The Parvac Emperor's Daughter (The Space Merchants Book 3)

by Wendie Nordgren

  “It’s an amazing sight, all of these powerful warships and starships traveling through the stars. The commander I spoke to on Ephors told me that I have four warships at my disposal. It’s taken a while to sink in. What am I, Yukihyo?”

  He looked into my eyes. It was easier to focus on the dark grey lashes around his almond-shaped eyes than the intensity of his stare. “You are your father’s daughter, my wife, and a woman seen throughout the universes as a bringer of peace. You have more power than you realize. You possess more power than all of these ships combined.” Yukihyo gave me a goofy grin. “Mr. Gregory was right. I did well marrying you.”

  I gave him a half smile. “I’m not sure that I like having responsibilities. Does everything I say or do impact something else? For example, look at my new brothers. They’ve committed terrible crimes against both of our governments. You and I have dual citizenships. Now, they are in my service. What will people think? What will Laconian citizens think of me when they learn that I bound hybrids to myself? They see them as abominations, outcasts. Will they think I’m a hybrid?”

  “It is obvious you are not a hybrid. Both my race and Quaid’s can tell that. I have as many questions about how this has been made possible as do you. Once we have returned to the privacy of the palace, I think you should give Phillip and Dr. Fotri the opportunity to attempt to find out.”

  “How would they go about managing to do that?”

  Yukihyo shrugged. “Phillip mentioned brain scans. He hasn’t found any answers analyzing blood samples. There are those who wish the findings to remain classified, so he must wait until we return to the Empire to solve this puzzle.”

  “Well, then.”

  “What are your plans for the….” Yukihyo no longer knew what to call them.

  “I know. I’ve been struggling with that, too. I’ve been trying to think of them as my new brothers, but how do I refer to people who will let me see through their eyes from hundreds of miles away?” Almond-shaped eyes with dark grey lashes widened at me in surprise. “I guess I need to get their identification and citizenship documentation in order. I remember not too long ago when Hiroshi did pretty much the same thing for me.” I shook my head. “They are excited at the prospect of becoming Parvacs for some reason.”

  Yukihyo’s hands warmed my own. “They have never belonged. They have no home world. To be accepted and to have rights must mean much to them. Arachnean Silk spiders have more legal rights as sentient beings than our new brothers.”

  I drew in a breath of disbelief. “They’re humanoids.”

  “They were genetically manufactured of two similar but incompatible races that do not produce viable offspring. That they remain sane is a scientific breakthrough of significant magnitude. You offer them the equality to which we all are born. Their loyalty to you will be as strong as it is to each other.”

  I imagined how frightening it would be to be without the protection of a government. “I’ll need to speak to Papa and figure out what to do.” We began walking back to our quarters. I had had enough of difficult thoughts for the moment. “What is Sinope like?” I had been too busy to watch a documentary.

  Smiling, Yukihyo said, “Sinope is the most romantic of any planet I have ever seen. Dimly lit like Aurilius, it has three large moons that are always visible. The smallest of the three moons appears much like the sun of Earth in Sinope’s sky. The largest moon takes up so much sky that it seems as though you could reach out and touch it. Sinope is a favorite destination of wealthy Laconian couples who are newly married.” Yukihyo wiggled his eyebrows at me.

  “Husband, from what you have said, I believe I must have my way with you on Sinope. Is there any way we can sneak off alone together for a few hours?”

  Yukihyo kissed me and then said, “I’ll see what I can do.”

  Once we were in our quarters, I checked on Neema, who had sprawled out in her bed. Thunderdrop and Cass watched over her from a beautiful web. Taking off my shoes, I sat in bed against my pillows with my vid-screen and called Papa. Seeing his dark brown eyes and straight nose made me happy. “I miss you so much. I’m ready to come home, but I hear you have arranged for me to visit Arachne.” I smiled. “I can’t wait to hold Evan.”

  Papa leaned back in his chair. “I miss you terribly. The palace is quiet and empty without you.”

  “Well, I plan to stay put once we get back. Is there any way I can skip going to Carmanor?” I pouted.

