I stood on the balcony in Kosandion’s private quarters and watched Resven struggle to contain his irritation at my presence. Being included in a very private discussion of the Dominion’s state secrets wasn’t in my plans, but Kosandion requested my attendance during the breakfast, and here we were.
I had built the Dominion suite to remind Kosandion of the Palace. The trick wasn’t to replicate his home but to nod at it subtly with the right shades and familiar contours. New experiences were an essential part of travelling. I tinted the colors slightly warmer, relaxed the geometric harshness, and threw a few unexpected shapes, like the asymmetric arches. The asymmetry showed in their haircuts and clothes, but a lot of the Dominion architecture was old and incorporating the new trend would give the suite some freshness.
My original design didn’t incorporate a balcony, but after watching Kosandion contemplate the orange ocean during dinner, I opened another door to Kolinda and fed a different view through it. Now his quarters featured a long balcony rising high above the water and equipped with an array of patio furniture. I had installed a carefully calibrated barrier that put an impenetrable invisible wall between the ocean and the Sovereign’s quarters. It shifted into a slightly less protective mode when anyone entered the balcony, so Kosandion got the sea breeze and sounds but not the monsters that hunted within the cool orange depths. Gertrude Hunt was virtually swimming in alien beings’ energy, like a glutton at a cake contest, and maintaining the barrier resulted in a minimal drain.
Kosandion was on the balcony now, sitting in a comfortable chair with a breakfast spread on a patio table before him. The sun had risen above the jagged dark peaks at the horizon. The Sovereign watched the ocean, tracking a massive sea serpent as it slid under the surface, its spines the only warning to its potential prey.
His inner circle was arranged around him. Resven rested in a large, padded chair in front of me and to my right. Miralitt sat on my left, one leg over the other, as close to the transparent rail as she could get. Between them, in an identical chair, perched Orata, Kosandion’s head of PR, although that was likely an inadequate title considering her duties and their importance. She had come through the portal this morning to deliver the voting results and would go back before the day officially started. Orata was curvy, young, and fashionable, with a purple tint to her skin and silver-blue hair, and every time I looked at her, I thought of Prince Lotor from the Voltron anime.
In my defense, I had woken up twice last night, one time because the Dushegubs had climbed onto each other trying to escape the Pit and the other because the Murder Birds had a fight and I had to treat the injured parties while Sean confined all of them to separate cells within their flock arena. I could’ve used a couple more hours.
“The ratings are as follows,” Orata announced, barely glancing at the holographic screen in front of her. “Behoun is in the lead with ten points over their closest competitor.”
Team Smiles, the ones with the enthusiastic female candidate whose name I kept forgetting. They represented Behoun, the fourth planet added to the Dominion.
“The people like Amphie,” Resven said. “They like her education and pedigree.”
Orata nodded. “Indeed. They especially like her enthusiasm. Key words mentioned most are earnest, relatable, and attractive. She’s trending well with parents.”
“A nice girl. The kind you take home to meet the family,” Kosandion murmured. “A safe choice.”
He looked away from the sea serpent and pondered his plate. I wasn’t the only one who noticed his love of the ocean. Orro had outdone himself. I didn’t know you could even make a pancake in the shape of an oyster shell and turn an egg into a pearl within it.
“Your breakfast is getting cold, Letero,” Miralitt murmured.
Kosandion gave his plate a mournful look. “It’s almost too pretty to eat.”
“You need to keep up your strength.” Miralitt held his gaze, making it very clear that she wouldn’t drop it until he took a bite.
Kosandion picked up a delicate two-tined fork and tried a small piece of the pancake. “Delicious. Continue.”
“In second place, Prysen Ol with the Kai,” Orata said. “The people view him as intelligent, dignified, and wise. He also trends well with parents. They feel he would be a patient and attentive father. His lowest rankings are in the under twenty-five demographic. They find him boring.”
Kosandion smiled. “Splendid. We should just marry those two to each other in a glorious spectacle of a wedding. Nearly every soul in the Dominion would be thrilled.”
Resven sighed. “Letero, I implore you to take this seriously.”
“I do. Think of the joy it would bring my people. Not to mention the ratings bonanza.”
Orata’s dark eyes sparkled.
“No,” Resven told her.
“You’re no fun,” Orata murmured.
“We are not here for fun,” Resven said. “We’re here to choose the parent of an heir and the spouse of the Sovereign. This person will have an impact on our society for decades to come. Please concentrate on the task at hand.”
Orata gave him a pointed look. “In third place, Lady Wexyn.” She had punctuated Lady Wexyn to make sure it sank in.
Resven jerked, startled. “How? Why?”
“The people find her endearing. She’s unpredictable and fun to watch. Those are direct quotes.”
“That woman is chaos personified. Your Majesty? Your Majesty! How many times have I gone over the proper forms of address? Letero Kolivion or Your Supremacy. How hard is it to remember?”
“I am sure she does it just to spite you,” Miralitt said.
“She doesn’t have the presence of mind. Have you looked into her eyes? They are as clear as the summer sky. Not a cloud of thought in sight.”
“The people think she is ‘cute’, ‘funny’, and ‘breath of fresh air’,” Orata announced.
“Breath of fresh air? She’s a fart at a funeral.” Resven realized what came out of his mouth and caught himself. “My apologies.”
Kosandion waved them on.
“In fourth place, the otrokar,” Orata said.
“Surkar, son of Grast and Ulde,” Kosandion said.
“Yes,” Orata confirmed.
Miralitt frowned.
“Key words?” Kosandion asked.
“Strong, decisive, and powerful.”
“Well, he is all of those things,” Kosandion agreed.
“His support among people 30 and under is 46% percent,” Orata continued. “62% among people 20 and under who are interested in civil and military service.”
Resven raised his eyebrows.
Kosandion smiled again. “They see me as soft.”
