Page 92 of Warrior's Reign
“You are no good dead,” Martha said.
Icolo gave Reign a long look. “Waiting is often the best, and most difficult, course of action. You have no patience. It’s been three days. That’s barely enough time.”
“And if Ibukay’s silence is because she’s been hurt? I need to—”
“No.”
“I scrambled your comm tracker, they cannot locate you that way as long as you stay here.” Martha gave her a faint glare, her crisp intonation a clear sign of growing aggravation. “If you leave, I can’t guarantee what I did will continue to function. If the chip reactivated, the next time they ping, they’ll find you.”
Reign nodded grimly. She’d wait for a little longer. Even though she was piss poor at waiting.
“You can’t contact your family, Reign,” Icolo said.
She hadn’t even thought about that. They watched Beysikan province newsfeeds. They would know sometime today that Reign was a fugitive for attempting to kill two Imperial family members. “I’m not that stupid. They’ll keep.”
They’d know she could take care of herself, and Benyon at least would know that no word was good news and that she’d gone dark and couldn’t contact him. He’d talk to Ma and the siblings. And if she knew her stepfather, he’d take the entire family and retreat to their lockdown house in the mountains as well.
Two more days. She’d wait two more days.
* * *
Vykhan stood before the ImperialBdahn,his mother at his side. It had taken a moment to calm himself before entering the presence of his Lords. The last thing he wanted to be doing was standing in here, arguing Reign’s case. No, he wanted to beout therefinding his beloved. Ramping up the investigations in Adevega so he could finally pin her to the wall.
And watch her bleed.
Birds fluttered overhead, trapped by the glass walls of the Consort’s lush bower. She held a basket over one arm as theBdahncarefully cut a long-stemmed flower.
“Youngest Daughter assures me her lifesworn saved her life and is no traitor,” theBdahnsaid. His steel gray hair coiled at his neck, laughter lines creasing the corners of his eyes as he glanced at Vykhan.
“No Rhyksai would choose a traitor to join their bloodline,” the Consort murmured. “Your sister. . .this is not the first suspicion laid at her feet.” They exchanged a private look. She was the template on which her youngest child was made, as colorfully dressed as her bonded mate was plain.
TheBdahnsighed. “Ibukay presents a compelling case. And, of course, your own service and the many generations your family has served weigh heavy in your favor.”
“This wouldn’t be the first time a Jorokai waded in bloodied waters,” the Consort said. “I believe it of our family before I believe it of a Rhyksai. The human female needs to come forward, however.” She gave Aanyah a steely look. “I know you protect your son, but he must tell his betrothed to return to the palace. I will allow you to investigate, but she will be placed under arrest in her quarters until we get to the bottom of matters.”
“My son has some concern that if my daughter returns to the palace, she will be killed by the political intrigues,” Aanyah said.
“It is a risk,” theBdahnsaid, eyes implacable. “If she is your daughter, then she serves.”
Vykhan stiffened. “She serves.”
“Then hunt her down and bring her to us. We will deal justly with her.” TheBdahnrelented. “It is a difficult thing, I know, but this is a part of her duty. We must have her before us if we are to get to the bottom of the matter. We forgive her instinct to flee. . .but not if she continues to evade our hand.”
Vykhan bowed, and began to back away.
“I notice you have not agreed, First,” the Consort said, a whip under her velvet voice. “You must swear you will bring your betrothed before us, even if it means her death. We cannot allow one of our lifesworn guards to stand accused of such a crime and flee our presence rather than face justice. It is a dishonor to our rule, and to those who serve in our ranks. We areallsubject to such laws, even if it were our own Daughter.”
Aanyah stiffened, but the Consort held up a hand, her eyes trained on Vykhan’s face.
He would not be allowed to leave their presence unless he swore.
“Swear, or leave our service,” the Consort said. “Because we love you dearly, we would not demand your life.” TheBdahncut another flower, arranging it with care in his bonded’s basket.
He could not help Reign if he was cast from the palace. “I swear,” he said, and meant it.
“To avoid any appearance of favor, we will allow First Yilsa to accompany you,” theBdahnsaid. He glanced at Aanyah, who nodded. He added, voice gentle, “We trust in your daughter’s honor, and your son’s, but this is the way it must be done.”
Aanyah bowed. “The Rhyksais serve.ReignRhyksai as well.”