  “It is on the way to Arachne. The ships may as well refuel there. Spend at least a day on the planet. It is good for the people of the Galaxic Government to see you enjoying their planets with your husbands, two of which are Galaxic citizens. Take plenty of pictures with the local dignitaries,” Papa said as he leaned forward again, clasped his hands, and rested his arms on his desk.

  I stared at him. “I do that.”

  “Yes, you have been making me proud.”

  “No, that.” I pointed. “When I’m exasperated, I do the same thing with my hands.” It made me feel closer to him but vulnerable at the same time. Papa looked at me in the same proud way that I looked at Neema whenever she slept on her face and drooled. “Are you feeling exasperated?”

  “I’m concerned about these young men, the ones who abducted you and my grandchildren not so long ago.” Papa stared down his nose at me through the vid-screen.

  “I feel the same way. What do you suggest?”

  Papa stared up and off at a corner of his ceiling. “They are your pets. You may deal with them as you wish. However, understand this.” Papa began to point his finger as he said each word. “Should any one of them give me cause for concern, I will have him executed. No disloyalty of any sort will be tolerated.”

  I took a deep breath and nodded. “How do I go about providing them with identification and permits?”

  Papa’s brow had furrowed. “You will speak to the man I have placed in charge of internal affairs. Sapor is his name. Tell him what you want done, and he will do it.”

  “Thank you, Papa.” I caught his eyes and smiled at him. “Nico and I have chosen a name for junior.”

  Papa raised his eyebrows. “Oh, what name will I be calling my grandson?”

  I bit my lip and then asked, “What do you think of Niklos Tavere Cassian?”

  Papa’s eyes misted. “I like it very much. My friend Niklos would have been very proud. That name is a great honor to the Cassians and to me.”

  “I love you. Promise me something.”

  “Anything.”

  “As soon as I step foot on Parvac, I want your arms around me.”

  Papa smiled and wiped at his eyes. “I am a lucky man to have you for a daughter. Be safe, my darling.”

  He ended the call, and a link to Director Sapor of internal affairs appeared in my menu. I called him. The man who appeared on my vid-screen had a stern expression, blonde hair streaked with grey, and looked to be in his late fifties. “Director Sapor, how may I be of assistance, your majesty?” he asked as he inclined his head to me.

  I blushed. It was weird when important older people were so polite and formal to me. “Hello, Director Sapor. Thank you for taking my call. Papa suggested you might be able to help me.”

  “I will do all within my power to facilitate your wishes. What is the nature of your concern?” Director Sapor wore a black collarless jacket with a white shirt underneath. A pin fashioned after the Imperial seal adorned his shoulder.

  “The Laconian hybrid mercenaries who abducted my daughter and me have sworn their service to me and the Empire. Thus far, they have survived without a home world or people. Hopefully, I am not gullible in my belief that these men will be loyal and devoted. If they should prove themselves to us, we will control a team of men with telepathic abilities far superior to any others in the Expanse. I plan to use them as security in conjunction with my Parvac guards. I intend for them to report to Kaoti.” Director Sapor nodded as I spoke. “I want to offer them citizenship in return for their service. Parvac will offer t
hem protection from the laws of the Galaxic Government which forbid their existence. Also, it will place them indisputably under Papa’s authority.”

  “Understood. That is a logical solution to the problem. These men abducted you and attacked our warships. However, you escaped and turned them into your loyal servants. I’m sure the cultural liaisons can’t wait to put their spin on this,” Director Sapor said with a wry smile. “Very well. First, I will need their names, birthdates, physical descriptions from a physician, and photo identifications. Once I have that information, I can begin creating their documentation.”

  “Yes, sir. I’ll get to work on that. Thank you for your help.”

  “I am yours to command, Princess Probus.”

  I ended the call. Izaac could help me with names and birthdates. I got up and went to the sitting room. “Do you know where Izaac is,” I asked Yukihyo. Yukihyo stared off at nothing while retaining his hold on his vid-screen. Then, he pointed.

  “He’s down a few decks that way. I’m guessing on the exercise deck.”

  Impressed, I raised an eyebrow. “Where did Nico go?”

