“Ildirans don’t like to be alone.”

The two stood close together, though the viewing ledge offered plenty of room. Nira was very conscious of the Prime Designate’s presence, and she did not want to move away.

She watched the small forms of people far below. An endless stream of Ildirans ascended tier after tier of the citadel hill that supported the Prism Palace.

“Pilgrims,” Jora’h said, seeing her interest, “wishing to gaze upon the glory of the Mage-Imperator.”

Groups from various kiths climbed steadily, stopping at prescribed points along the road. They crossed bridges and circled the hill, washing themselves ritually in the seven streams as they ascended toward the entry dome. “All citizens of the empire have access to the Palace. My father keeps his audience gallery open to visitors. Anyone who makes the pilgrimage can observe his glorious face projected under the sky-sphere.”

“Is he ever worried about assassination attempts, or violence?”

Jora’h looked at her, surprised. “Through the thism, the Mage-Imperator can know precisely if anyone harbors such thoughts. My father could deal with the problem long before any would-be assassin entered the Prism Palace. We Ildirans are different from you, Nira. You must understand that.”

They stood on the high vantage in silence, side by side, watching the groups of pilgrims marching reverently toward their goal. Finally, Nira said, “We are not so very different.” She intentionally snuggled closer to him. “In fact, Jora’h, you and I could be compatible … in many ways.”

Back in the Prime Designate’s private chambers, Nira wondered if the charismatic man had used any hint of telepathic powers to seduce her. But she was aware of the power of outside thoughts because of her communications with the worldtrees. And at this moment Nira felt as though she was doing nothing against her will… nothing that wasn’t absolutely right. This was her first time, but she was not afraid.

Her skin drank in the warm light in the room all around her, and she felt energized by his every touch. Even as she held the Prime Designate, she hungered for him, and Jora’h responded in kind. Slowly and with fascination, they removed each other’s clothes, one item at a time.

“I find you so incredibly interesting and intriguing, Nira,” he whispered, his breath warm in her ear.

She felt precisely the same way about him.

Nira had been afraid he might be aloof or jaded after having had so many mates, but as she made love to him, Nira felt that she held the Prime Designate’s absolute attention and devotion.

87: ADAR KORI’NH

87ADAR KORI’NH

It was an old trick the Adar had learned from studying human military strategy games. He led two cohorts of warships to the outskirts of the Qronha double-star system, which held two of the seven suns in the skies of Ildira.