Chapter 26

The fortress loomed behind them, a monolithic reminder of Aeliana's confinement as she stepped into the open air for the first time in what felt like an eternity. The sky above was a deep, swirling purple, the sun barely visible behind thick clouds that cast a muted glow over the alien landscape. The strategic outpost they were traveling to was several hours away, located near the empire's western border where tensions had simmered for weeks. As Aeliana climbed into the hovercraft alongside Tharx, the reality of what was happening settled over her. For the first time since her arrival, she was leaving the fortress.

The trip had not come without its fair share of doubt and suspicion. Tharx's advisors had expressed concern, though none had dared question him openly about his decision. Aeliana could see it in their eyes, however, the way their gazes flickered toward her, a mix of curiosity and unease. Kadrin's disapproving glare had lingered longest of all, as if he suspected this gesture was more than just an opportunity for Aeliana to observe.

As the hovercraft lifted into the air, Aeliana couldn't help but glance at Tharx, who sat across from her, his expression as unreadable as ever. It was hard to say what had driven him to include her on this journey. Was it truly a show of trust? Or merely a test, a way to gauge how far her loyalty extended?

The landscape unfolded beneath them, vast plains of iridescent grasses stretching as far as the eye could see, dotted with spires of rock that jutted up toward the sky like jagged teeth. Despite the alien beauty of it all, Aeliana felt a pang of longing for the familiar sights of Earth. But that life felt distant, a part of herself she could no longer reach. She forced the thought away and turned to Tharx, who had been observing her in silence.

"This is the first time I've left the fortress since..." she began, hesitating. "Since I arrived."

"It is," Tharx replied, his voice steady, though his gaze was distant, as if already focused on the tasks that lay ahead. "And it will be the first time you see what exists beyond the walls. Consider it a... broadening of your perspective."

"A test, you mean," Aeliana said, arching an eyebrow. "To see how I handle myself."

Tharx's lips twitched, a brief suggestion of a smile, though it vanished almost as soon as it appeared. "Perhaps. But there is more at stake than your composure, Aeliana. The commanders at this outpost hold significant sway in the empire, and their support is crucial in quelling the unrest along the border."

She nodded, understanding the unspoken implications. If she made a mistake-if she gave the commanders any reason to question her presence or Tharx's decision to bring her along-it could further complicate an already precarious situation. Tharx's trust, or at least his decision to allow her this freedom, was conditional.

When they arrived at the outpost, Aeliana was struck by the sight of the soldiers moving with disciplined urgency. The outpost itself was an impressive structure, built into the rocky cliffs, with metal walkways crisscrossing the jagged terrain and towers that monitored every approach. She could feel the eyes of the alien soldiers upon her as she followed Tharx, a mixture of curiosity and distrust. Her presence had clearly not been expected.

They were met by Commander Renek, a tall, broad-shouldered figure with dark, weathered skin and a voice as deep as the rumble of thunder. He greeted Tharx with a formal salute, though his gaze lingered on Aeliana with a hint of skepticism. "Your Highness," Renek said, his tone respectful, if somewhat strained. "I had not been informed that... your guest would be accompanying you."

Tharx's voice carried a warning edge. "Aeliana will be observing today's proceedings. Her insights may prove useful."

The commander's expression did not change, though Aeliana could sense his disapproval. "As you wish," Renek said curtly. "We are prepared to proceed with the briefing."

They were led to a strategic meeting room, where several high-ranking officers awaited. The walls were lined with maps and holographic displays showing the volatile border region, detailing recent skirmishes and troop movements. As the meeting began, the officers launched into a heated discussion, debating the best course of action for securing the region.

Commander Renek proposed a sweeping offensive, much like Kadrin had during the council meeting, arguing that a show of force would be necessary to quell any thoughts of rebellion. Aeliana listened intently, her thoughts racing as she absorbed the details. She saw the flaws in Renek's plan almost immediately-it was too aggressive, with a high risk of provoking further uprisings.

