Harlow had worshiped Harding. The former Overlord had never had to worry about whether his minutes-older twin brother would come for his title because Harlow's loyalty, once given, was unbreakable. He’d been vicious when it came to Harding's safety.
"Then why test her?" Graydon asked.
He had no doubt that Harlow’s loyalty extended to Harding's daughter. Otherwise, Graydon never would have manipulated events to bring her here.
Harlow’s gaze was distant as he stared out the narrow window to the sea outside. "This way, she will live through anything. I need her to be able to survive. I won’t lose another member of my family."
So that was what this was about.
The Sorrowing had changed all of them. In some ways, House Roake had never been stronger than it was today. They were small but fierce. Every member had some defensive training. It didn't matter their age or station, or what their affinity was. If you were of this House, you could fight.
It was the first of Harlow's many changes. He'd decided House Roake wouldn't be reliant on a handful for their safety. They would stand or fall together.
However, it had also made them reclusive and obsessive when it came to their safety. Harlow, as the Overlord, probably experienced those qualities to a greater extent.
By doing this he was ensuring Kira’s future safety in the best way he knew how, even if it affected his current relationship with his niece.
“You know you won’t be able to have much contact with her before she passes theuhva na,” Graydon finally said. “There can be no evidence of favoritism from you.”
Harlow’s lips curved up the faintest bit as he leaned back. “I am aware.”
Graydon watched him for several seconds. There was something more to this.
"What do you know that I don't?" Graydon finally asked. Because there was no doubt there was something. Harlow was too controlled to let fear sway him, and this action stunk of desperation.
Harlow tapped the desk and swiped his finger across it. A hologram formed above it.
Graydon sat forward. "Are those Tsavitee?"
"Two of their ships slipped through when the Luathan net went down. A third ship, origin unknown, also made it through. We lost track of them shortly afterward."
Graydon stood in an explosive movement, pacing to the window and staring at the sea.
That damnable net. Luatha's defenses protected the outer perimeter of Tuann space. With it down, the three ships had found it easy to slip into Tuann territory.
Tuann space was vast. In addition to the main Houses, there were hundreds of smaller Houses, many of which would have holdings on other planets.
None communicated well with the rest. The labyrinthian maze of feuds and alliances would make it difficult to track the ships. Each House protected its own territory and would be loath to admit an incursion.
It had been thousands of years since the Tuann had last united against a common threat. Even with the emperor’s power to compel cooperation, it would take weeks, if not months, of sifting through the data to track the ships across the different territories. By then, the Tsavitee would have accomplished their mission.
"This is what the invasion was about," Graydon said, his mind already working.
It hadn't been about Luatha at all. It had been a feint, meant to distract them from the next prong of attack. Their real intention was to insert a few of their agents into Tuann territory.
"This enemy has proven unexpectedly cunning," Harlow rumbled. "Much more so than we had previously predicted.”
"Do we know what they want yet?" Already Graydon's plans were shifting to take into account this new information.
Harlow shook his head. "Only time will show their true goal. I suspect my niece will play a role in the events to come."
Graydon gave him a sharp look. Harlow's assessment was accurate and fit with Graydon's perception.
The Tsavitee had shown a continued fascination with Kira. From what he'd picked up through conversations with her and his observations during the invasion, the two were connected. It was clear the Tsavitee wanted something from her. They either saw her as a weapon to be reacquired or a threat to be eliminated.
Either way, staying close to her would likely bring the Tsavitee plans to light.
"Kira isn't weak. She might not be an oshota, but her skills put her on par with them. She outran Baran in their human station. I have no doubt she would have escaped if the humans hadn't intervened," Graydon said.
