Ayela nodded.
"And today you're helping me with my dress. You must be very talented," Kira said.
"I don't contain enough soul's breath to have a specialty, lady." Ayela’s voice was soft and unassuming. "I go where there is need. Since I am one of the few who speak human standard, it was thought I would be of more assistance."
"You hear that, Jin? She goes where she's needed," Kira said, an edge to her tone. "You should learn from her example."
"Then who would save you from your stupidity?”
Ayela glanced up, her mouth opening on a surprised oh as she noticed Jin for the first time. She bowed her head. "Hello again, Mr. Jin."
Jin was silent for a long moment. "Hear that, Kira? She knows a thing or two about respect and manners."
Kira rolled her eyes as they approached an intersection in the hallways. She slowed as she noticed Graydon and several of his warriors waiting for them.
Graydon looked up. He froze, his expression arrested at the sight of her. Kira felt a feminine thrill of satisfaction at seeing the impact she had on him.
"Someone likes the way you look," Jin teased.
"Hush."
He made kissing sounds.
Ayela looked between the two of them, confusion on her face. "The Commander has expressed an interest?"
"Yes." "No." Kira and Jin said at the same time.
Ayela seemed thoughtful. "I've never heard his name paired with another's. All the women gossip about him."
"See, told you that you were special," Jin muttered.
"Be careful," Ayela said suddenly. "He is a dangerous man. If he turns on you, there’ll be little anyone can do."
Kira's eyes narrowed. Was Ayela trying to warn her because she was honestly concerned or because she wanted to mislead her? It was hard to say.
Graydon hadn't taken his eyes from them during the exchange, his body tight and coiled as Kira neared. Amila and Solal exchanged amused glances. It seemed the servant wasn't the only one who'd picked up on his interest. His guards had too, and they approved.
"You didn't have to wait," Kira told him.
"And yet, I have." He turned with her as she approached, the look in his eyes appreciative. "Are you ready for this?"
"I've faced a horde of Tsavitee. A little gathering of Tuann is nothing compared to that," Kira said.
"Hold onto that thought," Graydon advised. "Soon, you're going to wish for a foe you can kill."
On those reassuring words he escorted her into a wide-open room, the ceiling a glass dome high overhead, tinged orange by the fading light of the sun.
Staircases led up to balconies overlooking the floor below. The House had gathered throughout the large space, more people than Kira could have imagined, rimming the many balconies.
Most were dressed in outfits similar to her own, their dresses long and flowing. The warriors were the exception, in distinctive synth armor as they moved throughout the space.
Noticing them, Kira glanced around, noting people in armor at all the exits and placed in other strategic places in the room.
"Are they expecting trouble?"
"It's standard protocol when dignitaries of another House are present," Graydon said.
"Sounds tense."
