house. It was typically lit with harsh white light, but tonight the lights had been dimmed.
At the door to the control room, a scanner inlaid in the wall scanned her retina for recognition. Devri had been down here before, but never alone, and never with such purpose in mind. But she still had access.
The door hissed open, revealing a blue hazy light, the soft whir of machines, and cold, icy air. A large screen covered one wall. It was in standby mode, waiting for someone to give instructions. The AI that controlled the house accepted commands from anyone with the Davos name. Even Davos himself had seen the need for the family to control it in the event of a catastrophe.
Devri made sure the door shut behind her, and it sealed her in with another soft hiss. She approached the screen on the wall and stood in front of it.
“Household god,” she said. Davos had thought the password was funny. That was as far as a sense of humor ever took him.
The screen glowed to life, and a man’s face appeared on a white background.
“Yes, Devri, daughter of Davos.”
“I need you to let me into my dowry account.”
“Devri, you do not have authorization.”
“It’s in an account labeled with my name. So that makes it mine.”
“Your logic contains a flaw. You are not the person who set up the account.”
Devri balled her fists in frustration. Then she took a calming breath and reminded herself that her task had never been easy. She tried her next tactic—to lie. And do it in such a way that the household god couldn’t detect any physiological changes, which meant she couldn’t technically lie.
“I am getting married next week, right?”
“Correct, Devri.”
“Harrison has promised to buy me a ship as a wedding present. Please check your records.”
“Harrison McConnell had noted such a request.”
“He told me to pick out the ship, so it can be ready for our departure on the day of the wedding.”
“I have not heard such plans.”
“I saw him in the market the other day.”
“Please stand by while I verify this, Devri.”
“I don’t have time for you to verify. I must go back to the party.”
Just then, the door hissed open. Devri yelped and jumped away from the screen. Standing there, with glowing green eyes that contrasted with his dark scales, was Tally.
“Household god,” he said.
“Hello, Tally, faithful servant of Davos.”
Devri’s mouth dropped open. How did he know the pass phrase? And why did the AI seem to know him? Then she stood up straight, hoping she looked like she was supposed to be there. But Tally didn’t look at her as he moved into the room.
“Having a good time, Devri?” he asked as he approached the screen.
“I suppose. I have to get back soon, but I grew hot and needed a break—somewhere cool.”
“Undoubtedly,” he
smiled at her. “And you needed to pick up money for your ship on the way, per Lord Harrison’s instructions.”
This time, Devri couldn’t stop herself from gaping.
“I know you too well,” he said, looking at her in admiration. “When you came down here, I realized you wanted to secure the ship now before the wedding festivities claimed all your attention. And then I remembered that we had not informed the household god of the plans.”
He smiled. Devri smiled back. She wasn’t alone—Tally had been with her all along.
The screen changed, and the AI displayed an account sum. “Thank you for confirming, Tally, loyal servant. Where do you want the money transferred?”
“Erm...” Devri hadn’t thought of that. How could she have let this detail slip?
“Transfer it to a personal account Devri has set up. She will make the transaction once the contract for the sale of the ship has been signed.”
“Done.”
And just like that, Devri’s prayers had been answered. Now all she had to do was get out of the house without being seen.
Tally whispered to her as they walked out of the room. “If I hadn’t seen you come down here tonight, I was going to tell you to do it anyway, My Lady.”
“How did you know?”
“Your father won’t back down on this. I knew something was up when you showed up at the party. Lady Devri had no intention of dressing up for a ball to announce her wedding to a man she loathes.” He smiled, showing his sharp, jagged teeth.
“There’s more…” Devri hushed as they passed a servant on his way to the solarium. When he passed, she continued, “Lord Aron is blackmailing Harrison—he owns all of his inheritance. Once he marries me, he seems to think he’ll own the House of Davos too.”
If Tally looked shocked, he didn’t let on. “So Aron is trying to ruin two Houses, and claim their titles and lands?”
“As far as I can tell.”
“I’m not surprised.”
“I wanted to tell Father.”
“Don’t bother. He won’t believe you. There’s nothing you could have done to sway him in this.”
“That’s what I thought too.”
“A pity your own father doesn’t trust you,” Tally said bitterly. “You’ve been nothing but loyal to him. Even at the Academy, you upheld the family honor with your accomplishments. Harrison McConnell cannot say the same.”
Devri’s stomach clenched. She agreed with him, but she needed to keep her cool. The night wasn’t over yet.
When they reached Devri’s bag, she picked it up and swung it over her shoulder. Then she ducked into an alcove and changed into her flight suit. She left the beautiful dress on the floor and hung the sparkling necklace on a tree branch. Someone would find them. Her boots stayed in the bag until she could go outside.
Then she went back to Tally and pulled him into a hug. Despite his cold skin and smooth scales, his presence calmed her. He’d been her true friend all along.
When she pulled away, he said, “What was that for?”
“Thank you, for everything. If you hadn’t come in when you did, I don’t think my plan would have worked.”
Devri thought if a Graeken could have blushed, he would have.
“Well, you can thank me when we’re flying away on that ship of yours,” he said, sounding pleased.
“We?” She barely dared hope…
“Of course! You don’t think I want to stick around for the fireworks when Davos finds out you’re missing? That is… If you’ll have me aboard, your Ladyship.”
“If you come with me, you can leave that title behind.”
“Good. Wouldn’t want it any other way. Now quit sputtering at me and get out the door before we’re caught.”