Orata cleared her throat. “Yes, Letero. The dominant chatter in the forums is that you are too civilized, and that the Dominion would benefit from ‘warrior blood.’ The Conqueror faction is making their usual noises about getting back to our roots.”
“Have they forgotten the Assassination War?” Resven growled.
The Assassination War was a bloody conflict that sparked when Caldenia murdered her brother. I was sixteen, in my junior year of high school. By Earth’s biological metrics, Kosandion was only about five years older than me. He would’ve been around twenty-one. While physically an adult, socially he would’ve been considered a “youth,” an equivalent to a fifteen-year-old. Many factions in the Dominion thought he was unfit to lead. He proved them wrong.
“Most of the younger hotheads were children when that war took place,” Miralitt said. “Our people know you are a gifted commander. However…”
“The age of peace and prosperity our population enjoys thanks to your wise rule hasn’t provided you with many opportunities to showcase your warrior side,” Orata finished.
Smooth.
“Those who haven’t experienced combat are easily impressed by a superficial show of physical power,” Miralitt added.
“He is a prime specimen.” Kosandion glanced at Orata. “Make a hard copy of the ratings for me.”
“Yes, Letero.”
I had done some digging. The Hope Crushing Horde had settled a slew of planets, and Surkar and his delegation came from one of their frontier worlds. If Kosandion wanted, he could unleash an armada of ships that would block out their sun. No amount of muscles, flexing or roaring would save them from the hell that would rain down on them. And in the limits of this contest, none of that mattered.
Orata got up, placed a small data cube in front of Kosandion with a bow, and returned to her place.
He waved at her to continue.
“Then we have the Gaheas, followed by the Oomboles.”
“Really?” Kosandion asked.
Orata smiled. “They’re bright and colorful, and a certain segment of the population thinks it would be funny if you married a fish.”
Kosandion chuckled.
“House Meer is seventh, the Higgra are eighth, the delegation from Kyporo is ninth.”
Team Frowns was from Kyporo, the sixth planet added to the Dominion. I would have thought the second of the Dominion’s home teams would’ve ranked higher.
“A poor showing for Kyporo,” Miralitt said.
“Their candidate comes across as unlikable and arrogant. The Zinera are tenth, the Stranglers are eleventh, and the Children of the Silver Star are in last place,” Orata concluded.
The Murder Birds, the Dushegubs, and the Donkamins. Apparently, nobody in the Dominion could pronounce the Dushegubs’ proper name either.
“I would’ve thought the Children would’ve rated higher,” Resven said.
Orata sighed. “They are… uncomfortable to watch.”
Figured.
“The Dominion doesn’t want my child to bend their neck backward and address them with their face upside down?” Kosandion asked with pretended innocence.
“No,” Orata said, her voice very firm.
Kosandion smiled and sipped his orange juice. He didn’t look surprised by any of this.
In the ocean, a beautiful black fish leaped out of the water. It had to be the size of a whale, but it was built like sturgeon with pike jaws. An enormous, scaled mouth followed it, the cavernous maw gaping. The fish twisted in one last futile effort to escape and fell into it. The scaled titan slipped back under the surface. The sea was once again still.
“Good work,” the Sovereign said. “That will be all.”
The three advisors bowed in unison and departed. Resven managed to get in one last warning look in my direction before the door shut behind him.
Kosandion pointed to a chair across the table. “Please.”
I sat.
“Do you have any questions?” he asked.
“I don’t want to impose, Letero.”
“Please no titles. I have so few opportunities for informal conversations. Let’s pretend we are friends.”
Where was he going with this? “In that case, what’s the real significance of the rankings?”
“As you know, the candidates face three challenges. The three least popular delegations are eliminated after each challenge until only three candidates remain for the final ceremony.”
“I understand that.” It was in their briefing. “How important are the rankings to you?”
“It’s a complicated question.” He didn’t seem inclined to elaborate.
“Can the rankings be manipulated?”
He nodded. “They are numbers produced by emotions. Both can be manipulated. It may be as simple as editing a few seconds out of the footage or as complex as triggering the right person to say exactly the right thing at a completely unrelated event. As your world shows, one can come to the funeral of a friend, proclaim their purpose not to praise the deceased but to bury him, and then incite a revenge riot.”
Unexpected. How in the world did he come by that story?
Kosandion took another sip out of his crystal glass. “The public opinion can never be permitted to run freely. It must be nurtured, steered, and moderated. That’s how dynasties stay in power.”
Déjà vu.
“What about your personal preferences? Do they not factor in?” I asked.
“They do. But personal preferences are flitting. I had many partners over the years, male, female, humanoid and not, yet none of them remain by my side.”
I had no idea if he was saddened by that, proud of it, or simply resigned to the fact. I wished Caldenia was here so I could take my cues from her.
“I am to be assassinated before the final ceremony is over,” Kosandion said.
I almost did a double-take. “How do you know that?”
“The same way I know many other things.”
“Is this the real reason you wanted to move the venue to the inn?”
He nodded.
It would have been great to have had that information before I put Gertrude Hunt on the line.
“Given my family history, it’s not exactly unexpected. You had to have at least considered the possibility and if you hadn’t, your highly trained significant other definitely has.”
Sean would not like this. He wouldn’t be surprised, but he still wouldn’t like it.
“Do you know the identity of your potential assassin?”
He shook his head. “Not yet.”
“One of the candidates?” All of the candidates were guaranteed a one-on-one date with the Sovereign. Any other member of the delegations would have a lot harder time getting close to Kosandion.
“Most likely.”
Twelve beings, half of them not human. One was a would-be killer. Which one? Or was it Caldenia?
“I trust you to keep me safe.” Kosandion gave me a brilliant smile.
Sure, he trusted me, but not enough to share this assassination plot with me before we signed on the metaphorical dotted line.
