'Act as if I were considering an engagement with Princess Rachel Montares,' Khan wrote on his phone. 'It's a ruse. Never give clear answers or confirm anything. Make the pretense last as long as possible.'
Khan reviewed the message on the screen several times before sending it to his Uncle. He could have explained the matter in more detail, but Prince Thomas was smart enough to understand what Khan wanted. Besides, Khan knew he had been aware of the marriage proposal.
It had taken a while, but Princess Montares had eventually let go of Khan, leaving the meeting room on her own to rejoin her escort and return to the teleport. She had completed her official mission, but other duties awaited her, so she couldn't prolong her stay in Nott Station.
Meanwhile, Khan had remained in the meeting room, with only his thoughts, mental exhaustion, and booze as company. He kept looking at his phone, considering whether to send a message to Monica, too, but eventually decided against it.
