Page 13 of Warrior's Reign
Reign strapped some steel to her spine. She wouldn’t allow him to make her feel like a sullen school kid skipping out on her lessons. Like Khalid, in other words. “What youexpectis my failure. I won’t give that to you.”
He regarded her for a long moment, a glint of satisfaction appearing in his eyes. “Good.”
Reign brushed past him, deciding not to ram his shoulder ‘accidentally’ at the last second. Fingers bruised her upper arm and she halted, but didn’t turn.
“I don’t desire your failure, Reign. I desire the complete opposite.”
She registered the soft exhalations of her breath, felt the heat of his body a handspan away and wondered why it feltfamiliar.Wondered why when he spoke of desire, her body stirred. Why his voice almost sounded like a caress.
Ibukay returned with room service and they ate, discussing the Aantif platform, palace politics, the job. Reign tried to ignore Vykhan, who watched her the entire time, not bothering to disguise his attention. She instead focused on Ibukay, realizing Vykhan observed theBdakhunas well.
“So what’s wrong?” Reign finally asked.
Ibu was generally a cheerful person, highly focused, with relentless energy. Reign wasn’t surprised her friend needed a full staff to keep up with her. But whenever this slight edge crept into her body language, it was a sign someone had pissed her off.
Ibukay grimaced slightly. “I spoke with my father’s sister, but I didn’t want to bring it up now. You’ve just barely arrived. Palace politics and her bigotry can wait.”
Reign made a show of checking her legs and ass. “I think I have my big girl pants on, Ibu.” Ibu gave her a sour smile.
Vykhan flicked Reign a look. She sneered at him, face turned so Ibukay didn’t see. She had to get it out of her system today—once she was on the official roster, she’d make herself act like a professional.
“EyahunAdevega?” he asked.
Only the daughters of the Imperial Ruler could claim the titleBdakhun.All other close female relatives wereEyahun, lady. The courtesy title, if she recalled, carried little political weight other than what the individual wrested for themselves over time by the usual gathering of wealth and allies.
“What other honored aunt would feel the need to comment on my choice of a human to add to my guard?”
“You knew there would be this difficulty when you made the decision.”
“I knew. I was hoping I’d have a few weeks before she started showing her ass.”
Reign blinked. “You’ve picked up some language over the years. That boyfriend of yours used to wince whenever you cussed.”
“Tai’ri?” Ibu rolled her eyes, but smiled. “He’s a sweetheart. And he wasn’t my boyfriend, you know that now.”
“So this aunt of yours is going to give you a hard time?”
Ibu waved a hand. “I’ll handle it. I doubt she’ll stoop to harassing you outright. The Yedahn first vlogs might pick it up, though.”
“Her guard,” Vykhan said quietly. “Be wary of them, however. Her First’s honor is flexible and if they think it will please theEyahunto. . .test your mettle, they will do so.”
“I understand,” Reign said, and sighed. “It’s about what I expected. Is there anything stronger to drink around here?”
Ibukay grinned. “Yes, but let’s save that for tonight.” She stood. “You’re making history.”
“Great. That’s. . .wonderful.”
“We’ll get you settled in at the palace first, then flee—” she stopped, eyed Vykhan.
“Simply inform us, little sister, and we will serve.”
Ibukay left the suite first. Vykhan lifted a finger, gesturing, and Reign held back. He met her gaze. “I understand you and theBdakhunare friends. But you are now her guard, charged with her protection. Your oath will be to lay down your life before hers suffers.”
Reign stiffened. “I know. I am honored to take such an oath.”
He nodded, and unexpectedly, didn’t challenge that. “Recall when you are together that you are her protection first, her friend second.”
“I can do my job.”
