Exit Strategy (Tales Of The Citadel #58)(8)

Yna wasn’t the only pale face, but everyone else in the building had a hint of green to their complexions. The moment that her credentials were confirmed, they let her through. She always felt alien when she travelled, but it seemed that Remuyan was more insular than most worlds.

“So, Miett, why are we escaping from the others?”

Miett pulled her in close as they approached a skimmer. “I just wanted to know why my future daughter-in-law was an intergalactic thief of extreme renown.”

Yna brushed her shock aside. “Because baking never really appealed to me.”

Miett grinned and began laughing. “I believe that we are going to get along very well indeed.”





Ahlgos looked to his father. “Where did she just take Yna?”

Agruen shrugged. “Not a clue. She looks like a nice girl.”

His brother Huknos clapped him on the shoulder. “Congratulations. You managed to find love without commuting.”

Nialloa sidled up and laced her arm with Huknos’s. “She looks presentable enough for an alien. Maybe we should see if she is willing to join the procession.”

Huknos cleared his throat. “She is here as my brother’s fiancée, not your accessory.”

Nialloa pouted. “But she is so delightfully coloured. She would fit in and contrast all at the same time.”

Likiada sighed and stepped around the happy couple, coming up to Ahlgos for a hug. “I am so glad that you made it.”

“I would never have missed it.”

He held her for a moment and felt the relief in every plane of her body. “How is Groven?”

She blushed and stepped back. “He is doing well. His family will be in town for the wedding.”

“Good. Glad to hear it.”

“And I suppose I am last to greet our hero.” Srevesh stepped up and grabbed Ahlgos’s hand.

Seeing his youngest brother completed his family greeting. He was about to speak when his father piped up.

“They appear to be getting away. We should probably get going before your mother takes the skimmer home.”

Ahlgos muttered, “Yna still has to clear immigration.”

His father laughed, “Have you met your mother? They wouldn’t dare detain anyone in her company.”

The entire group picked up the pace and cleared security just in time to see the pair stepping into the skimmer.

Srevesh stretched his hand out and snagged the vehicle in a column of air while the rest of them moved at a rapid rate to get into the family transport for the flight back to the city. The wedding events were going to take up the rest of the day, but Ahlgos was encouraged. It seemed that his mother enjoyed Yna, and while the mix of the two was a little peculiar, the worry over his mother rejecting her had passed. Now, his worry was shifting to what they were talking about with their heads pressed together.





“How did you know?” Yna was casual when she spoke.

“My sons are not the only ones in law enforcement. When Ahlgos mentioned your name, I looked into you. It was some interesting reading.”

“I am glad I could be entertaining.”

“Your thefts are untraceable. The moment that folks are parted from their money, it disappears, no matter the currency. No one can trace it, and entire departments have tried.”

“Ah, that would be my talent.”

“Thieving?”

“Escaping.”

Miett chuckled. “That is a conversation worth having another time. I think they are boring holes in our backs with their eyes.”

Yna didn’t even look. “They are just relieved that you waited until they arrived.”

“I didn’t wait. My son Srevesh was holding the skimmer in a column of air.”

“Ah. That explains the stationary turbulence.”

“You should go to Ahlgos now. Nialloa will be watching for it.”

Yna nodded and left Miett piloting the skimmer across the landscape, moving carefully to settle in next to Ahlgos. “Your mother is very curious.”

“She is that.”

“She also does her homework.”

“Yes, she does.”

“Peacekeeper?” She nudged him with her elbow.

“Married to one.”

“Ah. You didn’t mention that.”

“Didn’t I? I guess we still have secrets.” He chuckled and put his arm around her shoulders.

She leaned into him and sighed, “You don’t know the half of it.”

The bride was staring at her, but Yna tried to ignore it. If the woman had something to say, she could say it directly. Miett was setting a bad example already, and Yna was having a really good time.



Nialloa looked at Yna at dinner. “I suppose it is too late to get you a gown for the procession.”

Yna shrugged. “Probably.”

She hissed softly between her teeth, her rich green skin flawless and gleaming, the rank markers glowing against the green.

The elaborate silver twists and turns definitely gave her the airs of nobility, but her exact position had still not been declared.

“I want you in the procession.”

Yna set her cup of tea down. “I do not wish to be in a procession.”

The table fell silent.