  “With Eli.”

  “Will you come with me to find Izaac? I need information from him for Director Sapor.”

  “Alright.”

  “What are you working on?”

  Yukihyo grinned and said, “A date with my wife.”

  “It requires special planning?”

  “I’m not telling you about it. You’ll have to wait and see.” Standing, Yukihyo gave me his arm. Then, he looked at my bare feet. I didn’t want to put my shoes on. He went into our room and came back with a pair of fur lined slippers. He bent down in front of me, and I placed my hands on his warm strong shoulders as he put them on my feet. “Let’s try this again,” he said as he gave me his arm.

  I told Yukihyo about my conversations with both Papa and Director Sapor. The exercise deck had a small oddly silent crowd. Closing my eyes, I sighed. “Kaoti is fighting Izaac, isn’t he?” Yukihyo was tall enough to see whatever the soldiers were watching. I could see backs clad in black pants and T-shirts. I could see the backs of the soldiers’ necks with the precise lines of their haircuts but little else. “Excuse me,” I said as I gently touched the elbow of the tall soldier in front of me. Turning, he looked and then lowered his eyes toward me. “May I please stand in front of you? I’m not tall enough to see.”

  The soldier looked at my hand and then adoringly at me. “Yes, Princess.” He turned sideways to let us by. He tapped a few of the men near him. Finally, I could see.

  They both wore the same black pants and shirts as every other male on the deck with the exception of Yukihyo. Their feet were bare. I scowled up at Yukihyo. “Would you want one of them to accidently step on one of your little toes?” he whispered and gestured to the soldiers around us.

  Kaoti had his complete focus trained on Izaac. Poor Izaac. Izaac managed to evade the punch and kick Kaoti delivered with blurring speed. Kaoti was solid compact muscle in a fast and agile body. Izaac was my age and didn’t seem as solid or strong as his opponent. A few punches from Kaoti and Izaac would be spending the night in the infirmary. Izaac continued to avoid and deflect Kaoti’s attacks, but didn’t attempt to hit him back.

  “I will never intentionally harm anyone you care for even when sparring,” Izaac sent to me.

  “Oh, Izaac. Did you hear what he said?” I asked Yukihyo.

  “Yes, this time he included me in the projection of his thoughts. Usually, he sends his thoughts to you alone. Izaac may be the strongest telepath in existence to accomplish such communication.”

  I thought Izaac was being overly confident to assume that he could hurt Kaoti. I had learned that Kaoti had been the one responsible for the gruesome injury Zeth had suffered as well as the scar I had seen on Jezzie’s throat. What Kaoti had done to Zergio, I didn’t know. “Well, what he doesn’t have in muscle, he makes up for in speed.”

  The referee called the fight. Both Kaoti and Izaac looked sweaty. I’d have to wait for Izaac to shower and change before he could help me with the information for their citizenship. Some of the soldiers were disappointed in the outcome of the match. A few of them jeered and taunted Izaac. Kaoti climbed out of the ring. Izaac pointed to one of the rudest soldiers and crooked his finger at him in invitation to join him in the ring.

  I groaned. “Oh, great. He wants to let one of the others have a chance to pummel him. Look, he picked a big mean one.”

  I wanted to sit down. Yukihyo and I moved toward a bench. The men sitting there surrendered the bench to us. Yukihyo sat beside me and put his arm behind me. He grasped the edge of the bench with his hand. “Lean back against my arm. I won’t let you fall.” I did and felt some relief.

  “You’re so good to me,” I said and kissed his cheek.

  “You have no emotional ties to the soldier who has joined me in the ring?” Izaac asked.

  I gazed at the big brute who wore the smug expression of a typical asshole. “Nope.”

