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He didn’t want to tell her—he’d never spoken of it, although Zander had tried, on occasion, to acknowledge the sacrifice he’d made Yet Seke felt co and beautiful female like her never should feel rejected or betrayed

“As Master at Ar, the royal bloodline When the Finn attacked, it was a coordinated hit from all sides of the planet I was able to extract Zander, but there was no tiet theuilt and sorrow rising up nearly sed him

As if she illing to take on the pain he’d held at bay for so long, her beautiful green eyes sith tears It ripped open the wound he’d thought long closed Pressure built behind his eyes and nose

She touched his forearm “I’m sorry you had to make that choice” Her lips trembled so sweetly

He was glad she hadn’t said he’dchoice Hadn’t told hi Or that the survival of his species and, hopefully, one day, recovery of their planet were s he’d been telling himself for the past twenty solar cycles

He pushed her back up against the wall and leaned down to rest his forehead against hers His fingertips brushed down her cheek “If things were different, Leora…”

She turned away fro he could say or do sheltered her from the rejection She heard it, understood him And protected her heart

Veck!

He didn’t want her closed off froonize now over how he’d betrayed her, in addition to his fa Zander shouldn’t have put him in this position

But no He should have played it differently Should have remained impersonal with his mastery of her Won her respect with pain and consistency alone Except he knew that was an impossibility

He eased back and let her go When she glanced over her shoulder, waiting for him to lead, he wanted to drop to his knees and weep How could he have won her allegiance, bonded with her, and yet not keep her?

“Would you like to see Laed with unchecked grief

The startled joy on her face worsened the ache in his chest “Yes, please” Her soft voice held no stiffness or rancor

He dropped an aruided her in the direction of Zander’s chamber The prince normally worked from his chamber, but he’d been away fro away from Lamira, no doubt

Zander may not approve of this visit, but Leora deserved it, and Lamira probably needed a friend to talk to, as well