The Star Princess by Susan Grant Read Free Book Online Page B

Hoe. That will change, gradually, with upcoming generations. But with no recent anti-Vash protests marring the current climate of goodwill, it is safe to say that relations are better than they've ever been. Not that I have any intention of visiting in full Vash Nadah regalia, or in any official capacity at all. I will disguise myself." As an Earth-dweller. He would summon the Vedla chief tailor that very afternoon, in fact.
    The more Ché thought of the idea of traveling incognito to the frontier world, the more it appealed to him.
    Hoe typed furiously. "What of the language barrier, my lord? Most there don't speak Basic."
    "I know their language."
    Basic would always remain the official language of the Federation, as it facilitated trade between the Federation and far-flung worlds that used individual dialects. Highborn Vash also learned Siennan, but that rich and ancient language was reserved for special and ceremonial purposes. Vedlas learned Eireyan, too, the much-loved tongue of their homeworld.
    But Ché had made a point to learn English several standard years ago, because it was the birth language of Rom B'kah's queen, and now of the crown prince. He figured that if he were at a party or anywhere else where English might be spoken in dark corners, he wanted to be able to interpret what was said.
    Born and raised in the midst of court intrigues, such a desire was second nature. But because he didn't have a natural ability with languages— or the interest, previously— he'd struggled to learn the strange and alien tongue "English." Luckily, recent frequent interactions with Ian Hamilton had improved his skill, and he had no doubts that when on Earth he would be able to make his wishes known.
    "I will contact the crown prince's sister once there," he admitted.
    "Ilana Hamilton?" Klark regarded him with interest.
    "I am growing weary of this constant second-guessing," Ché snapped. "From my staff and the council, I expect it. But from you, I take exception. Don't draw conclusions requiring knowledge to which you are not privy, Brother. This is the precise reason I am taking this trip. I am weary of my every move being examined, dissected, and analyzed, when my behavior has been nothing short of by-the-book— the Vedla book."
    Klark pursed his lips. "My, my. Quite an explosive reaction."
    Ché shook his head and sighed. "A few months' pleasure before I return to complete my wedding arrangements— is that too much to ask before my freedom ends?"
    Klark's gaze remained speculative. "Hamilton's sister may be a B'kah, but like the crown prince she is a commoner."
    "Great Mother. Who cares? You speak of her bloodlines as if they were contagious."
    "They can be."
    Ché ignored the insinuation. "You speak as if I plan to bed Ilana Hamilton and get her with child."
    Klark raised his eyebrows. "That would be a triumph for us Vedlas, would it not?" he proposed.
    Ché growled. "No Vedla would be that irresponsible, impregnating a woman he did not plan to marry. I cannot believe you would even suggest it, Klark. It must be my willingness to associate with the Hamilton twins that offends your racialist sensibilities. Shall I remind you that seven of the original Eight were of ordinary blood? Including Romjha, the Great One himself."
    "But not the Vedlas. Ours is the blood of kings. In the Dark Years, they thought they had slaughtered us all. But we survived. When all who wanted to eradicate us from the galaxy thought they'd been successful, Queen Vedla, the youngest prince, and an unborn princess escaped the massacre and in secret continued our bloodline."
    "Under the protection of the Dar family, who were commoners," Ché pointed out. "Our families have intermarried for thousands of years. Commoner blood runs in all our veins now."
    "Vash Nadah commoner blood."
    Ché scrubbed one hand over his face. "Why are we arguing history? Why are we arguing this issue at all?"
    "Because," Klark replied, "if one looks no deeper than the