Page 50 of Warrior's Reign
Vykhan didn’t betray himself, he still had more control than that. “She is mine to command, and unused to the games people like you play. Leave her out of this.”
Lohail laughed, a rich, sensual noise. It grated on Vykhan’s ears. “I don’t think so. She presents so many delicious opportunities, least of which is the chance to annoy you. I’m not certain exactly what she is to you yet—but Iknowyou, Vykhan’ashara. Sheissomething to you.”
The thread of emotion in Lohail’s voice warned Vykhan. This one had never been kind to those who provoked his jealousy. And he was right. Of all people, even Ibukay, even his parents, Lohail would understand quickly that Reign. . .
Vykhan buried the thought, and the emotion behind it. He wasn’t ready—though courtship was as much for him as it was for Reign. He must learn to balance his path towards Silence with the emotions she stirred, emotions that descended far closer to his dark side than he was comfortable acknowledging. He was past believing he could give her up—he could not. So he would take the counsel of his parents and Numar and walk this more complex path instead.
He recalled the sharp tingle that ran up his arms when he’d deliberately touched her. Her eyes had flickered, but she’d thought nothing of it after a moment. Just an accidental, innocent touch.
Lohail, inevitably, would seek to use Reign against him. “You did not have my full attention before,” Vykhan said. “You do now.”
He’d revealed too much, but it was a calculated risk. If Lohail realized he courted Vykhan’s anger, he would tread cautiously. Besides, word would get out soon enough that Reign had accepted a formal courtship.
“Interesting,” his old friend said. “Whatisit about this woman? I think I’ll enjoy finding out.”
* * *
There was one person she could go to who would confirm or deny Reign’s suspicion but keep her mouth shut.
Ibukay looked up as Reign was admitted to her office. She glanced at a sub screen. “Did the roster change?”
“No, I’m on personal time. I need to ask you something sensitive.”
Ibukay’s eyes sparked with interest. “Let’s go in my sitting room.”
They left the staff in the office and crossed the conjoining door into Ibukay’s personal suite, the door sliding closed and privacy shields activating so no one would disturb them.
Ibukay threw herself onto a couch with a sigh, running a hand through her cropped hair. It was a few inches above her shoulders in highlighted waves. “I needed a break, anyway. My jaw is starting to ache. So what’s wrong?”
Reign wandered around the room, unable to sit. “Just promise you won’t laugh at me. And either way, you have to keep this to yourself.” She paused and turned towards Ibukay, squinting. “Hey, you don’t have a staff fraternization policy do you? No, you can’t. You told me that was a perk when you conned me onboard.”
Ibukay lifted a brow and smirked, leaning forward. “This is interesting. Please tell me you’ve had hot sex with one of my aunt’s guards and are now carrying his love child. It would piss her off in so many ways.”
“As if I could get pregnant without months of fertility intervention.”
“They have it down to weeks. You should know—how many hybrid siblings do you have now?”
“Shit, I think my mom had her ninth at last count? I can’t keep up with all her babies.”
Ibukay laughed. “Tell me all the details. Who is it?”
Reign hesitated. “I have your solemn vow of silence?”
“I swear by Haeemah to keep your secrets, may she show me no mercy should I break my vow. But if it comes out by other means, I can’t promise not to reveal I knew it first. Gossip is a commodity around here.”
Resigned because she knew that was the best she was going to get, Reign withdrew the dagger from inside her robe. “Vykhan gave this to me.”
Ibukay’s eyes widened. She stared at the dagger in silence. Right when Reign was about to shout with impatience, she said, “What was the circumstance of the gifting? Be specific, leave nothing out.”
“He asked me if his mom could invite my parents to dinner. Then he offered the dagger and asked me if I accepted it. I asked him if I had to give him my first child to pay back the debt and he said not right now, I’m still young. Then he. . .kissed my forehead.”
“Reign, I know this dagger. It’s been in his family for generations. It was gifted to his great-great something by my great-great something.” She gave Reign an odd look, speaking more slowly. “It’s one of their traditional betrothal gifts.”
“Well, hell.” She opened her mouth, closed it, knowing she probably looked like a slapped fish.
Ibukay just stared at her. And stared. Then, suddenly, laughed. She fell back onto her couch, covering her eyes with her arm. And laughed some more.
Reign stared at her, irritated. “I’m pleased to offer you some amusement.”
