Page 11 of Lhora
Duren scratched the side of his nose. “Sorry. That’s a well-guarded secret.”
“What are you planning on doing with me? Why was I taken?”
“Because you were easier to reach than the Esstika.”
Lhora gave him her dirtiest look but didn’t answer. He’d get no more information from her ever again. In fact, she’d be content to never speak to him again, but that wish had to be tossed to the wind. There was too much she needed to learn about these people, and the only way she could do that was to get them to talk so she could distinguish the truth from the lies.
“What are you planning to do with me?” she repeated.
“That’s up to my father. And on what his counsel suggests.”
She stared at him in disbelief. “He doesn’t consult with you? Or at least let you know his intentions?”
Duren frowned. “No. Why would he?” He seemed taken aback. “Does the Esstika tell you her plans?” Another revelation seemed to come over him. “The commander. The big guy. The torgart. He’s part of her protective squad like you, right? Is he any relation to you?”
This questioning was getting too close for comfort. If she denied it, he might know she was lying to him. The same if she remained mum.
Lhora dropped her eyes. “He’s my uncle.”
Duren grunted. “Your uncle, eh? I figured it had to be something like that. That explains why someone as young as you was able to attain such a high position.”
The Coltrosstian was too close to learning her secret. If he learned the commander was actually her father, and that she’d inherited her father’s torgart traits, it could jeopardize her being here. But if she continued to deflect the truth from him, she might be able to learn what she needed in order to escape.
“Why are you at the manse?” His query was gentle. He was honestly curious. “Why are you among the ranks? Why aren’t you paired with someone and living in a settlement somewhere?”
“My parents are… Let’s just say I had no choice but to join the ranks if I wanted a decent life.”
Duren bowed his head. “I’m sorry.” It was a sincere apology. She’d led him to believe her parents were probably dead, which had been her intent. Let him think her “uncle” had enlisted her to be part of the Esstika’s honor guard since she had no other way of earning her keep.
“As for already being paired…” She snorted. “It’s not that I haven’t met plenty of men. I simply haven’t found one I wanted to remain with for the rest of my life.” She managed to rise up on one elbow. “Duren, get me out of here. Let me go back to my homeland. Please.”
He got to his feet. “I can’t do that. And you know better than to ask me.”
The ship gave a little shudder, and Duren glanced over his shoulder at the doorway.
“We’re entering a current,” Lhora remarked matter-of-factly.
The young man tossed her a quizzical look. “You’ve sailed before?”
“And commanded one,” she sniped back. He didn’t need to know it had been a simple freighter. But the three seasons she’d spent on the big bark had taught her well. It had been challenging, irritating, and overwhelming at times, as well as fun. Once her mission was over, she’d relinquished the ship back to its original master, who’d been recovering from surgery. The reports her mother and father had gotten about her tenure had filled them both with pride, since Fallmin knew the praise was honest.
He turned to leave but paused at the exit. “Is there anything you need?” Again, threads of concern laced his voice.
“My freedom,” she quipped.
The man nodded. “I’ll have someone bring you food and drink,” he informed her, then slipped through the wall, leaving her in the dark with her thoughts.
7
Intent
Sarpi Sov was on the bridge when Duren arrived. The man glanced over as his son approached and recognized the expression on his face. Motioning to him, he strode into the adjacent room he used for work and private conversations.
Duren closed the door behind him with a slam. “What do you plan to do with the prisoner?”
“None of your plugging business,” Sov drawled.
“I demand to know.”
