Page 94 of Warrior's Reign
Movement in the corner of her eye caught her attention. She turned her head and suddenly her arms caught on fire, her mind seized in a steel trap that lasted mere seconds. Reign shuddered, forcing herself to relax. But no one was looking at her. She slumped a little, taking calm breaths to slow her heart rate.
Whatwasthat? A new tech able to penetrate the mind? It felt like someone looking for her, demanding her attention.
But after several moments and it didn't happen again, she set it aside to discuss with Icolo and Martha later. A group of laughing teenagers descended from the sky in compact single transports just tall and wide enough to encase an individual and leave room for manual controls.
She yanked her attention away from the kids and back to the palace grounds, typing a command on her tablet as she watched the front entrance through her goggles. The massive, wide white doors remained half open, guarded by a battalion of dress warriors. Nothing, not even a drone, breached the no-fly zone around the palace complex perimeter.
Her tablet beeped. Martha hadn’t killedallthe bugs in Reign’s suite. There was one more, concealed even from her team, part of her contingency plan in case Martha and Icolo themselves were ever compromised. This one drone was accessible to her only.
She’d suffer Martha’s annoyance, though Icolo would approve.
“This is an interesting choice,” a voice said.
Reign stiffened as a male whose features subtly spoke to a blend of Yadeshi and Aeddannar sat opposite her. He wore a purple suit dark enough to be nearly black, his hair in gentle waves over his shoulders.
Loka Vohn smiled gently. “You distressed my shifter somewhat. I was forced to offer him time off and a bonus. If you wanted my attention, dear, you only had to ask.”
Voice flat, “What do you want?”
“Let me first truly introduce myself—I feel a convergence of time upon us and the season for subterfuge is perhaps over. You may call me Lohail. It has the honor of being my actual name.”
She grimaced, listening to him caress his own words.
“Your liegeman sent a thank you note after our first meeting, by the way. Such exquisite manners.” His eyes twinkled. “He seems to have some ambition, I hope you aren’t fool enough to think it’s only on your behalf. Be wary when dealing so closely with my kinsmen, Reign.”
Reign stared at him, expression stony. Many high caste Aeddannar didn’t actually require an exchange of dialogue. They preferred their chosen companion simply sit and admire. Trying to usher him to the point would only bruise her forehead as she banged it against the brick wall of his self-love.
Lohail sighed. “I suppose we haven’t the time for pleasantries. Very well, your impatience oozes from your pores. I’ve come to make you another offer.”
“Does Vykhan know you’re here?”
His gaze widened in delight. “He does not. He wouldn’t be pleased if he knew. His jealousy isn’t as amusing as it once was, unfortunately.”
“Were you lovers?”
“Our relationship was complicated.”
Smooth. Slick. Not a strand of truth anywhere on his head. Except. . . “When did you know Vykhan?”
“Let’s discussyoursituation, my dear. I’m moved to offer you assistance. It aligns with my interest to do so, and it would definitely benefit you.”
Reign settled back in her seat as she regarded him. “Interesting that you think you know what my goals are.”
He spread his hands. “Your first goal is to clear your name and be reinstated to your rank and position.” His smile was the rising dawn after a stormy night. Reign restrained a snort. “Imperialist that you are. And there is the matter of the bounty on your head—the official one. The unofficial bounty does not require said head. Vykhan’ashara must bewrithing.”
Her order arrived, and Reign popped something crunchy and well-seasoned in her mouth, chewing noisily. “Do better, Lohail. The goals you stated would be obvious to a child.”
“Obvious, perhaps, but enough of a challenge to attain at this time that we needn’t delve deeper into the mystery of your ambitions.”
Haeemah’sMercy, this male could talk. What would he do if she leaned across the table and shoved a fried vegetable in his mouth for a few seconds of peace?
“As much as I enjoy you chatting at me,” she said, “my time is limited. Sad you enjoy wasting it.”
He sighed, lifting his eyes to the sky. “Don’t be a peasant, Reign. I am offering to escort you off planet to a location not even Adevega can access you.”
“There’s only one place off planet immune from imperial authority.” Anthhori. That cesspit.
“Indeed.”
