Page 48 of Naga General's Mate

“The question is,” Mila continued, “what will you do with this information?”

Talis’s fingers danced over the holoscreen, examining more details. “Oh, I can think of several delicious possibilities. The council takes a dim view of theft, especially from their own kingpins.”

Talis then tapped a manicured nail against the data chip. “These transmissions could be fabricated, though.”

Brivul’s muscles tensed. The familiar weight of failure pressed against his chest. He should have known it wouldn’t be this easy.

“How do I know this isn’t just some desperate ploy?” Talis’s gaze fixed on Mila. “A slave trying to buy her freedom by framing her master?”

The temperature in the room seemed to drop. Brivul’s tail tightened protectively around Mila’s waist.

“I could just send you back to Kurg,” Talis said with a cruel smile. “The reward money would be substantial.”

The warrior in Brivul snapped to attention. His body shifted, rising to his full height as he placed himself between Mila and Talis. The scar on his jaw pulled tightly as his teeth bared.

“Anyone who tries to lay a hand on her answers to me.” His voice dropped to a dangerous growl. The general he used to be, the warrior he still was, blazed in his eyes. “And I promise you won’t enjoy that conversation.”

The obsidian table reflected his towering form. His hands curled into fists at his sides, every scale on his body rigid with tension.

“My, my.” Talis leaned back, though her smile faltered. “Quite protective of your little slave. Aren’t you, General?”

“She’s not a slave.” The words ripped from his throat. “She’s under my protection.”

Mila stood up and stepped forward, her chin lifted in defiance. Pride swelled in Brivul’s chest at her courage. His mate was no cowering slave. She was a warrior in her own right.

“Think about it logically.” Mila’s voice rang clear and strong. “Kurg claims to be the wealthiest kingpin on Jorvla, yet his market control is fractional compared to yours.”

Brivul’s tail remained coiled protectively around her waist, but he let her take the lead. The fierce intelligence in her eyes reminded him why he’d fallen for her.

“His wealth doesn’t match his influence.” Mila gestured to the scrolling data. “The numbers don’t add up unless he has another source of income.”

Talis’s jeweled fingers stilled on the obsidian table. Her sapphire eyes narrowed as she studied the figures with new interest.

“The council’s funds.” Talis tapped a particularly large transfer. “That would explain how he outbid me on the spice trade routes.”

“Exactly.” Mila’s voice gained confidence. “He’s using stolen money to create the illusion of legitimate business success.”

Brivul watched Talis’s expression shift from skepticism to calculation. His warrior instincts told him they’d struck a chord. The rival kingpin’s pride wouldn’t let this slight go unchallenged.

“Your markets are three times the size of his,” Mila pressed. “Yet somehow he claims double your profits? The math doesn’t work.”

A slow smile spread across Talis’s face. “No, it certainly doesn’t.”

The tension in the room shifted. Brivul felt it in his scales. They’d convinced her. His muscles remained coiled, ready to protect Mila if needed, but hope flickered in him.

“Well then.” Talis leaned back, her jewels catching the light. “Perhaps we should discuss how to use this information to our mutual benefit.”

Talis’s fingers traced the edge of the data chip. “I must say, I’m impressed. Not many would dare bring such evidence to me directly at such great risk.”

Brivul kept his protective stance, his tail still wrapped around Mila.

“I’ll take this to the council myself.” Talis tucked the chip into her elaborate robes. “Kurg’s been strutting around like he owns half of Jorvla. Time someone clipped his wings.”

Relief flooded through Brivul’s chest, though he didn’t let his guard down.

“And our freedom?” Mila’s voice carried steel beneath its softness.

“Once Kurg falls—and he will fall—I’ll ensure both your names are cleared.” Talis’s jewels caught the light as she inclined her head. “You’ll be free to go wherever you wish.”

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