Starcrossed - Bianca D'Arc Page 0,56
she became aware of the multitude of newsbots flittering here and there, all seeking some different angle to record the action. They hovered at a distance, but they were there all the same, recording each and every word, from all angles, for posterity.
Something of great significance had just happened here, she knew, but she didn’t understand the full extent of it. She’d meant to read more on their Velkir prophecy, but then, she’d been busy with Tigh and then the traitors. She knew they considered the Velkir something special, but she didn’t understand all of the implications for her or her crew. It would be best to play it cool until she knew more.
She turned to Tigh, seeing the approval and love in his eyes. It gave her strength and an idea of what to do next. She then turned to face Jurdan.
“Sir,” she addressed Jurdan, “my crew and I are honored to be welcomed by you and your brotherhood. We are simple soldiers who have had a long journey to an uncertain future. It’s reassuring to have your Lady’s blessing and your presence here as we come to the jit’suku galaxy for the first time. May our futures hold friendship and understanding.”
Jurdan regarded her for a long moment, until she was almost ready to squirm, but her training and backbone held firm. Then, he smiled. “It is the fulfillment of my life’s work to have the Velkir walk among us. You are welcome here, Empress-to-be. As will be your children, the heirs to the empire!”
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Cheers met his pronouncement, though they weren’t the disorganized accolades of human response. These were shouts made with military precision in the deep voices of the priests and the other believers who’d been invited to witness the historic occasion.
Tigh came up behind Ginny and put one hand on her shoulder as he bent to whisper in her ear. “I knew they would love you as much as I,” he said, warming her with both his words and his warm breath on her skin. She fought to suppress the shiver of awareness his touch always stirred as she turned her head to look up into his eyes. He was smiling, love reflecting back at her from his gaze.
He’d warned her that he’d be expected to address the crowd and had even prepared a short speech. Sure enough, there was a podium emblazoned with the imperial seal set up a few feet away. Tigh squeezed her shoulder one last time and headed for the spot, facing the multitude of recorders and bots along with the crowd that had gathered to welcome him home.
“Thank you all for this warm welcome home. Thanks especially to my brothers in the priesthood. I truly did not expect such a grand welcome, though I suspect it is more for my lady and her crew. And it is well deserved, for they not only come in peace to save our future, but they have saved my life and my mission of peace by dealing with traitors sent to destroy myself and my crew.” Murmurs went through the assembled crowd of officials and civilians, though the priests and other soldiers were too well disciplined to speak as Tigh went on. “I expect advance reports have already reached some of you. The rest will learn of the way a coward incapacitated me and all the men on board my ship, attempting to turn the women over to Goddess only knows what terrible fate. Thankfully, they underestimated my beloved Velkir. She and her crew took command of the ship while the rest of us were unconscious, won a space battle against three traitorous ships—showing mercy by not destroying them—and had her doctor administer an antidote to revive us. At first, I debated over whether to make this matter public knowledge, but I believe the time for truth in this empire is long past. In short order, I will be making recordings of the action that took place onboard available to you through the news streams. I think you should all see the bravery, skill and heart of your empress-to-be. In that way, I believe you will come to respect and love her and her crew, as I have.”
This was all news to Ginny. She felt a little conspicuous, knowing that everyone in the empire would be able to see exactly what she’d said and done during those precious hours when Tigh was unconscious. She thought back quickly over that time and hoped she hadn’t said