“For you, I mean! Not for me. Jeez, have a little faith.” I flash him a grin, though he looks unconvinced. “Be back soon.” I squeeze Pol’s shoulder one last time before slipping away.

The official meeting between the planets seems to be going well, and beyond the officials on the dock, a cautious but curious crowd of Nibirans is starting to form again. Despite their initial terror over the ship, more are daring to draw near now, craning their necks for a glimpse at the foreigners. Some of them are even carrying food or drink or other small gifts, and signs welcoming the newcomers, which makes my heart surge with hope. Leonis may be a liar and a vicious warmonger, but her people deserve a warm reception to their temporary new home.

The beach is quiet and empty but for a single figure standing just beyond the edge of the lapping water. Shey’s face is turned toward the ocean, features lit by the red sun.

“Have to say, I’m a fan of this new Nibiran style of yours,” I say as I walk closer, hands in my pockets, admiring the curves of her body beneath the rippling silk gown. The shoulders are still squared-off and Gaian, so the dress is a marriage of the two styles, but it’s still a huge improvement. “Fits you much better than stuffy Gaian clothes.”

As she turns to face me, no doubt with some prim retort ready on her tongue, I catch her face in my hands and kiss her. Her lips press eagerly against mine.

This time, there’s no race against the clock, no impending danger. This isn’t a single, stolen moment. This time, I kiss her like I have all the time in the world and am willing to give every second of it to her. I kiss her like she deserves to be kissed, like I’ve always wanted to do it. Quiet and patient, reveling in every moment. Shey’s lips are soft against mine, her hand gentle as it brushes my cheek. But when she pulls away, her eyes are dewy with tears. My heart sinks as I realize why she really called me here. I pull my head back and stare at her. After a moment I sigh, brushing a tear away with one thumb.

“Shit,” I murmur. “This is goodbye, isn’t it? You’re saying goodbye.”

I always knew, deep down, that this moment would come. So why does it hurt so much?