Home Front (Star Kingdom #7) - Lindsay Buroker Page 0,108
have been attempting to comply with the wishes of the Kingdom representatives in this system, though I have admittedly improvised here and there.”
“Casmir Dabrowski was responsible for the destruction of Dubashi’s moon base and the vile prince’s failure to hire a ragtag mercenary fleet to use against the Kingdom,” Zee said.
“Ah, yes. Thank you, Zee. Would you mind standing over there by the door? It’s possible assassins are on the way and that I’m in danger.”
“You are always in danger, Casmir Dabrowski. I sense that you wish me to stop interfering with the composition of your message.”
“You are an astute crusher.”
“Yes.” Zee walked away, leaving a bland gray bulkhead in view behind Casmir.
“I don’t actually have a lot to say,” Casmir went on alone, “since I don’t even know when you’ll receive this, but I wanted to let you know that if I make it back to Odin and if I’m allowed to walk freely there again—” why did his face grow wistful and uncertain as he said those words? “—then I would love to join you at a cafe near the university or at some place of your choosing to have an adult beverage together. Kim informs me that fizzop isn’t an adult beverage, nor is it anything a princess would drink, so I shall endeavor to order something mature. Like tea.” His nose wrinkled. “Maybe that sweet bubble tea that comes with a straw.”
His brow furrowed again as he perhaps contemplated whether a drink with a straw would be considered adult. Oku would have guessed alcohol would have to be involved for that designation to apply. She wasn’t sure she’d ever had a drink with someone who ordered a soda, at least not since she’d been twelve. The knights usually tried to impress her with their knowledge of wine and vineyards. She wouldn’t mind sharing a drink with Casmir at the university. Maybe he would show her his robotics lab. She’d been to the greenhouses and botany labs there but hadn’t visited the computer science or engineering buildings on campus before.
“But only if you’re interested in that,” Casmir continued. “I wouldn’t want you to think, uhm. Well, I would want you to think. And do what you wish to do with whom.” He waved as if to acknowledge that had been vague and not well-phrased, but she appreciated that he’d worked it in, that he was letting her know that he didn’t expect her to marry him or anything else because her father wished it.
She had no idea what her father wished now. He had better not get himself killed while he was out with the Fleet, because she couldn’t manage trying to sort things out at home with just Finn. Oh, their mother would help, but as queen consort, it had always been clear that the rule wouldn’t fall to her, and her power was limited with the Senate.
Oku knew her own power would be even more limited, and Finn was a fool if he thought things would fall into his lap as if he was the king’s only remaining child. More likely, some ambitious distant relative with a lot of resources would assassinate him and try to force the Senate to accept him.
“I’ll send another message once the gate is open,” Casmir said, and Oku pushed away her bleak thoughts. Just because her brother had died out there didn’t mean her father wouldn’t make it back home. “Hopefully, one with some good news. Unfortunately, good news hasn’t been following me around of late.” His mouth twisted wryly. “You might instead get more tales of Zee’s quest to find a mate—or to realize that an acceptable one has been within reach all along.”
Oku wished they could speak real time so she could ask Casmir what he’d been doing all these months away. Had he truly helped destroy an enemy base? And thwarted plans against the Kingdom? If so, why wasn’t he delighted? Surely, her father would reward him for that, not punish him.
“Good night, Your Highness.” He bowed, his mop of scruffy brown hair falling into his eyes. Haircuts must not have been a priority out there in space.
As she saved the message to play it again later, a rapping came at the greenhouse door.
Maddie stuck her head in, but from her dyspeptic expression, it was obvious she wasn’t alone. Or happy to introduce her visitor.
Oku expected Finn, but Maddie said, “Chief Van Dijk from Royal Intelligence here to see you, Your Highness.”