Page 64 of Warrior's Reign
“Whatbenefit?” That was the clincher. There was only one reason she could think of for him to want to marry her. And that reason came with a reckoning. “If I understood it, I wouldn’t be so. . .resistant to approaching him for the money.”
:The Rhyksais do not marry outsiders. You’re Yna Ipaluk, a follower of Haeemah. Your line is respectable and you will work in the palace serving the same master Vykhan serves. He has watched his parents marriage and wants the same for his own. You’re ideal. It’s true you’re human, and bring little wealth or connections but it could be he overlooks that because you’re young. You have potential to be of real use to him.: Icolo paused. :Though there must be a factor I’m not seeing, because even with all of that. . .:
“There may be,” she said quietly. “But I don’t want to talk about it.”
Silence.
“His mother said she thought it was a good match.”
:Did she? Interesting. Your position is stronger than I thought. Fine—you aren’t telling us everything, but I have enough to work with.:
“What?”
:Vykhan expectss you to negotiate,: Martha added.
:He won’t, not if he knows her.: Icolo sounded cynical. :Allow me to act as yourarwehn.:
“What?”
:Your representative. The person who negotiates the betrothal contract on your behalf.:
She didn’t appreciate the pending headache and was aware Martha must have paused Loka’s feed for them to have this stupid side discussion. “My mother didn’t have a betrothal negotiation.”
:The Obe’shans don’t rank among the planet’s elite families. Their line is honored, but not noble. They are not politicians.:
“Who said anything about politics?”
:You want to build a House. Establish a base, you said. You will need funding, human child. Your Vykhan wants you. Make him pay for you. Are you not worth it?:
“This is ridiculous. We’re not negotiating for a bride price.”
:We’ll revisit this discussion. Preferably once you have either come to your senses, or are unsober.:
Reign grimaced. “You can’t just make up words. Can we go back to the real business now?”
:Vohn hasn’t left hiss suite yet,: Martha said placidly.
Loka's feed resumed, the one-sided conversation ending as a physical voice entered.
“You summoned me?” It was male, baritone with a slight rasp.
“Yes, I have a task for you.”
“The human bitch?”
Reign’s eyes narrowed. It hadn’t sounded like an insult, though.
“You were watching.” Loka sounded unconcerned.
“That’s what I do. Do you want me to hunt her?”
“No.” Another pause. “Our palace benefactor has noticed her. I want you to find out what plans are in motion regarding the human.”
There was no further conversation between the two.
“Martha,” Reign said.
:I am tracking them both.:
