Starcrossed - Bianca D'Arc Page 0,58

and she welcomed us. You felt that, didn’t you?”

“I did,” Ginny admitted.

“It was a miracle,” Tigh chimed in. “I’ve seen the Goddess’ light used to both bless and burn. It can kill if you are not of true heart.”

“Really?” Ginny turned to him. “Then, it was a test?”

“Of sorts.” Tigh looked uncomfortable. “I had no idea Master Jurdan was going to do that or I wouldn’t have allowed it, but I guess in hindsight, he needed to know exactly who and what he was dealing with. He’s waited his entire life to see the fulfillment of the ancient prophecy. More generations than I can count have held that responsibility sacred. For you to come now, when we’re on the brink of destruction—and for you to truly be the Velkir of legend—will give us renewed hope. Master Jurdan needed to know if he was indeed, in the presence of true Velkir before he could know for certain. But I’ll not thank him for having put you and your crew in danger.”

Tigh’s hand rested over hers, and she saw the fire in his eyes, along with the worry he’d felt when he realized what Jurdan was doing.

“It’s all right, Tigh. I expect that won’t be the last test we’re subjected to. I didn’t expect this to be easy, but for the sake of both our peoples, it must be done.”

“And for us, Gineva. Don’t forget us.”

“How could I?” She cupped his cheek, smiling up into his eyes.

A throat clearing across the small space of the car drew her back. Henny was shaking her head with laughter. “You two really have it bad, don’t you?”

Ginny liked her friend’s teasing. It reminded her of her younger days, when she’d been free to just be a girl and not had the responsibility of a starship captain or empress-to-be.

“As if you and Hansa aren’t making goo-goo eyes at each other at every opportunity.” She teased Henny right back.

“I object to the term goo-goo eyes,” Hansa said in his droll voice. “I don’t even know what it means, but it doesn’t sound very manly.”

The women laughed outright as even Tigh chuckled. “You have good instincts, my friend,” Ginny said after a moment. “Now, why didn’t I know about this budding romance? Henny, I thought you were my best friend.”

“Well, gee, let me think… Maybe it’s because your head was so in the clouds over your own imminent marriage that I never quite found the right moment to tell you? Nah. To be honest, I wasn’t sure what we had until the big lug fainted dead away at my hatch. I knew then, that I’d be broken forever if he died.”

“Oh, Henny.” Ginny reached across and took her friend’s hand, squeezing once in comfort. “I’m happy for you both.” She included Hansa in her wishes as she drew her hand back.

“Thank you, ma’am,” Hansa said, drawing Henny’s hand into his own. “I have not yet thanked you and your crew for saving our lives and our mission. Blessings upon you, my lady.” He nodded to Ginny then took Henny’s hand to his lips for a gentle kiss. “And you, my love.”

“So, you are chi’gor?” Tigh asked Hansa unexpectedly. Hansa looked pained for a brief moment but quickly recovered.

“I was, but you heard the Master. That’s over now,” Hansa replied.

“What is chi’gor?” Ginny asked.

“The title literally translates to ‘masked protector’. It is a secret order of the priesthood. Only the most skilled are asked to pose as less than they truly are so that they may be placed with those who may someday need their aid,” Tigh explained. “It seems my friend, Hansa of Clan Poltar, has been my shadow all these years as part of his duty. Am I not right, old friend?”

“It was always more than duty, my liege. I valued your friendship and still do, if you can ever forgive my deception. When the high priest first approached me with the task, I was both honored and afraid that it would drive a wedge between us if you ever discovered that protecting you was something I’d been asked to do by the brotherhood.”

Tigh was silent a long moment, gazing consideringly at his friend. “I have one question.”

“Anything, my liege.”

“How often did you let me win when we sparred?”

A grin stole across Hansa’s angular face. “Not as often as I’d like, I’ll admit. We are fairly matched, my liege.”

Tigh sighed. “Chi’gor—now Master Poltar—we’re alone here. Why are you suddenly using my title to come between us? Don’t