Chapter 7

Duke Birsha was in his dimly lit study, pacing the room, his face intensely concentrated. This look masked his fury at having Alliyanna escape his clutches. The other lone figure in the study was Quan. He returned empty-handed and was expecting an eruption of Birsha’s anger soon. But Quan was surprised and if he was honest, relieved by Birsha’s calm demeanor. “I need that insufferable female captured and brought here; how did she escape from you and your men? I read your after-action reports, but please explain how you could not have found her sooner. She should not be so difficult to find or subdue. What do you require to accomplish your mission?” Birsha asked.

Quan sat there, unsure of which question he should answer first. This calm exterior was a fragile façade. He knew that if he said the wrong thing, it could trigger an angry outburst. “Well, your Grace, I need three things: firstly, I need better-trained professionals, mercenaries with far more experience in this type of mission. Secondly, I need an official standing and an official warrant or capture and retrieval order. Something with the Senate seal would allow me to act on your behalf. Lastly, I need some better intelligence. It seems that this female is adept and had some very resourceful people aiding her. The Star Shadow’s captain is a former flag officer of the Imperial Fleet. He was also a highly skilled and decorated Fighter pilot of the Guardian Squadron. His compatriot was in the same squadron as an intelligence and special forces officer. It’s challenging to counter their plans between the two of them.”

“They seem haphazard and amateurish to me,” the duke countered.

“No. They are not amateurs; they simply react to what we’ve thrown at them. Believe me, Talak held out for nearly three days before he broke. He’s been out of active service for 5 years. I didn’t expect him to hold out that long. And Kahlan, his friend, has excellent instincts. He has contacts from both his military and smuggling days. But if we give them too much time, they will organize and add others to their cause. That would, unfortunately, mean dire consequences if we fail. She could take her case to the Senate. After all, her father entered into an illegal contract with you to marry her without her consent. You’re a very powerful man and have wealth. You’ll be fine; I, however, would be imprisoned or worse.”

The duke continued to pace, his head down and his hands balled into fists at his sides. He took measured steps heavily, walking in front of the viewport on the back wall of the study. Occasionally, he looked out to the view of the wooded estate. Finally, he stopped pacing and turned to face Quan. “Fine, you’ll get what you need to accomplish the mission objectives. I’ll get the warrant, and you’ll have access to military channels to get the necessary information. I’ll get a detachment of special forces to be assigned to you as a temporary duty assignment. Now get out of here and get ready to complete the mission.”

Quan exited the study and made his way away from the estate. Quan breathed a sigh of relief as he left the duke’s estate, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly. He knew he was walking a dangerous line, but with Birsha’s promised resources, he might pull this off without losing his head—figuratively or literally.

As he made his way to his ship, Quan’s mind raced with plans. He’d need to select his team, balancing skill with discretion carefully. The last thing he needed was loose lips, jeopardizing the mission before it began.

Meanwhile, light-years away, Gristov’s mood was dark. He had never expected Alliyanna to run away and hoped she would do her duty. She was born into high station and served the people of Oranthe and the empire. The fact that she escaped like a thief in the night proved how much she was willing to defy him. Her independent nature always made him unable to understand her. He was from an era when women were submissive to the men in their lives. He blamed it on the matriarchal influence of her family’s House. Strong, independent women initially led the House of Kar’Jan, who made it clear that even if a male held the title of baron, he would treat women with respect and as equals.

He did until Illinova, his wife, died. He assumed the title at her death and decided he could change the setup. He planned on having his son be his heir. Those plans died with his son. Alliyanna would inherit the title and the land and estates at twenty-one. But if she were married to someone, maybe he could keep it for himself. That seed planted so long ago returned to him to show him his folly.

The duke sent communications, each one becoming increasingly more threatening and describing what would happen to him and his family if Alliyanna was not turned over. He knew that Birsha was capable and willing to carry out the threats. He loved his family and his position of power and was looking to increase it. But that girl had ruined everything.