Deathstalker 04 - Deathstalker Honor

feel needed. Owen Deathstalker and Hazel d’Ark… are a problem. Together they are greater than the sum of their parts, so it is in our best interests to separate them. Turn them against each other, setting his idealism against her practicality, and they might well destroy each other.” “Whatever happens, we have to prevent the forthcoming marriage between Owen and Constance Wolfe,” said Brendan. “Owen as Emperor, even just a constitutional Emperor, is unthinkable.”
    “Not necessarily,” said BB, stretching lazily. “If we can’t destroy him, we can always manipulate him.
    More important, we have to remove Finlay Campbell from the board. It’s vital that Robert be installed unopposed as the Campbell.” “I’ve set things in motion,” said Brendan. “All we have to do is wait. But I don’t see that Robert’s going to be any improvement as the Campbell. The word is he has no love for aristocrats in general, and Blue Block in particular.” “But he was Blue Block for a time, and once you are ours, you are ours forever. When the time comes, he’ll do the right thing. He won’t be able to help himself.”
    The viewscreen on the wall chimed politely, and Brendan went to answer it. Julian Skye’s gaunt face appeared on the screen, and BB quickly lay down again, to ensure Julian couldn’t see her. He looked tired, and his eyes were suspiciously puffy as he glared out of the screen at Brendan. “I want to speak to BB. Now.”
    “I’m sorry, Julian. She doesn’t want to talk to you. Not until you’ve proved your love and your loyalty to her.”
    “I can deliver Finlay Campbell. If that’s what she wants.” “That’s… good news, Julian. I’m sure BB will be very glad to hear that. How soon…” “Very soon. But I’ll only deliver him to BB. In person.” “I’m sure that can be arranged. Contact me again when you’re ready to make delivery, and I’ll give you a time and place. BB will be there, waiting for you.”
    “Tell her… tell her I love her.”
    “Of course I will. You’re doing the right thing, Julian. Take care with Finlay, he’s…” But Julian had already broken contact. Brendan stared at the blank screen, and then turned to BB as she got up off the bed and came over to join him. “Well,” said Brendan, “that was unexpected. I hadn’t foreseen complete and utter capitulation for days yet.”
    “He loves me,” said BB. “My dear, sweet, vulnerable Julian. He always said he’d do anything for me.”
    “Even betray his friends?”
    “Of course. What are friends for?”
    “But can we trust him to keep his word? You betrayed him to the torturers. You stand for everything he hates.”
    “None of that matters. He belongs to me. It should have been his more malleable older brother, Auric.
    He would have been far more useful to us. But he insisted on fighting that stupid duel in the Arena and was lost to us. Julian was second choice, but to be fair, he’s come much further on his own than I ever
    thought he would. Another official hero of the rebellion could be very useful to us…” “Do you really think he’d kill his closest friend? His savior? Even for you?” “Probably not. More likely he’ll bring me Finlay alive but helpless, and make all kinds of conditions before his conscience will allow him to hand Finlay over. It doesn’t matter. One way or another, we’ll get what we want.” “Poor Julian,” said Brendan, smiling. “Already out of his depth and sinking fast. Almost makes you feel sorry for him, doesn’t it?” BB
    looked at him coolly. “Are you asking if I have any feelings for him? Of course I do. I’m only human, after all.”
    “Really?” said Brendan. “I thought you were Blue Block.”
    Evangeline sat stiffly on the edge of the bed in Finlay’s quarters, still wrapped in her bedsheet. Finlay was sitting in a chair opposite her, scowling darkly. They’d been trying to talk, but not getting anywhere.
    Talking had never been what Finlay did best. The backup viewscreen chimed suddenly, and Finlay had to think hard for a moment to remember where it was. He’d never had to use it before. He finally found the small screen in the headboard of the bed and accepted the call. Julian Skye’s face appeared on the small screen, and Finlay gave a small sound of relief.
    “Julian! I was worried. How are you? Are you all right? Listen…” “We need to talk, Finlay.”
    “Of course we do! Look, I can’t leave Evie just now. Why