Determine by Viola Grace

wanted it.” The emperor’s face softened. “I know that. I wanted what is best for you.”
    “Then, rejoice in my finding Hydra. She is what is best for me. She cleaned me after a two-day tsunami clean up, got me out of my armour and into bed after she made sure that we all ate and had something to drink. She met me with an open mind and still asked me about my day. At no time has she attempted to pry into my privacy. She is a woman so rare as to be one in billions, and I would have been a fool to let her pass.”
    “But… ”
    “Fate put her in my path and was determined that we meet again, so when we did, I caused a scene that put her into the public eye, and then, I manipulated her into coming to the base. I pursued her by what means I have available to meet a good woman. Congratulate me.”
    “Woman, do you have to sit on his lap?” The emperor lashed out at her.
    She raised her arms to show the bands of his arms around her torso. “I sort of do. He won’t let me stand behind him, so I am stuck in his embrace. It is a comfortable place to be. Nice and warm.”
    Caalos chuckled.
    The emperor nodded. “I see. What do your people think of this union?”
    She bit her lip. “I haven’t been able to contact anyone to register it.”
    “So, they may disapprove.”
    “Possible but not likely. My mission was to enter space-faring society, make a place for myself, find a job and when the time was right, bear an heir to my genetics. I am a class zero, so my genes aren’t much of a concern, but I still have to have one child in order to fulfill my contract with the Alliance. That can’t happen for at least a year.”
    “Why?”
    Caalos smiled. “Restrictor shot. I made sure that she was safe before I tried my ham-handed courtship. Until I know it is safe, I don’t want to put our child at risk. I have three years left on my contract, and leaving her with a child and no one to help her raise it is not something I will do.” The emperor nodded. “Three years before you have an heir? That is risky.”
    “Not really. Your bloodline has no direct heir.”
    “No longer true. You were legitimized six weeks ago. You are the next emperor of the Nyal Imperium, whether you want to be or not.” The emperor hung up on his son.
    Hydra looked at the shock on Starburn’s face.
    “Are you all right?”
    He shook his head and reached out to make a call.
    A woman answered, her skin was the deep mocha of Caalos’s and her hair the same white.
    “Mother. I would introduce my wife.” The woman smiled. “I greet you, daughter.”
    “Thank you, Mother.” She pressed a hand to her breastbone. “Hydrangea Graham Renix.”
    “Cadian Renix.” The woman’s face showed her pleasure. “What can I do for you, children?”
    “The emperor has announced that he has legitimized me and I am the next heir of the Nyal Imperium. Did you know of this?” Cadian shook her head. “No. It is a good thing though, if you survive it.”
    “But now, I must watch out for my wife. How can I keep her safe?”
    Cadian kept her smile in place. “Give her the tools to keep herself safe. Have those around you that you trust keep the one you love when you cannot be there to protect her. She seems like an intelligent woman, and I will be happy to meet her in person one day.”
    Dismissed, the call ended.
    “Well, Caalos, I like your mom but your dad sucks.” She kissed his jaw and the tenseness loosened.
    “You are very subtle, Hydra.” He got to his feet and kept her cradled against him. “Don’t be surprised if we are summoned to the imperial court soon. My father is not one to miss an opportunity.”
    She really, really hoped that he was wrong. She literally didn’t have a thing to wear.

Chapter Ten
    W arp brought her belongings to the base three days later. It was such a relief to have her own clothing back that she gave Warp a bone-cracking hug that had Starburn growling behind her. He pried her away from his teammate and grabbed two