Smacking the Sovereign of the Seven Star Dominion was out of the question. No matter how frustrated he made me feel.
“We will do our best, Letero.”
Kosandion studied me. Looking straight into his eyes was difficult. He drew you like a magnet.
“Regrets?” he asked quietly.
“Too late for that.” We were committed now. “You know our reasons for hosting this event.”
“Have you heard from the kidnapper?”
“No.”
Six days had passed since we learned that Wilmos was taken through the portal gate from Baha-char to Karron. We had no idea if he was still alive.
“I have something for you.” Kosandion flicked his fingers at the tabletop, and Gertrude Hunt obliged with a holographic screen. I had instructed the inn to summon conveniences on command for him. The screen flashed and turned toward me. An energy read out, waves of blue and white.
“What is this?”
“Feed from our sensors on Karron. Do you see the peak highlighted in green?”
There it was, a little mountain, a mere blip on the screen. “Yes.”
“A stasis pod entering the cluster gate.” Kosandion leaned back. “They give off a very specific energy signature. Look, same day, forty minutes later.”
Here it was again, a shallow peak in green, a little higher this time.
“That gate from Baha-char doesn’t lead directly to Karron. It intersects a transit point, a central location,” Kosandion said.
I had used cluster gates before. They typically led into a chamber with several doors, only one of which was open. Sometimes it would be a cave with only one passageway available or woods where all but one path, the one that led to the intended destination, were overgrown. When my father explained it to me, he drew a circle with different hallways radiating from it like spokes of a wheel. Each spoke led to a gate on some world. You entered through a gate, crossed the inner circle, and exited out of the door directly opposite. Where you were going depended on where you came from.
The two splashes of energy meant only one thing.
“The kidnapper took a stasis pod with him and left it in the inner chamber as he exited to Baha-char. Then he grabbed Wilmos, came back to the chamber, put him into the pod, and returned to Karron?”
Kosandion nodded.
The second energy peak was higher. A pod with active life support systems left a more intense energy signature.
“Thank you,” I said. I had to show this to Sean. It wasn’t the proof of life we both wanted, but it was something.
“A show of good faith between friends. If I could impose on you for a small favor?”
I braced myself. “It’s not an imposition. Your needs are my top priority.”
Kosandion pushed the data cube with the ratings across the table toward me. “Make sure my aunt sees this.”
Thank you!
https://pic.funnygifsbox.com/uploads/2018/11/funnygifsbox.com-2018-11-11-10-29-31-52.gif
Certified as today’s winner! 😀
Yay! Thank you so much. Too many feelings at the moment LOL *Happy dance*
happy face
So close.
Yay! 🥳
Thank you! 😊
Ooooo! He knows…. 😎
Yahoo!
*wave*
i just missed the top again lol
7th?
Thank you for this chapter.
You’ve made a lovely day even sweeter!
I love Fridays and a new cliffhanger chapter!
Thank you House Andrews
Thank you so much. I look forward to these every week. I am about to dive down the deep hole of 80-hour work weeks in emergency response. I look forward to reading the backlog when I come up for air.
Watch your six.
May the Force be with you.
Bless you for being an emergency responder!!
+1
Thanks for the chapter! Happy Mother’s Day! Enjoy your weekend. 😁
Not first! ;p
You are right 😀
Is visiting the blog page every 5 minutes on Friday an obsession or compulsion?
I prefer to think of it as a harmless addiction 😀
As a fellow checker, I’m going to go with it’s a good decision! 😉😁
I prefer the term persistent.
+1
Coming home to a new part to read – life is good to me.
Thank you!
I laughed when Resven said that Lady Wexyn is a fart at a funeral. Oh boy does he have it in for her.
Not surprising that the Murder Birds, the Murder Trees, and the Donkamins are in the bottom 3. In English football terms, they are about to be relegated. 😀
Can’t take out the Murder Trees AND the Murder Birds! Where is the fun in that? 😉
There would still be plenty of murder left 😀
And we know who the winner will be- the pretend stupid female…
😂 It delights me to see the citizens of the Dominion and the BDH have a lot in common hehe.
Maybe I should compile some ratings too hehe.
Can we vote in a poll on the candidates too, just for the fun of it?
Love this idea!! My favorites from the introductions remain steady. I like the idea of Konsandion adding the Gahea genetics to his offspring, & liked the tribute’s commentary, I also like the Dominion’s 2nd choice, & the feline delegation. I loved each of their comments on their parenting philosophy/plan/style.
Yes!!
Oh, this would be great. I’ll vote!
Yes!
Yes, please, I love the idea of voting on the candidates 🙂
I know I’m not first, but maybe first in getting carpal tunnel refreshing? 😉
Awesome chapter!
Had to Google the Voltron reference, but at least I got the Julius Caeser one!
😀 either way, an education hehe
Didn’t bother googling, but totally got the JC reference. I’m sure it’s nothing to do with my age. 😀
I got them both. I use to watch Voltron when I was little. I had to re-read that part twice to make sure I got it. 🙂
yep, me too.. I bet many did google to see what Prince Lotor from Voltron looked like….
My kid loved Voltron back in the day. He had this voltron composed of panthers or something. It’s hands would shoot off
Lions. They’re lions.
At 47, I would not have expected to care. And yet, somehow, the Voltron opening credits and Voltron construction sequence are now playing in my head. I think my brain may need a reboot.
Never too old, do do do doo doooo.
All the political maneuvering! Such fun. Someone pass the popcorn, please.
24th! ish. Yay new chapter
Breakfast sounds great!
Intrigues within intrigues – thanks for another great Chapter!
I was refreshing every 5 min to get in atleast 1st 50..Did I?
You are in the first 50 🙂
This is awesome…new new informations…may be lady wexyn is the assasinator
+1 same here…. After all she is backed by the lees…. Smile…. If i remember correctly… Smile
I think it iResven. Just because he’s an asshat.
