Ilia’s heart broke for her, which – oddly – offered a bit of comfort. Her Nassai still loved her. That had to count for something.
It occurred to her that Ilia had seen war through Jena’s eyes. They had been together on the Fringe, when the Antaurans attacked the colony worlds. Perhaps Melissa should talk with her Nassai, gain a little perspective. The swell of warmth and love in the back of her mind told her that Ilia was very much in favour of that idea.
And that answered another question.
Drayvin could make all the conjectures they liked about the nature of personhood, but Ilia was absolutely certain that the real, true Jena had returned. And that was good enough for Melissa.
“…Fifteen major cities,” Corin was saying. “Their ground forces have surrounded Pelor and Adrinalos. Our peo