The cold night wind hit them with harsh sand. But it wasn’t as bad as it could have been. They slid quietly down the hill, weaving through various walls and fake vegetation until they reached an outer gate. It was a servant’s entrance, so Tally had no trouble with the code.
And just like that, Devri was out in the street, about to leave her family home behind for the last time. She smiled, excitement getting the better of her.
“Calm down, Devri,” Tally said, ever the steady counselor. “We’re not free yet. I hope you have a ship in mind.”
“I do, actually.”
After pausing for Devri to put on her heavy boots, they wound through the streets. As they walked, Devri peeled off the diamonds from her face and let them fall to the ground. By the time they reached the docks, she felt more like herself.
Few people were out. Many neighbors had been employed to work the ball. Others were going to bed after a long day in the mines. Devri again wondered what was so important down in those mines that Davos would align himself with lesser nobles like Lysa and Aron.
The surly man who had confronted Devri was eating slices of juicy arewood fruit. He sat with his feet propped on a barricade, licking sticky nectar off his dirty fingers. When he saw tall Devri in a navy flight suit, he looked her up and down. When he saw the Graeken behind her, he stood, ready for trouble. He had leftover juice on his chin.
But Devri was all business. She nodded to the gorgeous bronze body across the landing pad. “I’m here to buy that ship.”
The man laughed—a short series of barks.
“I can pay,” Devri said, “but I need you to agree to the transfer tonight, right now.”
“Woman, I can’t agree to nothing unless I see proof you have money.”
Tally pulled out his handset and showed him the bank account with Devri’s freshly transferred dowry sitting there.
“Tis stolen,” the man complained.
“It isn’t,” Tally said. “But what do you care? The buyer doesn’t matter on Xanthes. Only the money.”
It was an age-old saying. Every ship’s captain and deckhand and smuggler knew it. On the Outer Colonies, money talked. Loudly.
The man blew air out of his lips. “All of it.”
“No,” Tally said. “We need fuel and a registration number.”
“I can get those for you. This way.”
They followed the man toward a low red building that served as an office. He led them inside. Tally kept the door open, letting more light and cold air into the place. It stank of moldy food, old furniture, and the dust of Xanthes. In a few minutes, the man had set up the contract, accepted Devri’s transfer, and assigned her a registration number.
“Name of the ship,” he called out.
“Star Streaker,” she said. The man raised an eyebrow as if to say your ship. But otherwise he didn’t comment.
“Name it’s registered to.”
Devri paused. She couldn’t use her real name. She glanced about the room, looking for inspiration. Her eyes landed on a paper bag with the name Rance Foods. “Rance,” she said, smiling. It was perfect.
“Ya don’t look like no Rance,” the man said without looking up. But he typed it in anyway. “Does Rance have a last name?”
“Cooper,” Devri said, staring at a box of canned fish.
“Rance Cooper. Sure, yeah,” he said and finished the form. Then he transferred the ship’s registration to Devri’s handset. “All set.”
“Just like that?”
“Just like that. Password is Mabelle.”
“Mabelle?”
“My ex-wife’s name. It’s a one-time use password, so don’t forget to change it as soon as you get on board. Oh…” He leaned forward conspiratorially. “Don’t tell my son James I use his mother’s name that way. But she sort of deserves it, if you get my meaning.”
The man snickered at his own joke. Rance raised an eyebrow at Tally. It wasn’t that funny.
Tally cleared his throat. “We’re in a hurry.”
“Ah yes. Well, she’s already got fuel—the ship, not my ex-wife.” He snorted at the joke only he seemed to understand, and then continued. “Now if it were me, I’d change that registration soon as I got off-planet. But that would be ille
gal, so I can’t really advise that. But again, if it were me, that’s what I’d do, Rance Cooper.”
Tally took Rance’s arm. “Your advice is sound, Mr. —?”
“Eh. Fletcher,” he said, smiling. “Call me Fletcher.”
“Alright Mr. Fletcher. Thank you for a smooth transaction.”
“You’ll recommend me, right?” he called as they walked out. The door banged shut after them.
“Why Star Streaker?” Tally asked as they made for the ship.
Devri shrugged. “Just came to me.”
They arrived at the bronze beauty on the landing pad. Devri gave a quiet whoop and circled it three times before she was satisfied it was hers. She ran her hands over the hull, over the wings, over every part she could reach. And when that wasn’t enough, they opened the door. Tally walked up the ramp first, but paused at the door, waiting for Devri.
“Hey!” someone called.
Devri turned. The voice was vaguely familiar, but in the dark she couldn’t see the person running across the landing pad toward them.
“Devri!” he shouted again.
And then she recognized him: Harrison McConnell.
***
“Tally! We’ve got to go!”
But there was no way she could get on board and get the door closed before Harrison reached them. She entered the Mabelle password into her handset and called up the ship’s controls, reveling at having a ship at her command—this ship. With a whine, the engines purred to life. In a few more seconds, her NNR would link with the ship, and commands would be no more than thought.
“Devri!” Harrison skidded to a halt in front of her, puffing and out of breath. But the redness in his face had nothing to do with his run. He was furious. “I… found… your jewels!”
He held out his hand with the diamonds that had frosted Devri’s face. She stared at him in disbelief. “What’s wrong with you?”
Thinking Harrison had lost what little mind he possessed, Devri looked around for something to defend herself if he attacked. Tally must have had the same thought because he jumped down beside her. Tall, muscled, and with scales, Tally was an intimidating figure. But Harrison had eyes only for Devri.