If you hover over the date just under your name, the hyperlink will show your comment number of all comments across all blog posts. We’re in the 575,000s.
My new goal is to be comment #600,000. 😛
I think that only works on a device with a mouse. Fingers only get you open in chrome etc for me. Sounds like a worthy goal…esp if like me you’re never in the top 100 😆
Gahhhhhh. I just finished and that last sentence has me saying “What is even going on here”
I love this. Love. It.
Wow, closest I have ever been to the top! Great chapter! Wilmos is (probably) alive!! The selection process gets even more convoluted! And we get to see come of the depth to his Supremacy! Between him and Caldenia I can’t imagine what their family gatherings we like. So much plotting and intrigue squeezed into every glance and comment! This is so much fun!
Thank you! Excellent on a very rainy day, going into a very rainy weekend. I will probably read it a few more times before the weekend’s over, in fact. Thanks again!
Thank you!
As always, I get sucked into that world and want more when the chapter ends. This is a very interesting book. Thank you.
The original assassination of his father was all part of a plot involving himself and his aunt!! And FINALLY the plan will come to its conclusion!
You heard it here first!
It’s actually a pretty popular theory 😅 , second only to “Caldenia had to do it for the good of the many” and followed by what I call the Ko-koo in the Nest: “Kosandion is actually Caldenia’s son passed as her brother’s heir”
Very soap-opera/telenovela-ish.
HA will have a great reveal of the convoluted plot(s) at some point. Will be curious to learn more of Lady Wexyn’s mother and her history with Caldenia. I would not be surprised if Caldenia did not murder her brother (or ‘killed’ him when he was dying of something else at his request), but took credit to prevent someone else from seizing power, allowing preservation of the dynasty even though she knew she would not be able to hold power long term. I think Caldenia cares enough about dynasty that she would be more likely to protect her nephew from the shadows, than plotting against him – she is likely ensuring Lady Wexyn is going to use her hidden strength and cunning to protect her nephew.
Of course there will be a great reveal, and it will probably make us all go “d’oh” after we read it. Things always seem so obvious…after I’m told hehe :D.
And yet rereads also always feel fresh and show me new stuff I missed! I stopped questioning it long ago, it’s the Ilona Andrews Effect!
Totally with you there Mod R, have experienced the Ilona Andrews Effect during rereads and love it.
Also trying to picture Dushegubs tumbling down like Jenga blocks during their escape attempt.
😂 I love all the BDH wonders & ideas!!
Thank you!
Thank you so much for today’s snippet! I look forward to this wicked sharp ray of sunshine every week.
Ooooh! Now I wonder if Kosandion and Caldenia are working together. Or at least toward the same goal.
Best part of my day!! So many possibilities….
There are scenes where I can easily say Ooh! I can’t wait for the next chapter! Pats my lips with a linen hanky and burps like a lady.
And then there are scenes like these. What’s that term used when one is dripping saliva like a hungry bulldog who wants more?
That’s my mood right now. Straining at the leash and biting the air raving hungry bulldog.🤤
Or a Golden Retriever watching for the tennis ball to be thrown?
Foaming at the mouth?
Chomping at the bit? (Horse reference, though) 🙃
I just checked this 45 minutes ago and nothing. Come back and I’m on the bottom.. 🥺
Awww, still in the first 50! You’ll be at the top at some point! We still have 3 challenges left, at least!
Fabulous 😁. Thank you.
I wonder how often Caldenia and her nephew have been in contact. Kosandion is a very deep person. In many ways this portion is very sad. I wonder how long the life of a typical ruler is. Resven is wound too tight and is rather blind. Lady Wexen has a lot of thoughts in her mind. I am not a pollical game playing person so these machinations for power upset me a lot but they are fun to read in a story, not real life. I wish there was a page with planets and pictures of denizens and their candidates. I get confused. Nice to know that Wilmos is probably still alive. I will enjoy reading the entire book once it is finished. Good thing to enjoy on Fri
After each book, I think, “This is it. They can’t get any better.” And each time they do. Now it’s chapter by chapter. Holy cow.
So Kosandion is to be assassinated??!! And he wants his aunt clued in on the apparent stasis pod? So very very interesting.
What an unutterable stick in the mud Resven is. And thinking Lady Wexyn is a thoughtless bimbo shows very little ability to think outside his assumptions, making him a very poor counselor.
No, no, not the stasis pod! Kosandion wants Caldenia to see the spouse candidate ratings data cube 🙂
oops, and thanks so much!!! This was enjoyable and thought provoking. As usual, it will be hard waiting for the next segment!
Resven seems to sees what Lady Wexyn wants him to see. We would too if Caldenia wasn’t friends with her mother which tells us she’s a whole lot more than she presents, in addition to Sean mentioning the weight of her clothing & smooth glide. Any friend of Caldenia’s must be able to hold her own and her daughter would likely be formidable since she doesn’t appear meek or browbeaten.
In his fictitious defense, at least he doesn’t like her since she seems “biddable”. I give him a little credit for disliking a “thoughtless bimbo”. Plenty of people who want more power or feel superior would exploit a person like that.
Wonderful
Thank you for the next installment! And if His Supremacy is so all-knowing, I can’t help but wonder if he knows anything about Dina’s parents… 🤔
Of all the suggested plots, I believe Caldenia and Kosandion are in communication with each other, is close to the top. Now to think of one that may be deleted, he he.
That poor man (Kosandion). But I have faith in IA that he will survive and find the right mate, someone who complements him and will support him as well as produce his heir.
Many thanks for another thought-provoking episode!
I’m starting to like him. He and Karat might be a good match. She would add the warriors vibe
There’s that female werewolf searching for a mate, too. They want intergalactic bachelor over and female werewolf distracted— a match made in heaven!
