Page 88 of Warrior's Reign
“An Imperial tea party, sir.”
Movement fled. “Who?”
“EyahunAdevega invited me to join she andBdakhunIbukay for. . .lunch. I presume I am not on the menu. Sir.”
“I would not so hastily presume.” The words were soft, and cold enough to frighten icebergs.
Banujani tilted her head back, staring at the ceiling. “I still think we should have gone to the ImperialBdahnwith what we’ve got. We’re giving her too much rein to make mischief.”
“We cannot press an accusation until we have irrefutable proof. Patience.”
It was an extension of an argument they kept circling back to. Reign had turned over all the intel from the shifter, and Vykhan hadn’t quite sat on it, but he’d given it to Tai’ri and ordered her to stand down. She had, reluctantly, because he let her keep Martha and Icolo a secret. But waiting for Tai’ri to follow the rungs was hard. Normally she was the one hunting.
He caught her gaze. “Be vigilant, Reign. Find out theEyahun’snext move, and report back.”
* * *
Reign bowed low, waited until Adevega and Ibukay had taken their seats, then seated herself. Of all the things in her life to be nervous about, at least protocol wasn’t one.
“Niece,” Adevega said. “AdejahnaObe’shan.”
“Eyahun. Please accept my gratitude at your invitation. Your garden is flawless.”
Adevega gave her a thin smile, accepting the sincerity of the compliment. Poetry lived in the soul of the garden’s caretaker, who allowed the plants to grow wild, but gently herded them into a harmonious unity.
“I’m pleased my efforts spark joy,” Adevega said. “I’ve tended it myself since I was young. Each of the plants is a native to this province.”
Of course.
They reclined on cushions, the low table set with tea and trays of simple afternoon foods. Sliced fruit arranged in pleasing patterns, breads studded with dried herbs and fruit, tiny pots of various honeys, sweet and savory.
“You seem cognizant of our ways,” Adevega said. “My niece is to be congratulated for training you so well.”
Reign smiled serenely. “TheBdakhunhas been most helpful.”
“Ah. And I believe you knew each other prior to your placement on her guard?”
Reign’s smile didn’t waver. She’d earned her position. And would continue to earn it when she brought theEyahunto heel. “Yes. We attended university together for a few quarters.”
“You were studying international trade, I believe?” Adevega asked Ibukay, turning to give her niece an indulgent look. “Such a genteel course of study, suitable for an Imperial daughter. A pity you abandoned it.”
“It has stood me in good stead in my current work, Aunt.”
“Yes, yes, it would. Tell me, Reign—please, I would be honored to address you by your name. After all, we just went through a near death experience together. Distressing.”
Reign murmured assent, promising herself all kinds of gruesome delights. Would Vykhan stop her, or help her sharpen her knives?
“Reign, did you also study trade?”
“No,Eyahun. I studied Military History, and Defense and Strategic Studies. I graduated with honors.”
“Of course, how could you not have? No one who was not eminently qualified would have been allowed to join my nieces’ guard.” She smiled gently. “Afterwards, you went into private security, I’m told?”
“I did.” Where was this going?
“So interesting. A human guarding Yadeshi. And you survived, at least. Shall we have tea?”
Reign froze, and Ibukay began to converse with her aunt, giving Reign the cover of conversation. Blood pulsed in her veins, her temper spiking.She’dsurvived. Not her previous client. The implication had been subtle, but clear.
