The Demon's Eye. Dryden Universe

Krystina Merkos is reluctant to leave her home planet, but agrees it's best that her father doesn't have to worry about her safety while he fights to hold his government together. The journey on an Imperial warship becomes far more pleasant when she discovers that Ben Paulsen, an old flame from her school days, is a senior officer on board. But it's not all smooth sailing. The captain wants to seduce her, Ben's keeping his distance, and pirates plan to sell her to the murderous sect waging war against her father.
When the frigate is attacked by a pirate fleet intent on capturing Krys, she faces an impossible choice. If she surrenders, she'll die a painful death. If she doesn't, everyone else will. Unless she and Ben can find a way out-for them all. This short story is a space opera, full of action and adventure, with a romance thrown in."Fast paced space opera romance. While short, the world building is handled with a light but effective hand, introducing a world full of large scale conflict that mirrors some of our own current world conflict.
The romance of two former classmates aboard an Imperial star ship brings together two admirable people in the midst of difficult times. So many of my personal favorite Space Opera Romance requirements were satisfied I have to give it a 5 star.""Only 51 pages, there is still a full story in The Demon's Eye. It is complete with heroine, hero, romance, villain, aliens, space ships, intrigue and adventure.
The Demon's Eye is just the thing to read if you like Sci Fi Romance and are looking for a short story."