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The gates parted.
Kesser sauntered past that layer of security. Recording devices were installed around the domicile. They were pointed at the thin lifeless band of simulated-stone-covered space between the structure and the gates.
The home she shared with her mom had greenery and blooms and other vegetation around it.
Talley’s dad preferred a different look.
The doors to the structure swung open. “Kess.” Talley grabbed her arm and pulled her inside the home. “You’re finally here. What took you so long?”
Kesser frowned. They’d talked about that. “I had Mom’s speech to attend, and?—”
“That’s not important.” Talley dragged her through the entryway. “You’re here now.”
Kesser walked faster to keep up with her friend. “What’s going on, Talley?”
Talley looked over her shoulder. Then she met Kesser’s gaze. Later, she mouthed. And she pushed Kesser down the hallway.
Kesser inwardly groaned. The last time, her rebellious friend behaved like she was acting now, she was Fates-bent on attending a peace protest, a highly publicized event that her warmonger dad later very loudly condemned, calling all the participants traitors.
Thanks to Kesser, he didn’t know the two beings in hooded cloaks at the edge of the recorded crowd were his daughter and her reluctantly participating friend.
Kesser’s mom would likely have approved of their participation. Even though it would’ve brought her parent unwelcome criticism during a critical time in her leadership.
But Talley’s dad wasn’t as understanding.
Or peace-loving.
They finally reached Talley’s private chambers. The doors closed behind them.
“I’m in love.” Talley flopped backward on her sleeping support.
That was the emergency? Her friend was always in love.
“Who is he…or she this planet rotation?” Kesser lay beside Talley.
She suspected whoever the being was, they were already in love with her friend also.
Talley was sweet and charming and beautiful. She had big blue eyes. At the moment, her long blonde hair was tinged with blue also. And she was tiny. Her fragile-appearance brought out the protective instincts in everyone.
Including Kesser. She would die for her friend.
“He’s big and strong and passionate, Kess.” Talley clutched her chest. “Such a hunky hunk. We met a solar cycle, three planet rotations, and one shift ago, and we both knew instantly the Fates had spoken. We were meant to be together.”
“A solar cycle, three planet rotations, and one shift ago.” Kesser reviewed her mental schedule. She’d spent her childhood tracking her mom’s events and had applied that skill to her own. “You were with me that entire shift. We were at that secret meeting…”
A chill swept through her.
“Tell me he’s a Syndicul.” She turned on her side and gazed at Talley.
“He’s not a Syndicul.” Her friend stared dreamily up at the ceiling.
Oh fuck. “Then he’s from one of the neutral planets.”
That wasn’t good. Talley’s dad viewed every non-Syndicul with suspicion. But it could be worse.
“He’s not from one of the neutral planets.” Talley shredded that hope.
Her wild friend had chosen the one type of being her dad would never approve of—a Powluk, one of their former enemies.
