“It’s okay to be nervous.” “I’m not nervous,” Rixie said, straightening her outfit for the ninth time. She was not wearing her uniform – she appreciated that Rajenlif had let her know that this was a semi-casual affair, and appreciated that Pryvani had taken her call to assure her that yes, she did have the …

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Rajenlif watched the shuttle descend toward the pad, as she had hundreds of times before. But for the first time in a very long time, she felt her nerves jangling as it approached. When was the last time she was worried about a visitor to the Palace of the Three Shaars? Could it be so …

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The Pygmallion had been grounded at Atrius III Starbase for no more than ten minutes, and if Rixie had her druthers, she would have lifted and headed back to Avalon. There was no reason for her to come here. True, Jutuneim was on the opposite side of the Empire from Avalon, but the Pygmallion was …

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Aud checked her pad, and sighed. She was expecting this call; she was mildly surprised that it was coming from this particular member of the Royal family. She had thought Rajenlif would make the call when the news got back to her. There was part of her, a part that she had buried very far …

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“You do not seem particularly excited to meet your wife,” the Empress said, with a wry smile. “I am still not sure that I should be,” the young man said. He was wearing Imperial Military dress uniform in a pilot’s blue, with two brass squares on his collar. He had six ribbons pinned to his …

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As is not uncommon, two classmates sat at a techou shop in Bozedami, working on a class project. “I never should have left this class until my third year,” Siru said. “Whole class is first-years.” “Should I be insulted?” her partner asked. “No, no, when you’re in your first year, you’re still fired up and …

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Karral looked down at his notes. “Overall, the subject was intelligent, friendly, and extremely capable. Very interested in Avalon and humans here.” “Oh?” Pryvani said. “Not in a bad way,” Liss added. “More curious and impressed. After she made us, she asked a lot of questions of Nest and me; just wanted to know what …

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As long as they were here on Archavia, Rixie had to make this stop. They were not on Archavia to visit Rajenlif; indeed, they were not on Archavia for any reason of Rixie’s. They were visiting the world so that Alex could check on preparations for the 25th Anniversary. This year had seen many, many …

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“Skor, I have had it. How many times do I have to tell you that I will not support you in marrying a commoner? Even one who is known by the Royal Family? The House of Aljansen has standards, and you know that. Marry Aud? You should cut ties with her immediately. No offense, Audara.” …

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Sheets of rain fell on Naesavarna, and Dronung Throdr – she would one day be Dronung the First Throdr, but at that time she was simply Throdr, the first of her name to sit on the Carba Throne – stared disconsolately out on the day. She was in the Palace of the Three Shaars, but …

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