A/N: Here's the next part of the story. I had a tough time naming it but I think this fits with the overall concept of the chapter. Anyways, Hope you enjoy it... and please review!

Loose Lips?

Vilandra stood in the mirror waving her fingertips across her lips until she finally settled on a subtle cranberry color. She couldn't stop thinking about Rath and what happened between the two of them last night.

After she glanced at herself once again, she exited the room quickly and descended the stairs to join her mother for an early lunch before her first ambassador's meeting. The smile quickly faded as she froze in place, eyes locked on the man standing in the foyer.

"Kivar," she looked a bit uneasy. "What are you doing here?"

"I received a calling card from your brother this morning," his gray eyes peered at her. "You look rattled dear; this isn't about what we discussed, is it?"

"No," she shook her head, then took a cursory glance to make sure no one was coming. "I did what you said and it worked."

"I knew it would," he smiled slyly.

"I need to tell you something before you meet with Zan," she leaned in closer to him. "I know why he's called you here."

"Ambassador Kivar," Jabari seemed to have appeared behind them. "King Zan will see you now."

"Thank you," Kivar said as he stepped back. "Always a pleasure Princess Vilandra." He kissed the back of her hand politely before following Jabari to Zan's office.

Once Jabari led Kivar inside, he gave a slight bow and then left the other two men in the room alone.

"King Zan," Kivar pasted on a fake smile.

"Come in," Zan motioned to the seats in front of his desk. "Please, have a seat." After the ambassador complied, he spoke again. "I wanted to discus Charis with you."

"Of course," the pale man exhaled. "You'd like to discuss the recent activity."

"Activity," Zan's brows furrowed as he repeated the word. "That's an interesting word for rebellious attacks against innocent people, their homes, and farmlands."

"I did not mean to make light of the situation Your Majesty," he replied. "Trust me; I am well aware of the levity of this situation."

"I do not doubt that for one moment," Zan countered back and then cleared his throat. "It is no secret that you and I have had our differences in the past but I'd like to leave that behind; start fresh."

"I'd like that," Kivar looked back at him thoughtfully, wondering if his words were true.

"I've always believed in people getting what they deserve for their contributions and loyalty and I want you to know Kivar that your actions have not gone unnoticed." Zan leaned back in his chair. "This is why I feel someone of your talents would be suited doing something else."

"Excuse me?" his face paled more than normal.

"With so much activity in Charis, it's obvious that a change would be good in this situation," Zan said simply. "And like we just discussed, we'd both like to start fresh: you in a different position and me with Charis."

"You can't do this to me," Kivar stood up. "This is outrageous!"

"The only thing outrageous here is your tone," Zan stood up as well but did not raise his voice, although his demeanor had clearly changed. "Simply put, your services as an ambassador to Charis and Antar are no longer required but don't worry. I will personally make sure you end up where you belong."

You will pay for this Zan. He seethed as he felt energy coursing to his hands.

"Just in time," The King said as four Royal Guards walked into the room. "Please escort our guest form the Palace." He nodded his head. "Good day Kivar."

Zan sat down, pleased as he watched the guards usher the infuriated man from his presence.

Ava and Ema stood at the top of the concrete stairs that led to the holding chambers below. The room smelled of dust and some light musky odor that was not too overpowering but still unpleasant to breathe in.

As they came halfway down the steps, they could see a guard standing at the entrance of the hallway that led to the cells. He was the same guard who'd been there the last time Ava visited and her gut told her that something was off about him.

Ema looked to her sister as she created a mental link so no one would hear them. "Are you ready?"

Ava nodded. "Get ready." She took a deep breath in and closed her eyes lightly as she focused on Nacedo's teachings and allowed her mind to reach the guard's. As soon as her eyes opened, Ema descended the stairs and began talking to the guard about Nadia. With Ema in place, Ava walked past the burly man, cloaked by the mind warp she'd begun.

"Avalena," Zsar sat up on the cot as soon as he saw her approach the cell. "Come to say goodbye my dear."

