AN ASSORTMENT OF CAMERAMEN and reporters were gathered on the front steps of the palace. The flag of Montelea stood beside the flag of Chelyana, directly behind the podium where Kaelyn was to speak. The King spoke first, reinforcing his decision to force the Vulmax from Chelyana. Then he introduced Kaelyn as his new daughter-in-law.
Chord escorted her to the podium and stood beside her as she stepped up to speak. Kaelyn’s thoughts went to her mother as she gazed out at the crowd. The galaxy was watching. She had somehow become the voice of her planet. Her words would echo across the starry darkness to penetrate the hearts of all who mourned for Chelyana’s great loss. These were the most important words she would ever speak. Words that must save her people. She took a deep, calming breath
