"What would happen if I died while under Liara's care?" Kira asked.
Graydon steered her out of the maze of hallways and into the sunshine. They walked through a courtyard, towers surrounding them on all sides as it overlooked a small section of the forest.
They turned down a small path, well-trodden and narrow as it meandered through the many bushes and trees inhabiting the lush space.
She looked around in unconcealed pleasure, appreciating the hidden oasis, one of many throughout the Citadel.
Kira let Graydon lead, knowing that for this conversation it would be best if they were away from any potential listeners.
"It would weaken her politically and could have very real consequences for her and Luatha in general. Her House is a strong one, but it suffered during the Sorrowing," Graydon said. "Liara is a relatively new overlord. She's fifteen years older than you and her rule is considered unstable."
"How am I considered a child and she adult enough to rule?" Kira asked, sidetracked momentarily.
"She has survived the highest form of theadva kaand earned her name," Graydon said.
"So, I have to survive thisadva kaand I’ll be considered an adult?" Kira asked.
"Yes."
"That is a ridiculous way of determining someone's maturity," Kira complained.
Graydon shook his head at her and walked up to a statue. He set his hand against it. His forehead furrowed. There was an explosive crack as power flashed around Graydon's hands. The statue remained standing for several beats before it slowly folded in on itself, collapsing into finger-sized bits of rubble.
"Attend, Kira. The stage you now stand on is dangerous. Many wait in the wings looking to topple you. This was a tiny drop of my power. Until you can defend yourself from this and other powers like it, you will always be considered under the protection of another, your wishes superseded by theirs," Graydon stated, his seriousness giving his words weight. "Some never reach this stage."
Kira studied the statue, considering his words carefully.
Himoto and the rest of the military lacked some very crucial pieces of information when it came to understanding the Tuann.
This wasn't a simple feudal society with clear lines. Hidden subtleties shaded everything.
Children were protected. They were the fragile future of the race. Kira could see why she was lumped in with them. A child couldn't be challenged to personal combat by an adult, nor could they carry out any of the many duties of an adult Tuann. They weren't responsible for their mistakes as an adult would be—all necessary factors to consider when you were entering their society as an adult with none of their training.
Without proving her control over the soul’s breath, she would always be relegated to a supporting role, her desires overridden by those more powerful than she.
Fear kept her silent. She did not want to be trapped here forever.
Revealing she had inherited more from them than they assumed, might do just that. Her control was elusive at best. If she'd tried Graydon’s trick, she'd have reduced the statue to dust—along with everything else within twenty feet.
"Just because someone doesn’t possess the ability to harness the soul’s breath doesn't mean they should be considered a second-class citizen," Kira said softly.
People could have other skills, ones as important as manipulating energy.
Graydon inclined his head. "I agree with you, but there are things you aren’t considering. Just as much duty rests on the shoulders who pass theadva kaas those who do not."
Kira knew Graydon meant what he said. There was a purity when he spoke about the obligations each had to the other. Unfortunately, the Tuann were entirely too much like humans, their emotions complex and their motivations just as likely to be selfish.
Graydon might believe what he was saying, but she'd seen too much to think it could be anywhere near that simple. People in power inevitably took advantage of those weaker than them. Just as those who could never rise, would eventually become resentful of those they envied.
She sighed, the issue was more morally complex than it seemed.
As an outsider she saw things differently, but it didn't mean she was right. For that reason, she left the subject alone. She couldn’t argue against something she was only beginning to understand.
"Why would my death impact her at all?" Kira asked. "Besides the fact the Consortium would strongly object."
Unless they were offered a dozen ships and an ironclad alliance. Then they might overlook the fact Kira had once been one of theirs.
"There are several parties besides those you've seen who've taken an interest in your existence," Graydon said, seeming to choose his words carefully. "The emperor is one. He would be upset if you were murdered by your own House."