"Hardly," she replied sternly. "I've come for answers."

"I don't have any to give you my love," Zsar smiled at her. "You probably shouldn't be here; we wouldn't want The King to worry."

"I appreciate your concern but he knows I'm here," she quickly got back to the matter at hand. "Why don't you tell me now what you were trying to before?"

"Where is the guard?" Zsar looked around.

"Why?" she questioned. "Does he have something to do with this?"

"Everyone has something to do with this," he answered vaguely. "Everyone is on one side or the other my Queen."

She rolled her eyes at his possessiveness. "Well whose side is he on then, yours or mine?"

"I could never be your enemy Avalena," he reached out to touch her fingers that gripped the bars.

"Just my husband's then," she jerked her hands from the bars. "But you don't have to be his enemy, if you'd just tell me what I need to know."

"And what good would that do me?" he shrugged smugly. "I'd still be dead."

"We can make some sort of deal," Ava paused. "I can talk to Zan for you."

"He'd never make a deal with me," Zsar had a smirk in his eye. "Not even with all your persuasions."

She ignored his innuendo. "He would if you told him who was responsible for his father's death and if you help us bring them down before anyone else gets hurt."

Zsar stood silent, his face void of any expression that could clue you in to his thoughts although something told her he wanted to say something.

"Zsar this is your last chance," she continued. "Think about it." Ava stepped away from the cell and spun on her heels, disappearing down the hall.

Rath held the communicator in his hand as Courtney's image appeared in the beam of light that streamed from it.

"Hello General," the illuminated girl spoke.

"Hey Courtney," Rath said. "Is everything okay there; I was trying to contact you last night."

"Yeah, it's fine," she smiled. "Nikolas and my brother had some people over and I didn't want to risk answering and having someone overhear."

"Some people," he scratched at his eyebrow with his free hand. "Who?"

"I didn't know all of them but Lord Gavei and Felice were here," she paused briefly. "And Princess Mameha and Torrance."

"Those are some major players in the Skin community," he said thoughtfully. "But why was Mameha there?"

"She's half," Courtney quickly added. "Like you."

"So how many people were there?" Rath asked.

"Eight," she answered, "including my brother and Nikolas." The image squinted at him. "Why were you calling me anyways?"

"I had to go to Harpo this morning," he replied. "I'm not sure how long I'll be here but if anything happens I want you to call King Zan."

"Then I should probably call him now," she shrugged.

"What's going on?" concern spread across his face. "I though you said you were okay?"

"Glad to know you care but it's not me," she smiled. "My brother and his guests were talking about a rally. I didn't hear everything since they kept finding ways to usher me out but they kept mentioning the cause, whatever that is."

"When?" Rath questioned. "Where's it being held?"

"In three days," she continued. "I'm working on finding out where."

It suddenly struck him that Zan may have already fired him. "Have you seen Kivar today?" He watched her shake her head no. "He'll have more to be angry about after he sees The King."

"Why?" she peered at him.

"He's firing him; he'll no longer be The Ambassador of Charis so he may have more time to watch you closer." Rath stared at the hologram. "Be careful."

"You too General," she smiled slightly. "As soon as I find out where it's being held, I'll get in contact with King Zan."

"Thank you Courtney," he nodded. "I'll be in touch." Rath ended the transmission and just as he was about to place the device on the table, he felt a presence behind him. Rath spun around quickly with his arm raised, ready to blast who ever was behind him.

Ema walked into the study and stood still for a moment. She was amazed by the rows and rows of books that surrounded her. She quickly made her way through the center aisle to the area in the back where all of the desks were located.

"Hello Emilia," Maya looked up from the books and papers in front of her as she heard the young woman approach.

"Hello Your Majesty," Ema looked around. "I was looking for my sister."

"She was here but she got called away for a quick meeting," Maya replied. "I'm sure she'll be back shortly if you want to wait."

"Thank you," she smiled as she glanced around the room again. "This is the first time I've been in here; it's amazing."

"Yes it is," Maya nodded. "Can you hand me that paper there?" She motioned to the metallic parchment near the edge of the table.

"Of course," Ema picked it up and handed it to her. "If you don't mind me asking, what is this you're working on?"

"No, I don't mind at all." Maya smiled before continuing. "It's some research on a planet in the galaxy quadrant 450. Your sister was actually helping me with it earlier."

"Quadrant 450," Ema repeated. "That's pretty far."

"It's approximately 410,000,000 miles away," Maya explained. "It was discovered about 30 years ago when we were researching the Baltis Star, or Bernard's in their language. It's located about halfway between our planet and theirs."

"And the people there," her curiosity was piqued. "Are they like us?"

"Similar but far less advanced," Maya answered. "They don't have the physical or mind powers we do but they are a very fascinating race and the closest life we've seen to us outside our own quadrant."

"It looks interesting," Ema replied. "Can I help?"

"Have a seat," Maya gestured.

Ema did so as The Royal Mother began explaining the details of her research.

"Viala," Rath lowered his arm as he noticed who was behind him.

"Oh my…" she shook the anxious look from her face. "I didn't mean to startle you." She looked him in the eye. "Was that Courtney you were just talking to?"

"Yeah; why?" He sat the communicator down on the table.

"I wouldn't normally ask but," she took a breath before blurting the question out. "Is there something going on between you two?"

"Why would you ask me that?" the expression on his face turned solid. "Did Loni ask you to ask me that?"

"No," she answered. "But I am worried about Vilandra."

"And me?" he questioned, then shook his head. "No, there's not." He finally answered the question. "Does that make you feel better?"

His question did not sound sincere but she answered anyways. "No it doesn't because it's not just her relationship with you I'm worried about." It's her relationship with Kivar.

"What does that mean?" he peered at her.

"Did she tell you that she's not speaking to me?" Viala asked instead of answering the question.

"She said you had a fight," The General crossed his arms over his chest. "Look, I don't want to get in the middle of whatever is going on between you two; Loni's my…"

"Fiancé," she continued for him. "I understand that and I'm not asking for you to be a buffer between us."

"Then what are you trying ask because it's obvious you're not saying something," Rath pressed. "So what is it?"

"I asking you to protect her," Viala replied. "And I need to make sure that nothing and no one will distract you from doing that."

"I will always protect Loni," he peered at her. "You can count on that but I still think you're not saying something."

"I'm sorry," she shook her head. "I'm just worried about Kivar; he and Loni have always been friends and I think he'll try and take advantage of that."

"Are you sure that's it?" Rath asked.

Viala looked like she was going to say something when there was a knock on the door.

"Come in," Rath called.

"General Rath, Lady Viala," the manservant walked in. "Sic Baltin and King Hanar's Advisor Tovar have arrived."

"Thank you," Viala nodded. "We will be there in a moment."

"We better get this over with so we can get back to Antar," Rath replied. And Vilandra.

Larek knocked on the door lightly before cracking it slightly, revealing Zan sitting behind his desk on a conference call. The sitting king motioned to the other to come in as he finished up his call.

"Yes, thank you," he nodded. "I'll be in touch." Zan stood up as his call ended. "King Larek, I see you got Ava's message." He walked around his desk.

"Good to see you chap," Larek shook his hand warmly. "I've been meaning to get out here but I've been extremely busy lately."

"Duties of a king," he smiled. "I do know the feeling."

"I don't know how our fathers' did it," Larek shook his head. "They both made it look so easy."

"Yes they did," Zan took a deep breath in and exhaled.

"You have something on your mind?" he looked at his friend.

Zan ran a hand through his hair. "I'm just distracted by a proposal I'm considering but enough about business; I'm sure Ava's getting quite impatient with us."

"Yes I am," the petite queen walked in, followed by her sister. "King Larek."

"Lovely to see you again Queen Ava," Larek kissed her hand politely and then walked to meet the brunette. "Good day Miss Emilia." He smiled before kissing her hand.

"Good day King Larek," she blushed slightly. "It's a pleasure to see you again."

