“Not yet. I was hoping for introductions.”
“Then you’re in luck.” She linked her arm through mine, a deliberate display of association. “Come. Let me show you who matters.”
The next twenty minutes followed a script I knew by heart. The Orlian shipping magnate. The Fanaith designer. Two Nerath brothers who owned mining operations. I charmed them all. Compliments tailored to each species’ values. Questions that suggested interest without revealing ignorance. The careful balance of confidence and deference that made people feel important while establishing myself as worthy of their time.
A Mondian near the bar raised his glass to me. I’d met him at the reception. He traded in rare minerals and had opinions about Vinduthi honor codes. I returned the gesture and made a mental note to avoid him unless necessary.
“Quite the social butterfly.” Senator Valerius appeared at my elbow, his voice carrying amusement. “I’m impressed, Mr. Korven. Most newcomers to Valyria spend their first gala trying to avoid embarrassment. You’re actively courting attention.”
“Attention creates opportunities.” I turned to face him. “And I’m here for opportunities.”
“So I’ve heard.” He leaned closer, his tone dropping to something more private. “Though I’m curious whichopportunities interest you most. Business? Art? Political connections?”
“All of the above. I don’t limit myself unnecessarily.”
“A flexible philosophy.” He sipped his drink. “Though I wonder if Senator Tarsus appreciates your flexibility. He seems to prefer exclusive relationships.”
“Then it’s fortunate I haven’t committed to anything exclusive yet.”
His smile widened. Pleasure at the implied competition. “Indeed. Perhaps we should discuss terms? I have several ventures that could benefit from a partner with your particular talents. We could make arrangements that don’t require Tarsus’s oversight.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
He moved away, satisfied he’d made his play. I watched him go and calculated the timing. Valerius thought he’d been poaching Tarsus’s newest asset. Tarsus would hear about this conversation within minutes. The rivalry would intensify exactly as planned.
The room’s energy shifted.
Tarsus had arrived.
He moved through the crowd like he owned it. Which he did. This was his villa, his gala, his carefully curated display of wealth and influence. Species parted to let him pass. Conversations adjusted to include him. Power recognized and deferred to power.
And behind him, keeping exactly three steps back, walked Carys.
The silver dress caught every light in the room. Backless. Low neckline. Her dark hair had been styled away from her face, exposing her throat.
A muscle in my jaw jumped. I forced it to relax.
Seeing her in that dress, wearing that collar, staying three steps behind like a trained animal. Something in my chest wanted to burn the entire building down.
I took a drink instead.
Tarsus made his rounds. Greeting guests. Accepting compliments. Gesturing occasionally to Carys, who would step forward and provide whatever expertise he required. She authenticated jewelry. Identified forgeries. Answered questions about provenance and historical significance.
She was brilliant. Professional. Perfectly controlled.
And everyone in this room looked at her like she was another piece in Tarsus’s collection.
“Mr. Korven.” He’d spotted me. His posture straightened as he approached, all deliberate authority. “I’m glad you came.”
“I wouldn’t miss it.” I gestured to the room. “Impressive gathering.”
“Only the most influential collectors.” He signaled to Carys. She moved forward immediately, stopping beside him. “You’ve met my curator.”
“We’ve had the pleasure.” I met her eyes briefly. Brown. Sharp. Completely unreadable. “She provided an excellent consultation.”
“She’s quite valuable.” Tarsus’s hand settled on her shoulder. Ownership displayed as casual touch. “I’m very fortunate to have acquired her contract when I did. Human experts are increasingly rare.”
“Indeed.” I kept my voice pleasant. Interested. Not revealing the fury building behind my performance. “You have excellent taste, Senator.”