“Make sure my aunt sees this.”
Oh, the waters are getting deep.
Awesome!
I guess he’s seen how well Dina and the inn have protected Caldenia from assassins and figured, why not me too?
Does a each candidate get one-on-one date with the Sovereign even if the candidate has already been eliminated in a challenge? Or do the dates come before the challenges? I guess we will find out.
Dina has better self- control than me. I would have blurted out, so, speaking of your aunt, do you know why she killed your dad?
Will Dina have the inn anonymously deliver the data cube or would she tell Caldenia, hey, your nephew wanted you to see this?
I’m excited to find out!!
I have to agree about the addiction factor in these posts. Immediately after my second reading I find myself craving the next installment.
I’m enjoying this story so much! Thank you for this week’s installment! Best wishes for a wonderful weekend at HA!
I’m going to say, there’s at least one more manipulator in Caldenia’s family than just her. The nephew knows exactly what he’s doing. 🙂
Thank you!
from your adoring horde. 😀
OOHH Boy! that will put the cat in the canaries for sure.
Thank you!!! OMG! Love it!
Lol too good!
The closest I have ever come to First, so I am giving myself a stamp on my hand!
Wow! Things are getting interesting.
The plot thickens!
The plots gets even more twisted…. [evil laugh] Cannot wait to find out more.
That final sentence ensures more fun, ya’!! Whee!!
Y’all (darn autocorrect)
OK, something is quite strange going on between Caldenia and Kosandion.
I’m starting to think that this entire “overthrow” narrative was engineered.
Which brings up the next question…why was it needed?
Missed the JC reference – can someone explain Of course i loved this and eagerly await next week and the book!
“Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears;
I come to bury Caesar, not to praise him.
The evil that men do lives after them;
The good is oft interred with their bones;
So let it be with Caesar.”
William Shakespeare. Julius Caesar, Act III, Scene II
Marc Anthony is allowed to give the speech (oration) at Caesar’s funeral only on the condition that he doesn’t go off on his killers. He starts his speech by saying he is here to get that over with, not to sing Caesar’s praises, but continues in an increasingly sarcastic tone against the ones who assassinated him and more laudatory for Caesar himself. He uses rhetoric to turn the people of Rome against the assassins and rouses the violence of the mob.
Marc Anthony also said one of the best lines: Cry havoc and let slip the dogs of war! Oddly, I had reason to look up that phrase today for work. Kinda. And now I’m try to persuade my boss we should call this manual “Havoc!”
Yes, the play I had to read in 10th grade English.
I can’t wait to see what Caldenia makes of the ratings file!
Not forgetting it’s better in the original Klingon!
Quite the twist! The descriptions of Orro’s creations always make my mouth water, ha ha.
I’ve been thinking about that pancake oyster since yesterday 😂
The best icecream I ever had was this sorbet ball in an oyster shaped brandy basket so I’m picturing it like that.
That sounds amazing! 🤤
It reminded me of a Sri Lankan egg hopper – which is indeed one of the best breakfasts there is
So excited to explore this dish!
Could an Orro / HA cookbook be considered as a swag thing for any Tiered fundraising event for a future project? Would not have to be as big as a regular cookbook and I’d love to add that to my library. I may be prejudiced on this because I once compiled one for my workplace – but it was a crowd pleaser!
Tha k you, this is such a wonderful chapter.
Thank you! It just keeps getting better and better 🙂 Always a nice treat on a Friday!
The picture of the ocean is very nice. I’d love to see an ocean with the giant fish. Does that world sail upon its oceans? Would be rather dangerous unless they stayed close to shore.
We see Kolinda several times throughout the books 🙂.
This is the same ocean Lord Robart had to survive in for an hour in Sweep in Peace as punishment for breaking the Earth Treaty. He brought us back the Morean water drake head Orro turned into sashimi.
Dina also used it to illustrate her powers in Clean Sweep in front of Sean and Arland, when she took everyone there and disappeared the exits.
We’ve never seen people on Kolinda so far, however, so my guess would be “no” but I asked House Andrews 🙂
Kolinda was also used in Book 3. It survived the nuke sent there by Dina when the assassin birds launched one when the void field was down.
I am listening to Graphic Audio version of Book 3. One Fell Sweep. Chapter 9.
Thank you! “She’s a fart at a funeral” Love this line!
I hope everyone has a great weekend and Happy Mother’s Day!
After Caldenia’s “don’t get in the way of my plans” speech, I wonder if Lady Wexyn is the potential assassin?
Is Kosandion exactly the same race as Caldenia? Does this mean that Caldenia also has had partners with males, females, and other types of beings? I still find this having sex thing with any being, male, female, fish or trees very confusing. Unless there is some way to breed using the DNA but still remain true to the race? For me it is the most confusing thing in this story.
Also, Kosandion is an interesting character – I want very much to like him and find out that he is a good guy – but we aren’t seeing too much of his personality except that he is amused by all that goes on around him and doesn’t reveal much about himself. It would be great if, in the end, he really does have a preference, and it isn’t all just politics. This is the most intriguing story. . . and I’m looking so forward to finding out more.
I think partners doesn’t necessarily mean puzzling out if your parts fit. It could be a bit more emotional/ cerebral – someone who was with him for some time and was influential…
Let’s take it in order:
“Is Kosandion exactly the same race?”
No. They are both a intergalactic melange of genetic characteristics from different alien species. Race purity is not something the Dominion is concerned with.
“It’s an old established practice.” Caldenia waved her hand. “With the genetic science available to those with enough resources, gender and species don’t matter. As long as there is enough compatibility, you could marry a whale, Officer Marais. They would splice the DNA together into an offspring. […]
Caldenia bared her sharp teeth. “I carry the genetic roots of seven species in my body thanks to some long-term planning by my ancestors. They have served me very well.”” from Chapter 6 part 2 https://www.ilona-andrews.com/2022/chapter-6-part-2-2/ Caldenia is a white presenting lady of average height, with sharp predator teeth.
