Colonists moved through the frozen streets, some heading toward the platform being constructed in the central square, others watching from doorways with obvious curiosity and poorly hidden fear. They'd never seen Vandar this close before. I emitted a low growl, glad when they scurried away.
I was still the Qeth’rex, despite the stirrings the baker and her delicious bread had provoked.
When I glanced up, mymajakstrode toward me, his own fur cloak flapping in the frigid breeze. Venik's expression was carefully neutral, but I caught the slight tightness around his eyes that meant he was dealing with something annoying.
I held out the remaining half of the loaf as he approached. He raised an eyebrow but took it without question, breaking off a piece and eating it as the two colonists behind him came to a halt.
"Raas Wrexxon," Venik said after he swallowed. "May I present Council Leader Garrett and Magistrate Harding? They were instrumental in negotiating the alliance terms."
The names registered dimly as both men immediately launched into rapid, nervous speech.
"Such an honor to welcome you to Lexxona, Raas Wrexxon?—"
"We've prepared everything according to your specifications?—"
"The platform will be ready within the hour?—"
"The citizens are gathering as we speak?—"
I let them babble for a moment, studying them. Garrett was older, perhaps fifty standard years, with graying hair and the kind of soft middle that came from administrative work rather than physical labor. Harding was younger, leaner, with sharp eyes that calculated even as his mouth smiled. Both wore the self-important air of men who'd claimed authority in a small pond and convinced themselves they were significant.
"Does the colony know about the deal you made?" I interrupted, my voice slicing through their pleasantries.
They stopped mid-sentence, exchanging nervous glances.
"Ah," Garrett cleared his throat. "Not... precisely. That is to say?—"
"We thought it best to present the terms at the assembly," Harding finished smoothly. “To ensure solidarity.”
I studied them in silence, letting the weight of my gaze make them uncomfortable. They shifted and fidgeted, refusing to meet my eyes for more than a moment.
"You mean," I said slowly, "if the citizens knew about the lottery beforehand, they might not come to the mandatory assembly."
More glances and more fidgeting.
"They might not understand the importance of a tribute,” Garrett said in a rush of words that betrayed inner turmoil I hadn’t seen before, “but I truly believe this deal will save the entire colony, even if the payment is steep.”
“This alliance will save the colony your own grandfather founded,” Venik said, drawing a look of surprise from Garrett,although I wasn’t surprised one bit that mymajakhad learned the history of the place.
"The rebels might not agree," Harding muttered, then looked stricken.
“Yes, the rebels.” I knew about the rebellion, but only because I knew that the Zagrath wished to exterminate the leaders of it. “Tell me about them.”
They hemmed and hawed, speaking over each other as they assured me that it was under control, and they were certain it was a rebellion against the Zagrath and would have no impact on our alliance.
“They wouldn’t dare rebel against the Vandar,” Harding added with a satisfied nod. “They’d be frostbitten fools.”
After watching the baker’s reaction to me, I wasn’t so sure about that. Not that she would be an issue after today. Not for the colony, at least.
I stepped closer to both men, using my height deliberately. They both took an involuntary step back.
"I need you to help me with a detail about today's lottery.”
Chapter 5
Jasmine
The door had barely closed behind Skye when it opened again, bells jingling as another cloaked figure stepped inside. Then another. And another. Within minutes, my bakery had become an impromptu gathering of hooded women.