  The bell rang. Izaac hadn’t even rested after avoiding all of Kaoti’s kicks and punches. Kaoti stood beside the ring, watching. I hadn’t yet asked him if he would take charge of my new brothers for me. The soldier aimed a knee at Izaac’s ribs at the same time as he drove forward with his fist. Izaac twisted in close to maybe an inch of his opponent to avoid both blows. Then, he quickly landed a series of hard successive punches to the soldier’s ribs, kidneys, and sternum. They pushed apart and circled. Izaac began to use all of his abilities as he fought. He read his opponent’s mind, knew where he planned to strike, and defended while attacking any weakness in the soldier’s defenses. Izaac kicked out his leg and landed a blow under the soldier’s jaw. The soldier fell to the exercise mat. I couldn’t believe it. The referee proclaimed Izaac the winner. The other men watching the match vocalized their disbelief with each other.

  “If he had fought Kaoti like that, would he have won?”

  “I don’t think he could win a hand-to-hand match with Kaoti. There are few who can. It is why your father insists he remain with you.”

  Izaac’s black eyes found mine. He bowed to me from the ring. I sighed. He had fought that soldier to prove himself to me because I had hurt his delicate man feelings when I had worried Kaoti would put him in the infirmary. I thought really hard at Izaac, “Please shower, change, and meet me in my sitting room.”

  I had no idea if he had heard me, or if he was giving me the silent treatment.

  “Are you ready to leave?” Yukihyo asked.

  “Yes, please.”

  When we entered the sitting room, we found Pierce making happy faces at Neema while he put a small spoonful of mashed bananas into her mouth. She had a few slices of banana in front of her on her tray. Neema picked up a slice, squeezed it, and laughed as it seeped between her fingers. Then, as she opened her mouth again for the spoon, she smeared it all over the tray in front of her. Ever since she had begun eating solid foods, she had been sleeping through the night.

  I sat on the couch, and Yukihyo say beside me lifting my feet up and into his lap. He removed my soft, furry slippers and started rubbing my feet. The large vid-screen on the wall began beeping.

  “Now what?” Lorca activated it and handed me the controller. It was Consul Bosh. I smiled at my father-in-law. “Hello, sir. It’s nice to see you.”

  Consul Bosh’s eyes were an unfamiliar solid black. He was angry. I was terrified his anger was because of my involvement with the hybrids. “Daughter, I received word that a few hours ago, the moon base to which you were taken on Arlo Dano’s orders was obliterated.”

  I frowned and sat up moving my feet to the floor. “Obliterated? What do you mean by obliterated?”

  My father-in-law blinked a few times before answering. “It has been destroyed and is in tiny pieces. The bits remaining are not large enough to damage a starship’s shields.”

  I looked at Yukihyo who was just as shocked as I was. “What happened to it? What could destroy a moon?”


  The older version of Quaid, with his blonde hair and strong jaw line, seemed to be judging our reactions to see if we knew. “It did not shatter by naturally occurring means.”

  “Wait. Are you telling us that the entire moon was destroyed by a weapon?” Yukihyo asked as he sat forward.

  Drawing in a frightened breath, I asked, “What kind of weapon could do something like that?”

  “Nothing known to the Galaxic Government can cause such destruction,” Consul Bosh said.

  “Are we under attack by aliens? Have you told Papa? Yukihyo, if hostile aliens are attacking, I’ll never be allowed off of Parvac again. It’s in my marriage contract to Nico. I agreed to it.” My heart began to pound, and I placed my hand against it. I didn’t want Quaid and Eric defending the Expanse against aliens.

  “Calm yourself, lady wife. Quaid and Eric are not battling aliens,” Yukihyo said as he put his arms around me.

  “Daughter, we are not being invaded. Please, do not worry. It seems you will never need fear returning to that dreadful base. Captain Espanoza has taken the Constantine to that sector to investigate. I will keep you apprised of any new developments.”

  Understanding came to me. “You think we are responsible for this. You think Parvac has weapons powerful enough to cause that much destruction?”

  “It was a powerful message from whomever it was who sent it,” Consul Bosh replied.

  “For the record, I would like to state that I have no knowledge of the cause of that moon’s destruction or of any weapons capable of it.”

  “I believe you.”

  Horrified, I asked, “Could whatever weapon it was be used against a habitable planet?”

  Yukihyo flooded me with calm and leaned me back against the pillows. Then, he lifted my feet to the couch and covered me with a blanket. “A research vessel is being prepared and staffed with scientists to study the phenomena.”