Kosandion is 6’5, with blue black skin and black hair. His mother is an Uma “Seeing an Uma outside their world was extremely rare. The Uma had been discovered a thousand years ago by Earth’s time by one of the slimier Galactic nations. The newcomers arrived bearing gifts and sweet promises, and it took almost twenty years before the Uma realized they were not being helped, they were being colonized. The invaders severely underestimated the Uma spirit. In less than a century, they were purged from the planet, and the Uma shut their doors to most of Galactic visitors. The lucky few who had been invited told a story of a beautiful world populated by fierce people.” From Chapter 11 Part 2 https://www.ilona-andrews.com/2022/chapter-11-part-2/
” I still find this having sex thing with any being, male, female, fish or trees very confusing. Unless there is some way to breed using the DNA but still remain true to the race? For me it is the most confusing thing in this story”
People enter partnerships, relationships and sexual experiences for all sorts of reasons other than procreation 🙂
I also love the description Dina shared with Sean about Caldenia’s species, when Resven said some disparaging things about Vampires, in front of Miralitt, who is observably part vampire. “Blood is thicker than water, and to them, [their species] is blood, and everything else is water. As long as you’re at least 12% [their species] that’s all that matters to them. Half blood isn’t an insult even in their vocabulary.”
Thank you for keeping this a safe space. “Same sex couples, infertile couples, older couples, couples who chose birth control, too many permutations to mention here- their relationships are in no way diminished by the fact they do not have children together” means a lot to me. It’s appreciated, Mod R.
Thank you so much for yet another intriguing and wonderful chapter!
This Domain genetic technology in being able to join DNA, regardless of species and gender is amazing, I really like that fact!
Does that mean they’ve outgrown our age-old reproduction limitation as well? That is, can Kosandion, Chaldenia or any monarch there, have children even when they are old?
Sorry if there are errors and inconsistencies in my comment, I use Google translator
This. Insight into Kosandian before the end would be terrific — I’m betting he’s the one who kidnapped Wilmos.
Intriguing!
Loved it!
Loved the reference to Prince Lotor and Voltron! Having an 80s flashback!🙂
+1
Questions: Whats Gorvar up to? And how is the replacement of the aging religious leader of the Dominion chosen?
We’ve just seen Gorvar in Chapter 11 (which took place the night before, in story-time). He did not seem to like the Dushegubs much hehe https://www.ilona-andrews.com/2022/chapter-11-part-1/
The Holy Ecclesiarch choses their own successors, all we know is that it entails the transference of a holy gift on a psychic level :“However, their religious leader is at the end of his life cycle, and he must find a suitable candidate to whom he can transfer his holy gift before he expires. Random murder interferes with that on a psychic level, and by law, he is required to be present for the entirety of the spouse selection.” from https://www.ilona-andrews.com/2022/chapter-6-part-2-2/
And now you’ve made me wonder if Lady Wexyn is angling to be the next Ecclesiarch, not the spouse.
Poor Resven 😂
It’s good for him! Everyone needs that little spark of inspiration to see beyond their limits every once in a while.
Love so much thank you!!!!! Makes my week
Thank you, Ilona Andrews for the snippet. Definitely food for thought.
The suspense is driving me nuts. Normally I finish a book in two or three days so this extended time line is keeping me on tenterhooks.
Absolutely love it though.
Thank you Andrews.
I completely agree… The wait is driving me crazayyy😂
This story just gets better and better!
We are starting to see Kosandian is as devious as Caldenia. Intellectually I knew he had to be to remain in power but I love how IA is revealing insights into the characters and unfolding bits of plot.
I agree Resvin is letting his disdain for Lady Wexyn blind him to her true capabilities and that Caldenia may have had sound dynastic reasons for killing her brother and thus be secretly on Kosandian’s side. Perhaps Kosandian’s reason for ensuring she sees the data cube is so she can tap into the group emotion of their people to help him shape the outcome towards a particular candidate whom they know is the best strategic choice for the future of the dynasty.
All very fascinating. Thankyou for another excellent chapter House Andrews.
Oh this is all soooo good!!! Love it – thank you!!!
I was lucky enough to make First commenter once – what does it say about me that I consider it quite the achievement? 🤩
I think the sovereign wants his aunt’s opinion indirectly 😌… I don’t think caldenia killed his brother for fun, she will have valid reason and i think sovereign knows that.. i am eager to know about these supposed games they are going to play😁😁 can’t wait for next update!!!!
Whew! The plot thickens!!
Thank you Thank you…………so good
Wonderful! Thanks. Happy Mother’s Day Ilona.
A BDH vote would be so fun. Top 3 Bottom 3
Yay new chapter!! 📚📚📚
So much fun with these installments!
Thank you!! 🎉🎉
Hope you all have a good weekend!!
🌞🌞🌞
Of course someone was to kill him 😆
Thanks for the new chapter. It was interesting to see how the people back home rated the candidates. Marrying a fish would be fun! Some of the people have a sense of humor. Happy Mother’s Day to all.
Wow this just gets better and better!
Thank you. With each additional part, I get more excited to read the whole story.
So exciting!
My money is on Resven being the killer. He’s the perfect stealth assassin. Although he would be more logical as a snap killer. Picture it: Kosandion is about to announce Lady Wexyn will be his wife. Resven snaps and kills Kosandion before he can announce it.
I am really looking forward to handing you lovely folks my money for this book.
Thank you so much for another great story.
Can we look forward to the Sovereign getting a chance to show off his martial prowess?
Can we hope for a delegation or two run-amok?
Just how lethal are the candidates?
Time will tell…
HA won’t. (Darn!)
