Like Kira and Graydon, she wasn't wearing synth armor. It made her seem slightly vulnerable, transforming her from the untouchable Overlord into something real and tangible.
Kira’s attention was caught by the large painting behind her that took up a sizable chunk of the wall. It was easily twice the height of a person and featured a woman with hair similar to Liara’s, loose and unbound, with waves cascading down her back.
It would be easy to assume the woman was Liara’s mother or grandmother given the resemblance. Except those eyes. They were a copy of Kira’s eyes, though their expression wasn’t one Kira had ever been capable of—warm and gentle with a hint of playfulness
Kira’s lips parted in surprise and yearning. Before she could say anything Liara spoke. "What is your reason for disturbing me?"
Her gaze flickered when she noticed Kira's state.
Liara stayed focused. "As the Emperor's Face, you are given a lot of leeway, but you are quickly wearing out your welcome."
"Tell me, Overlord. Do you often condone assassination plots against those in your House?" Graydon asked in a reasonable tone.
Insult moved across Liara's face as her guard tensed, his hand dropping to the sword at his side. He stepped forward, stopping when Liara held up a hand.
The two exchanged a glance and his face softened. He relaxed, folding his arms across his chest as he stared at the rest of them.
"What are you accusing me of?" Liara asked with forced calmness.
Graydon looked from her guard to her, his movements precise, a coiled danger waiting for the right opportunity.
He was testing her, Kira realized with a start. Prodding and manipulating to see what lay under that glossy exterior. Smart and sneaky. He played the big dumb brute, but underneath that muscled façade was a man who knew exactly what he was doing, a puppet master making the rest of them dance to his whims.
"Your cousin was attacked in your own home. Had Finn not happened by in time, she would likely have died," he said.
Well, that was an overstatement. Finn hadn't played any role in saving her.
"Look at her face," Graydon thundered. "Someone got close enough to bleed her."
Liara's face grew troubled, her guard's expression equally upset as both focused on Kira. She did her best to seem like the night had been an ordeal, like she was weak and frail, moments from collapse, after the trauma of it all.
"I am beginning to think Luatha does not care about the preservation of its own," Graydon challenged.
"That's not true," Liara argued.
"If you cannot keep a child of your House safe in your own territory, then perhaps that child should be removed," he said as if she hadn't spoken.
"That's not necessary," Liara said, her voice overly loud. "The oversight in her protection was mine. Her re-appearance has thrown us off balance. She should be assigned her own guards. I will make sure it happens and have someone I trust investigate this incident."
She looked at Kira, reassurance on her face. "This won't happen again. I promise."
Graydon's smile was cruel. "I know it won't. You don't have to worry about assigning her anoshota. I've already corrected your mistake."
Liara's forehead wrinkled in a frown.
Graydon gestured at Finn. "He has agreed to act as Kira's shield. He should be a powerful deterrent against any further assassination attempts. She'll also be moved into our wing so my personaloshotacan assist in her protection."
Kira's head whipped toward him, her previous admiration of his tactics turning to fury. He'd been waiting for this.
He met her eyes and smiled, knowing he'd trapped her. Yup, he'd definitely been waiting for this opportunity. He'd probably had Finn already picked out, long before they'd stumbled across each other.
The two were obviously acquainted. She wouldn't be surprised if they were friends. Finn's appointment as her guard meant Graydon would be able to keep an eye on her even if he was forced to leave for any reason.
Had he planned the attack for this possibility? She considered the question thoughtfully. No, she was forced to conclude. The assailants had been trying to kill her.
That first shot would have taken out her head and the daggers would have pierced her chest. Only dumb luck and instinct had saved her.
Which meant Graydon was simply taking advantage of the situation presented to him.
