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Xan reached out and put his finger on the scanner He felt a slass Commander Cain analyzed at the readout screen and immediately dropped to one knee

“Your Highness, the Imperial Guard is at your disposal, and ill inform the home planet at once of your return There is much to prepare, and ill have to increase security I would ask that you please reed We would not want you at risk noe have found you after so many” The commander’s voice trailed off as he appeared to choke up

“Cain, I alad to know you take my security and that ofht her how to fight, and played pranks on her would becoed”

Cain was stunned “You rehness?”

“How could I forget? It was because of you that I had to always keep an eye on my sister whenever she was at my back lest she served one of her sneak attacks on our ears” Xan and Yaris beamed

“My pardons, Your Highness”

“Don’t worry about it, Cain I appreciate you protecting my sister all these years later”

“Of course I would have it no other way” Coht for a second, so passed between them before the commander directed his attention to Sloan

“Consort Sloan, I want you to know that your ship has been given indefinite docking privileges and your crew can be provided with another night of acco you before ht it was best not to have them remain on the ship if it isn’t essential I kno difficult long journeys can be”

“Yes, thank you I’ll have to coive theht off We still have to deliver the rods, but another solar won’t matter I—”

“You’re still going to deliver the rods?” Xan said

“I mean, yes, I have to I can’t leave my buyer in the lurch Why?”

“I thought you would be co with me” Uncertainty filled Xan’s mind Did she not feel what he felt about them?

“Xan, I am not an i I’ll deliver the fuel rods; you’ll be reunited with your family I’ up”

“It’s not about what they want, it’s about what I want And I want—no, I need you there” Xan held on to her hand and gripped it tightly He felt that he needed her to go with hi back to his planet, to his fa there without her would not do Sloan hesitated and staring into his eyes Xan hoped she could tell how much he needed her there