Now I’m wondering if Kosandion had Wilmos kidnapped in order to get the inn where his aunt lives to host the contest…
Oooh, I like this one. But that would mean that he’s in league with the corrupt ad hals which wouldn’t be good
Maybe Kosandion ‘hired’ the keeper of the corrupted ad-hal to do the kidnapping, specifying the target and where he was to be taken alive.
The pancake with egg is more fiddly than I supposed. Thursday I made potato pancakes (!latkes) using the owl “ring” but didn’t scoop aside enough pancake for the yolk to settle in to the opening and for the second eye, I broke the yolk. But I did learn that extra egg whites in potato pancake batter will lighten it even if you don’t beat the whites and fold them in. Also crispier edges.
Thank you!
I see Kosandion as more of a person in this chapter. I think he might be just the tiniest bit lonely. “…yet none of them remain by my side.” Dina isn’t sure if he is sad, resigned, or none of the above. It’s possible I am seeing what I want to. I like him. He is brilliant, insightful — far more than many people give him credit for, I think.
Also, he is oh so pretty!
And I think Lady Wexyn is the assassin. I really don’t like her. 😀 I don’t think Caldenia likes her either. Caldenia wants her nephew to survive. Definitely. That talk of dynasties.
Gods, I so love this book. I love Innkeeper best (hard to have a favorite, but this series is it) and I am in love with this story. The Dushegubs! So. Much. Funny!
That’s all I got for now.
Personally I find that whichever series I’m reading at the moment is my favorite. I’m quite serious. I adore Kate and Curran and all the protagonists that got their own novellas. (Not as fond of Jim as I used to be since he became Beast Lord, however). And Nevada and family are just as much fun to read and have some serious chops. That so-called “debate” they posted in the extras for a rating vote between the two teams was absolutely one of the funniest things I’ve ever read.
Dina, Sean, Matilda, Orro and that dang demon dog rank right up there neck and neck so you see, it’s impossible to choose a favorite. (Yes, there are more names to add but I can’t post EVERYBODY.) (Well, I could, but there are limits to comments.)
(I think.)
This storyline just keeps getting more exciting! Thank you so much, it’s really the highlight of my week!
I can’t stop reading. You two are brilliant. I wish I was there in your books, in every one of your books. My favorite author of all time. Forever. No one can do what you do. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being you and giving us goodness.
As for this chapter, I’m positive Auntie is going to defend her nephew, he knew it and THAT is why they are there. I hope they find out where her parents are in the end of this book. I’ve always had attention stuck on that.
I had a busy day so now as I’m done I get to enjoy your writing. Thank you. Deeper and deeper we go
I really love your writing!! I can literally see the whole scene playing out in front of me!
Will patiently wait to read the whole book…..
So much fun, thank you!
Looking forward to finding out what Caldenia and Kosandion are really up to (if we ever do).
I love your character building during conversations like this…
I agree with Casey that Kosandion could have been behind the abduction of Wilmos because he wanted his spousal selection to be held in an inn. And he needed leverage to get one to agree. Also it might be that Caldenia has been staying a Gertrude Hunt evaluating Dina’s ability to protect Kosandion and at the same time, grooming her for the task.
Thank you again. Another great chapter.
Hope you all and yours are well.
Oh, the intrigue!
Also, even Klingons are familiar with the Bard. Why wouldn’t Kosandion be?
Omg, is Caldenia going to end up on good terms with the dominion?? Looking forward to Sean’s reaction that the guest knew a security risk and didn’t tell him!
I can’t wait to see how this plays out!
Excellent chapter. Let’s not forget the symbolism that House Andrews introduces, of the predator whale-fish, swimming below the seemingly calm Kolinda ocean, only to leap out with lethal and terrifying precision….:-) Can’t wait for the next installment, thank you!
Oooohhh, *~*Drama*~*
Let’s hope they don’t give naming rights to the populace. Boaty McBoatface would get the vote from all the people who want him to marry a fish.
Oooooooh
Love it when we get some juicy story development!
I hope everything is going well for you both and that your cat is doing good 🙂
Thank you for the new chapter
Good idea to come to Gertrude Hunt.
How could her Grace allow some rabble-rouser to upstage her?
Nobody would take her seriously anymore as a premier intergalactic tyrant if she allowed some amateur to slay her nephew, only she herself is allowed to stylishly assassinate her family members(!)
Love love this story. Innkeeper now almost tied with hidden legacy as favorite series.
I have this sneaking suspicion that Caldenia did not murder her brother only to become ruler of the Dominion.
I feel like I’m holding my breath waiting for shoes and bodies to drop! Tension!
Thank you for the newest chapter! A lovely start to Saturday (Caturday: smile:) and a happy surprise to the start of the day. So. The plot thickens! Dun dun DUN! Methinks a long game plan has been in effect since Caldina moved to Gertrude Hunt but, I could be wrong. At the moment, I’m getting the feeling that Caldinia and Kosandion are actually closer than appearances give and are working together. I’m intrigued.
Ah ha! She did do it for him.
It’s too bad she can’t take Kosandion on a shopping trip to Baha-char.
Ooooooo, I’m all a-twitter and a-flutter 🥰
Thanks, the chapter is fab 👍👍👍
What an absolute joy to read! <3 I'm so very excited to see how it continues.
Love it!
Happy Mothers’ Day to Ilona, Mod R, and all the moms in the BDH!
It’s probably extremely unlikely, but it would be interesting—if not much more than that one feeling—if Caldenia and Konsandion actually are amicable together.
I can’t help but enjoy a jaded ruler resigned to being assassinated
I lost track of the orginal post, but I would like to +47th (or whatever # it is 😁) the request to have the BDH vote on the spousal selection! Pretty please and thank you Mod R! 🤗
Lovely! Thank you!
Oooh so much intrigue! I love that Resven underestimated Lady W.
