“Their planet is a single shallow ocean with occasional deep trenches,” Resven said. “They’ve killed off the predators in the shallows. In the absence of predators, their population and that of other prey fish has exploded to unsustainable levels. Killing other fish who are not a direct threat to them is against their philosophical doctrines, so they are asking the Dominion to save them from themselves.”

“How?” Miralitt asked.

“Targeted commercial fishing or the reintroduction of the predators,” Resven said. “It is still being discussed.”

“Oond is spiraling down,” I said. “If you attempt to select him as a spouse, he will withdraw.”

“What are the numbers from the pool about the new selection?” Kosandion asked without looking up.

“No change from two hours ago,” Orata reported.

Kosandion gave a small gesture to Resven.

“May I have a few moments of your time?” Resven asked.

“Of course.”

The three of us left the balcony for the privacy of a long hallway leading from it to the throne room.

“The Dominion is in crisis,” Resven said, keeping his voice casual. “Our citizens are distressed by the progress of the selection process. They are dissatisfied and anxious, and they are rallying behind their Sovereign against Behoun. Over the past twenty-four hours, the number of premature labors has quadrupled. It is the best indicator of the population’s overall stress level. Such a rise indicates that the Dominion has reached a boiling point.”

“Are you going to void the selection?” I asked.

“I do not presume to speak for the Sovereign. Only he can make that decision.”

Argh.

“I will say this, however,” Resven said. “When the selection is declared void, all candidates who are still present receive their minor asks. Please do everything in your power to convince Oond to be present for the selection. If he withdraws now, his people will get nothing, and the Dominion will feel even more aggrieved.”

“Can you guarantee that he won’t become the spouse?” Sean asked.

“No. I also cannot guarantee that the First Sun won’t explode in the next ten seconds. However, it would be equally unlikely.” Resven smiled. “No matter what happens during the final ceremony, Gertrude Hunt has exceeded the Sovereign’s expectations. You have the gratitude of the Dominion. All of us will be delighted to return. And of course, the Dominion will grant you all the benefits agreed upon in our contract.”

They would cancel the current selection, make a new one, and they were counting on us to host it. Sean’s face told me he thought the same thing.

Poor Lady Wexyn.

“It is imperative that Oond attend the final ceremony,” Resven repeated.

“Very well,” I said. “We will speak to Oond.”

We had three hours until the final ceremony. Hopefully, it would be enough.

* * *

“I can’t do it.” Oond trembled in his fishbowl. “What if they kill me on the way?”