“I did. However, Saf would be too easy a target to spot and suspect. Kyr’s more devious than that.”
Ember wasn’t so sure, but they did need to get out of here as soon as possible. So when Florian returned to the bay with her sisters, she sent him off with Kindel for the base evacuation. Just in case. The last thing she wanted was to take a chance with her child staying with her when he’d be safer with Kindel, since she and the others were planning to head for battle.
She and Bastien went with Drake.
Ember pulled up short the moment she saw the youngest Caronese prince. Unlike his brother Darling who had short red hair, Drake’s was jet black and as long as Bastien’s. He also bore that same innate regal aura undercut by strict military training that said he tolerated no fools and would sooner kick ass than kiss it. Yeah, this wasn’t a typical aristo or politician.
Drakari Cruel was no one’s puppet or pawn.
Dressed in an elite Kimmerian assassin’s uniform, he greeted Bastien like a brother. But his blue eyes glowed with suspicion as they narrowed on her.
“Ember Wyldestarrin, meet Drake Cruel.”
She had the impression that he could read her soul with that slow, probing stare. “Your Highness.”
A friendly smile lightened his dark demeanor. “Please, no formalities. I don’t want to hear that unless I’m at court, and even then it gets on my nerves.” He shut and locked his ramp, then gestured for her to follow him. “Come, my lady. Make yourself at home.”
As they headed for the flight deck, he shook his head at Bastien. “What is it with uncles? Fucking bastards, all. I’d say to kill them, but being one myself … I don’t want to die.”
“Well, I assume you’ve no intention of killing off your nephew for his throne.”
“Minsid no to that. He’s adorable. Plan to teach him everything I know to make Darling crazy. Payback’s a bitch. Besides, I had a chance to take the Caronese throne. Don’t want no part of that.”
She didn’t miss the sadness in Bastien’s eyes. He’d never wanted to inherit either. Especially not over the bodies of his family.
Wanting to cheer him, she quickly changed the subject. “Nice ship.”
“Thank you. Designed her myself. Kimmerian code, all the way.”
“Rather unusual occupation for a prince.”
Drake flashed her a charming grin. “We had an unusual upbringing.” He paused to touch his link. “Merksaker, here.” He listened for several minutes. “Aye, Lady DR. We can pull the rear. If you’ll send the coordinates, Saf and I will make sure no one follows. Saker Mara, out.”
“Saker Mara?” Ember asked with a frown.
“Name of my ship. It’s Caronese for Outlaw Nightmare.”
“Ah … and Merksaker?”
“Dark outlaw.” He waited for them to strap in before he launched and followed the rest of the Dread Reckoning toward their remotest outpost, where they retreated any time things got hot for them.
Once they were clear of escape velocity, Drake turned to smirk at Bastien. “When was the last time you slept?”
“Not sure.”
“No offense, it shows.” He checked his headings. “We’ve got a while. Why don’t you and Ember head to the crew quarters, shower, and take a nap. Eat. If you need a change of clothes, I’ll unlock the door to my room. Take whatever you need and don’t worry about it. My sister’s room is the last one on the left. She’s a little taller than Ember, but she should have something in there that she can change into, too. Believe me, Ana won’t miss anything. Woman has more clothes than a department store.”
“Thanks, drey.”
“Any time.”
Bastien unbuckled himself and headed for the back with Ember one step behind.
As they walked in silence, she couldn’t help noticing just how gorgeous he was. But as Drake had noticed, he was tired. She could tell by his slow, methodical movements.
“You okay, Bas?”
“Been a heck of a day.”
It had indeed.
When they reached the first room, Bastien turned around and gave her a kiss so hot that it left her breathless.
“Been dying to do that. And I would kill to make love to you, but I have got to have a nap.”
She laughed. “You have been running on empty.”
“You have no idea.” He gave her one more searing kiss before he pulled himself away and went to literally flop on the bunk.
Ember laughed at his actions.
He didn’t even bother to remove his boots. Feeling sorry for him, she moved to disrobe him while he lay there like a corpse. At first it reminded her of undressing Rian when he was too tired to bother, but as she uncovered more of his delectable body, all thoughts of their son fled her mind.
Bastien had always possessed one of the best physiques she’d ever seen on any male. He still did. Every sleek, hard muscle of his body was clearly defined and honed like steel. It beckoned her with a hunger that was undeniable.
Unable to resist it, she quickly stripped and slid herself into bed beside him and snuggled up against his warm, bare flesh.