Doesn’t she realize that the Lees are cute little disarming assassins and that being underestimated is their biggest weapon?
Silly man, to believe the carefully crafted facade.
She’s probably the assassin.
Edit “doesn’t he”
House Andrews has me biting my nails until next week! Fabulous installment!!
Very revealing chapter! All the maneuvering makes my head spin. And the. Input from the Dominion planets…aren’t there shows where the viewers have input? Crazy! No I don’t watch them. I’d rather read.
Love the Voltron reference. I had a childhood crush on that character…
Wonderful!!! (Genuflects to the Author Lord’s)
I am so enjoying this!
Hello Mod R, i just finished listening to Blood Heir and was looking for the snippet when Kate and Teddy are sitting on the roof and he mentions Julie.
Could you tell me the name of the (just remembered Sandra) will search now.
Thanks, and so love that book it was like mini Kate and Curran.
Derek stealing Julies ham and making himself a sandwich, breaking into her home when she’s hurt to make sure she is ok, helping her wether she wants the help or not.
So WONDERFUL.
Made the 6 hour drive to Wagga (to see Mum and Dad) and then the 6 hours back to home totally enjoyable
Thanks
Hi Kyle,
Not sure if this is still needed, but here is a link to Sandra 🙂 https://ilona-andrews.com/2021/sandra/
Very happy that you liked Blood Heir!
Kate has become such a good mother. I hope this story ends up as an addendum to a future Blood Heir book so I can keep it.
Very late to the reading party but I am seriously enjoying this.
Same! 🙂 … Late but happy to catch up on a chapter or two.
Is that a reference to Marc Anthony and Julius Caesar?
I loved the bit
“Orata was curvy, young, and fashionable, with a purple tint to her skin and silver-blue hair, and every time I looked at her, I thought of Prince Lotor from the Voltron anime.”
Another delicious course to devour in this _novel_
*still squeeing that it is now going to be a novel-length story*
How did the corrupted Ad-Hal get authorization to use the cluster gate?
If it was a common gate someone else would have come through and seen the stasis pod in the common area during that 40 minute period. But there’s no evidence that happened that we know of.
So that may mean it was a restricted cluster gate. And that means someone had to give the kidnapper authorization to use it.
Or the kidnapper already had authorization to use it. Which is more disturbing, really.
Great chapter!
Did anyone else notice that when Kosandion requested a “hard copy” he received a data cube and not a printout?
Is this a new use of the meaning of the term “hard copy” by House Andrews? Or am I just behind the times and hard copy no longer means a print out of the data, but can also refer to a copy of the data on a portable media device?
A hard copy is one that exists in physical form. In this case, on a cube with holographic copies.
For fiction that refers to alien civilisation and technology that surpasses our own, it’s useful to have some flexibility 🙂
Prince Lotor + Princess Allura were my catnip. If he and she had gotten together, would that count as a moral lasso relationship?
Heeey!! I was wondering if BURN FOR ME was ever published in hardcover format?
It was, but in a minuscule issue- for “library editions”.
There was such a small number of them, even Ilona and Gordon don’t have one. It’s not commercially available atm (as far as I am aware).
Defenders of the Universe!
I so enjoy the free reads and all of the responses and suppositions. I never aspire to be the first to respond. I’m just glad I’m invited to the party. That being said. I did not catch any of the Voltron or Julius Cesear references. Can someone point them out for me.
Hi Laila,
“ Orata was curvy, young, and fashionable, with a purple tint to her skin and silver-blue hair, and every time I looked at her, I thought of Prince Lotor from the Voltron anime.”
Is a reference to https://voltron.fandom.com/wiki/Lotor_(Legendary_Defender)
And “As your world shows, one can come to the funeral of a friend, proclaim their purpose not to praise the deceased but to bury him, and then incite a revenge riot.” is the reference to Act III, Scene II from Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar:
“Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears;
I come to bury Caesar, not to praise him.
The evil that men do lives after them;
The good is oft interred with their bones;
So let it be with Caesar.”
Hope this helps 🙂
Politics make the world go around. Well, looks like they make the universe go around. LOL Enjoying the intrigue and diverse characters!
Oooohh!! looking forward to the next installment! Thank you!
I’m hoping that Caledonia and her nephew were allies and he’s secretly grateful she killed his dad. But I’m sentimental and probably they aren’t. I’m enjoying this, thanks!
I’m glad the Gertrude Hunt is doing well after all of its previous adventures.
When I remembered the cat “Olasard” I thought of something really crazy, like, all the mystery around him, his coincidental appearance at the exact place Dina went, his easy locomotion inside “Gertrude Hunt” that left even Dina confused, who also mentions several times his “sorcerer’s eyes”, and especially his enigmatic collar with the initials of the name “Justice North”, reminded me a lot of the cat “Orion” in the movie “Men in Black”.
Where the dying Archillian alien, owner of the cat, says that “to avoid war, the galaxy is in Orion’s belt”, in this case, the lost galaxy was inside the cat’s collar.
I may be going crazy, but then “Olasard” wouldn’t your sorcerer’s eyes know the whereabouts of a lost inn? With two beloved parents, equally lost? In maybe, who knows, inside a lost galaxy?😂😂😂😂😂
I feel like Her Grace manipulated this whole thing. But it would have be to protect her nephew rather than kill him, and none of this will make sense until we know why she killed her brother.
Aaah so delightful. I love Kosandion! I want him to be happy 🥰
I will say I didn’t understand the “friend’s funeral” reference, but each chapter gets better and better!
It’s a reference to the play Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare 🙂
Dina’s a Voltron fan??!!! Omg yes!
I cannot stress enough that I live for this series <3
People correct me if I’m wrong, I see and hear about Lord Soren, but I’ve never seen his wife (Alamide) does that mean he’s a widower?