Page 130 of Warrior's Reign
“I’ve come to arrest the traitor Reign Lozaro,” Adevega said. “By Imperial writ. You will step aside.”
Lozaro, the surname she’d abandoned after coming to Yedahn. Not Rhyksai, not even Obe’shan. Reign chuckled, aware Vykhan found the attempted slight less amusing.
Lohail lowered his arms. “My dear, it breaks my heart to disappoint you, but of course no Yadeshi Imperial writ may be carried out on board this space station.”
Adevega halted several feet away, every inch the imperious, haughty royal. Her gaze skimmed over Reign with distaste. Maybe theEyahundidn’t like her outfit? Reign lifted a brow and smiled at her. Just to be friendly. Her fingers itched for a weapon.
“You can turn her over willingly.”
Lohail tilted his head. “And why would I do that? I have a duty to my guests.”
“Are you now a traitor as well, Vykhan Rhyksai, FirstAdekhan?” Adevega asked. “You stand at her side, yet you do not carry out your duty.”
Vykhan bowed. “I await orders fromBdakhunIbukay,Eyahun.”
Her brow rose. “Incredible. And an Imperial writ will not serve in lieu of words from her mouth?”
“I fear not,Eyahun. My pardon if I offend.”
“Speaking of offense,” Lohail said. “There was a slight technical discrepancy in several of the boarding passes issued to your party. We apologize for the inconvenience.”
“Inconvenience?”
“We will have to ask your people to remove their weapons. For their safety and enjoyment of my facilities.”
“I thought we were supposed to let her start the fight,” Reign muttered.
“A wager,” Lohail said, voice pitched low. No one had moved, Adevega holding up a hand when her guards made an aborted step forward.
“Stakes?” Reign slowly uncrossed her legs, rising to her feet. She stepped next to Lohail, Vykhan’s warmth instantly at her back.
Adevega’s gaze sharpened. “Reign Lozaro, by Imperial writ. . .”
“If she starts the fight in sixty seconds, I’ll owe you a favor,” Lohail said.
“And if she doesn’t?”
“. . .you are ordered to peaceably submit to. . .”
“Thenyou’llowe me.”
Ten seconds. Twenty.
“It’s not fair if you don’t prompt her,” Reign hissed. “Resume the shit talking.”
Lohail crossed his arms, lips sealed. Reign sneered at theEyahun, and made a rude gesture. “If you want me, come and claim me.”
“You’re both children,” Vykhan said, sweeping them with a withering look.
Lohail whipped his head towards Reign, glare lethal.“Cheating.”
“Very well, Reign Lozaro, on behalf of my brother, the ImperialBdahn, I hereby strip you of all rank and privileges, and declare you outlaw. Failure to comply has earned you execution.”
Vykhan stepped forward, unsheathing his sword.
47
The room litup with fire.