"The pleasure is all mine milady," Larek gazed at her a moment before releasing her hand.

Ava nudged her husband and then smiled up at him. "I told Madeline we'd be dining on the veranda."

"Sounds good," he smiled down at his wife. "Shall we?" He took her by the hand and led her out the door, followed by an arm and arm Larek and Ema.

Vilandra scanned the pub, hoping no one would recognize who she was. But why would they? Who would expect The Princess of Antar to be here? Yet she was there. She'd come back, cloaked once again to meet with Kivar, only this time he was waiting for her. When she saw him sitting in the same secluded booth they'd met in before, she quickly slipped into the seat across from him.

"Thank you for meeting me," he whispered huskily. "You were trying to tell me this morning, weren't you?"

"So he went through with it," it wasn't really a question. "I'm sorry Kivar. I want you to know I was against this."

"I know," Kivar looked up at her. "But he sided with her again, didn't he?"

"What do you mean again?" Vilandra questioned.

"I can't imagine it was your idea to hold off on the executions," Kivar replied.

She nodded. "You're right."

"How many times has he disregarded your opinion since he's been king?" He stared into her dark eyes. "If he's already begun to take you for granted, what happens later?" He shook his head. "I can't even blame your brother; it's that council that leading him down the wrong path."

"Council?" her eyes grew wide.

"They're the same ones who advised your father in all his major decisions these last few months and it got him killed," Kivar leaned closer to her. "The same will happen to Zan, only it will happen sooner because he' not ready to rule."

"No," Vilandra shook her head.

"You must get him to step down before it's too late for him my love," Kivar continued. "He is not ready to be a king but you are ready to be a queen; I told you that once before." He reached over to stroke her face. "Something has to be done and soon or all of Antar will suffer."

"Like what?" she breathed out deeply.

"There is a rally in three days in a building on the eastern side of Charis," Kivar explained. "Just listen to what they have to say."

"They?" she pulled back from him. "You mean rebels? They tried to kill me." She was still whispering but her tone was harsh.

"No one will try to hurt you there," Kivar looked her in the eye. "I promise you that." He cleared his throat. "I think you owe it to the people of Antar to listen; that's all."

"And you don't think they will see this as a betrayal?" Vilandra rolled her eyes.

"You mean the way Zan and Ava have betrayed you but not including you in their decisions or Rath with Courtney," he countered.

"He swore to me that there's nothing going on between them and I believe him," she replied convincingly even though she still had her doubts. "I know him."

"And I know my sister," he retorted.

"Really?" she smirked. "Do you know she's been watching your movements for Rath then?"

His face did not change. "I suspected as much."

"And you're not the least bit upset about that?" Vilandra scoffed.

"Of course but like I said, I know my sister." Kivar smiled o himself. "She thinks she's saving me or something from getting in over my head. I understand that she's doing what she thinks is best the same way Zan will understand your motives." He shrugged. "You can always tell him afterwards if you don't like what they have to say. Think about my love."

"I have to go," Vilandra stood up quickly and left just as swiftly as she came.

Ava awoke in a sweat rather suddenly from the deep sleep she'd been in. She gave a slight smile as she looked down at the protective arm of her husband cradling her close. She slowly moved his arm and placed it on the bed as she rolled to the edge and placed her feet on the plush carpet beneath.

She walked to the bathroom and filled up the basin with cool water. Even though she'd been sleeping soundly for hours now, her body suddenly felt drained of energy.

"Ava," she heard Zan's voice calling her name from the adjourning room.

"I'm in here," she called back.

"Is everything alright?" the sleepy voice called to her again.

"Yes Zan," she replied. "I'll be there in a minute."

"Good," he said with a slight laugh before he settled back into the mattress.

Ava placed her hands in the water and cupped them, bringing the red liquid to her face to cool her rapidly warming body temperature. After a moment, she suddenly felt a sharp pain in her abdomen, causing her to inhale sharply as she placed a hand over the pained area. When it was over, she stared at her own reflection in the mirror before softly saying to herself, "Oh my."