Page 63 of Warrior's Reign
“That would be three too many. Ibukay holds the leash around your neck, and Vykhan the leash to your—”
She stepped out of the room, cutting him off. But heard his laughter anyway.
22
Reign descendedto the first level bar and ordered a nutrient water, then slipped inside a privacy booth, activating the auditory shields.
“Did you get all that?” she murmured, taking a sip.
:Yesss: Martha said. :Icolo iss pleased with your acting. You appeared genuinely intoxicated. The kiss wass convincing, though you were a tad heavy on the wide-eyed reluctant desire.:
Reign snorted. “It distracted him enough to get the bug planted, but if Loka fell for that kiss, he’s not smart enough to pull off a palace infiltration.”
:Ah. We have come to a ssimilar conclusion.:
“You picked up on that? He was too interested in Vykhan.”
Reign winced. She hadn’t told her team about her and Vykhan yet. There was a temptation to save that conversation for later, but withholding that kind of information would put them at a disadvantage.
“We’re courting, by the way. Did I forget to mention it?”
Silence.
:Icolo sayss he iss coming online shortly.:
“Fine, but let’s not get distracted. Is the bug active?” It was one of Jordak’s more clever designs, an auditory device designed to mimic a strand of Reign's hair. Easy to hide in her curls, easy to flick off with other strands of loose hair.
:It's active.: Icolo said, sounding unamused. :I'm connecting you to the feed. We will discuss your lack of communication later.:
“. . .takes time,” Loka said coolly. “Palace guards, especially in the inner circle, are nearly impossible to compromise. They go through extensive screening and programming. They’re trained to kill, and die without question for their masters.”
A beat of silence.
“Your prejudice against aliens notwithstanding, the woman would not have been allowed into Ibukay’s inner circle unless she was qualified, and loyal. She'll have to be seduced deftly, especially if Vykhan has already begun to entangle her. He will not easily relinquish her to a rival lover.”
Interesting. Also a little insulting that he thought she could just be yanked around by the pussy.
Another pause, then Loka’s impatient sigh. “Only her ignorance of the nuances of Beysikan palace politics and customs will allow her to be used—and at that, only for a short time. You must be wary of Vykhan. Have your liegeman test how closely he watches the woman.”
“We need to increase our tech budget,” Reign muttered. “We need the other side of that conversation. This is getting ridiculous. I can’t be expected to work in these circumstances.”
The quality of the equipment at their disposable was limited by her financial resources. The problem was, most of their tech came from the dark market and was the result of barter, begging, and she suspected in some cases where Icolo was involved, stealing.
:Your courtmate’s family is wealthy,: Icolo said. :It’s his duty, and in his interests, to fund you now. Has he reviewed your business plan yet?:
“What?”
:Reign.:
“Listen—”
:Nevermind. I forget to whom I speak. I’ll take care of it.:
“No, no you won’t.” She would have been gaping if she’d been alone. “You want me to slap my First, who is just barely a courtmate, with a bill for my private enterprise? I knew you had balls, man, but I didn’t know they were the size of Mars.”
:He’ll already understand you’ll have the increased expense that goes along with delving into politics. And if you don’t think the Rhyksai Heir understands courting you means financing you, then you are even more of a babe than I thought. It’s. . .sweet, though.:
:I agree with Icolo,: Martha said. :Though perhapss we may be more discreet about our request. But he is correct, Reign. Vykhan Rhyksai is not offering for you because of your pretty face. There iss benefit to hiss line in the union—:
