Page 14 of Warrior's Reign
“See that you do, Reign Obe’shan. Otherwise I will be forced to take steps—I would rather not.”
6
Reign steppedinto her assigned quarters and looked around, ordering the lights to one hundred percent.
There were three rooms; a living area with a door to a bedroom and ensuite bathroom. The rooms weren’t large, but they were ruthlessly clean, and already sparsely furnished. A screen on the far wall in lieu of a window, set to a generic outdoor scene. She’d download her carefully purchased digital views while she settled in. At Ibu’s she’d given her landlord notice and arranged for movers to pack and store or deliver her items. She didn’t have much, and the important stuff wasn’t at her home address anyway. Martha and Icolo would be expecting her to comm them soon.
Her new quarters were bland, emotionless, awaiting her stamp. But for once she felt like she had the time to really think about what stamp she wanted to make. Save for upgrading as she moved up in the ranks, the barracks in Ibukay’s wing of the palace were now home.
A light flashed on her wrist unit, and she routed audio to the suite’s speakers.
:Do you like it?: Ibukay’s voice came from overhead. :They’re junior quarters, but I was able to pull the budget for an upgraded console.:
“You didn’t have to, though I appreciate it. Everything is very nice.”
:Evvek hacked into the inventory for your storage unit. You didn’t have much.:
Reign ignored that. Ibukay, for a Yadeshi, had very little appreciation for personal privacy. Or maybe it was because they were friends, despite drifting apart over the last years.
:My assistant is hailing me. I’ll comm you back.:
Reign nodded absently, examined the couch and side table, then wandered into the bedroom to look at the bed, covered in a real fabric duvet, though she saw a panel with options for air blankets as well.
Her door chimed, and she wondered if it was the first delivery of her stuff. She only had the overnight bag she’d packed, not having expected to permanently relocate. The fees for same day packing and delivery had hurt, but she’d refused Ibu’s offer of a moving stipend. She hadn’t even been through orientation yet, and Reign was cognizant that she was already at a disadvantage. Not just for being human, but for being Ibu’s friend. She’d have to prove herself, which meant no special perks.
“Enter,” she said, returning to the living area.
The door slid open, revealing Vykhan. He waited, and Reign shook her head, about to say something smart but checked herself. She’d stopped fuming by the time they arrived at the palace, deciding to take Vykhan’s parting shot in stride. He was doing his job. This was her CO now. Time to brush off her academy manners. Numar prized civility, and she’d learned all the nuances even if she rarely used them.
“Sir. Please come in.” There. That was polite.
Vykhan stepped exactly two strides inside and the door slid closed.
Damn, he was pretty. Perfect bone structure, the prowling grace of a warrior completely in command of his body. There was something about a quiet, well controlled male that just made her want to push him onto the floor and watch his control unravel. Reign grimaced at herself—internally of course. It was a control she recognized from years of training with a warrior just like him. Which meant she would stay the fuck away from thoughts like that. She wouldnotbe banging her head against the stone wall of another male’s Silence ever again.
“Silence be unto you. I pray your quarters are satisfactory,” he said.
“They are. The palace is generous.”
“Haeemah be praised.”
Her heart was still with the male who’d refused it. Her few liaisons over the years had either been for pure physical relief, or a transaction. And seducing Vykhan? Even if he wasn’t her CO, she knew a man like that would be more than pure physical release. Silent males didn’tdocasual sex. But they also didn’t give their hearts to any female but Haeemah.
Vykhan didn’t seem inclined to actually talk, just stare at her, so after a moment she said curtly, “Sir?”
He still wore the grays; tunic, half robe, and loose trousers, but his feet were now bare and his hair unbound and around his neck was a string of polished pearl beads. He must have just come from meditations, or was on his way.
“The rest of this cycle is yours,” he said finally, “but I will expect you at 0400 for morning meditation and training.”
“I see you keep academy hours.”
Basics hours, to be exact. If you didn’t wash out in the first six months, month seven they let you sleep in till 0500. Why was he staring? His blue-black eyes seemed contemplative rather than critical, his stance relaxed. But he watched her like she was a puzzle.
“Numar will expect to see you soon,” he said.
“I plan on paying my respects, of course. I’ve only been in the city a day.”
He nodded.
