Page 99 of Stealing the Star Stone
“So, where is Orien?”she asked, desperate for a change of subject.
Frederik’s expression hardened.“I haven’t seen him since you left.Amenkar refuses to talk about it, but I suspect he’s…dead.”
In that second, her mind blanked.
Eli dragged his gaze from her.“I can believe it if he killed their previous chief like they claim.”
“He was alive when Amenkar’s guards took him away.”She sucked a droplet of juice off her finger.
“I should feel guilty about shooting him, but I have blood on my hands because of him.”Frederik scowled.“I doubt Artivar’s governor will be happy with not knowing Lord Orien’s fate.”
“I’m tempted to lie.”She huffed, popped the last pink-like peach into her mouth, and wiped her hand on her pants.“After what he did to me…us, he can rot in hell.”
“Nova-honey,” Eli said, his expression sad.
“He would’ve bribed his way out of any punishment.You know that,” she snapped.
Eli bowed his head.“I do.Still…”
She wasn’t going to feel guilty about not mourning the ass.“I didn’t get him killed.Accidents happen.And after what that poor man suffered, losing half his body?”
“She’s right.Barry’s wife just gave birth to twins.They’ll never know their father.”Frederik slapped his thighs and stood.“On other news, they delayed the premiere until you’d been located.”
Eli laughed.“That must’ve angered the organizers.”
“Your agent put up a million credits for a reward.I have one of Orien’s shuttles on standby—you should slip through without issue.”Frederik paused outside, waiting for them to join him.
The chances of a bath and a pot of tea were fast escaping her.
“What about you?Are you coming with us?”she asked, running catch-up when both men had long legs.
“Thanks to you suggesting I eat a little quet, I am now the official Lethari ambassador.”Frederik beamed.“My place is here until I can ensure Lethara is a no-go zone.”
“The job offer still stands,” Eli said.
“I will reach out to you when I’m done here.”Frederik led them into the city, along the path Amenkar had taken them.
“Um, Frederik,” she rocked on her toes, “if you can, find out what qidhari means, please.Zal calls me that.”
“Will do, Ms.Blake.”
This time, they didn’t descend to the throne room but continued along the edges to where a shuttle waited—Viator V.
“I trust you can fly this without destroying it?”Frederik asked, his tone clipped.
“Pirates fired upon us.Not our fault,” Nova said, fighting the urge to pout.“Besides, we didn’t blow it up.”
Eli offered Nova the crook of his elbow.“Shall we?”
She hesitated, taking a second to stare into his gorgeous eyes.
“I do believe we have a premiere to attend,” he said.
She grinned, happy to spend more time with him.“I did promise.”
“Until the clock strikes midnight, you’re mine.”
She fought a blush and slid her arm through his.“Wine and dine me, Mr.Thorne.”