She waited for a pause in the conversation before speaking up. "If I may," she began, glancing at Tharx, who gave a nearly imperceptible nod. "An all-out offensive could be dangerous. We risk turning what is currently a manageable conflict into a full-scale war. Perhaps a more cautious approach-strategically positioning the troops to secure key locations while initiating peace talks-could stabilize the situation without further bloodshed."

Several commanders exchanged doubtful looks, but Tharx's gaze remained fixed on her, unblinking. Commander Renek's eyes narrowed. "And what makes you think the rebels would agree to peace?" he asked, his tone sharp. "They have not shown much inclination to surrender."

"It is not about surrender," Aeliana replied calmly. "It's about giving them an alternative. By showing that we are willing to consider a peaceful resolution, we may convince some of their supporters to defect. It is not guaranteed, but it costs little to offer the chance."

Renek seemed to consider her words, though there was still skepticism in his expression. "And if they take advantage of our hesitation?"

"Then we would still be prepared," she answered. "The defensive positions would allow us to respond swiftly if talks break down. It is a safer strategy than risking an all-out attack."

Tharx observed the exchange with a calculating expression, and when he finally spoke, his voice carried a tone of authority that left little room for debate. "We will modify the current strategy," he said, addressing the room. "Our forces will reinforce key positions along the border while initial contacts are made with the rebel leaders. Commander Renek, I expect your support in ensuring the deployment runs smoothly."

Renek inclined his head, though his expression remained stiff. "As you command, Your Highness."

The rest of the briefing proceeded with fewer interruptions, and as the meeting concluded, several officers cast lingering glances at Aeliana. Their expressions were mixed-some curious, others wary-but there was no mistaking the weight of her words in the room. She had not gone unnoticed.

Later, as they walked back to the hovercraft, Aeliana could feel the adrenaline fading, leaving a sense of uncertainty in its wake. She couldn't tell if she had truly succeeded or merely managed to avoid disaster. The soldiers had not voiced open dissent, but their skepticism had been clear. She glanced at Tharx, wondering what he thought of her performance.

"You impressed them," he said finally, as if reading her thoughts. "Though they would not admit it openly."

"Is that why you brought me here?" she asked, the question coming out before she could stop herself. "To see if I could earn their approval?"

Tharx's gaze flickered, though his expression remained calm. "Partly," he replied. "It was also to show you something of the world beyond the fortress. You cannot hope to understand the empire from within those walls alone."

There was a weight to his words, an implication that her role was evolving, whether she had asked for it or not. Aeliana felt a mixture of relief and frustration. For the first time, she had been given an opportunity to prove herself outside of the fortress, but it had also been a calculated risk, a test designed to measure her loyalty as much as her insight.

"I suppose I passed, then," she said dryly, casting a sidelong glance at him.

Tharx's lips curved into the faintest suggestion of a smile, though his tone remained impassive. "You have not failed, at least." He paused, his gaze shifting to the distant horizon. "You spoke with conviction, even though you knew it would be met with doubt. That is a valuable quality."

Aeliana's chest tightened slightly at the acknowledgment. She knew it was as close to praise as she was likely to receive, and yet, there was something almost dismissive in the way he spoke-as though he were deliberately keeping her at arm's length, even now.

"Why do you do that?" she asked, her voice softer, laced with curiosity. "Why do you acknowledge my value but act as if it doesn't matter?"

Tharx's gaze returned to her, his expression inscrutable. "Because there are things I cannot allow to matter, Aeliana," he said, his voice low. "Not in this world."

The moment lingered between them, heavy with unspoken truths. There was a tension in his words, a sense of something restrained, something struggling to break free. But as quickly as it appeared, it was gone, replaced by the cold detachment that had become so familiar.

"Come," he said, turning toward the hovercraft. "We have much to discuss back at the fortress."