"Don't you ever work?" she asked when he stopped, forestalling whatever remark he'd been about to make.
Rheya made a strangled sound as Blake dropped his pretense of boredom and watched Kira with reluctant respect.
Kira ignored them, interested in Graydon's response. As the Emperor's Face, he had a duty to his people. He didn't have time to waste lingering around like a lovesick fool. If he was here, it meant he had a reason. Kira found herself curious as to what it was and if it held the potential to impact her.
While his agenda might be his priority, Kira didn't fool herself. Graydon was a master manipulator, capable of achieving multiple objectives at a time.
"Outside interests have dictated my continued presence here," Graydon informed her.
Kira arched an eyebrow. "Oh, goody."
Graydon's smirk widened into a full-fledged grin, the expression that of a happy dragon toying with his prey.
Others in the room started to take notice until the focus rested on the two of them.
In the corner, Isla and Amila finished their sparring. Isla sent a respectful nod to Graydon and Kira while Amila covered her mouth to hide her smile.
So glad somebody found this situation amusing. Kira did not.
Rheya sketched a deep bow, Blake following suit. After a long moment, Graydon pulled his gaze from Kira, his expression softening as he acknowledged the other two.
"Rheya, Blake, I hear from the Overlord your training is progressing nicely," Graydon said.
Pleasure crossed their faces.
"I was about to ask Lady Kira if she would like a bout," Rheya offered.
Kira blinked.
"How unexpected," Jin crooned. "I wonder why she wants to fight you."
Kira held in her flinch at Jin's voice over her comms. Irritation flicked through her at being unable to respond without looking like a crazy person.
If Graydon hadn't been standing right there, she might have been tempted to do that. Unfortunately, Graydon had experience with the two of them. He'd see right through any subterfuge, making Jin’s attempt at staying hidden pointless.
Seeing Kira's hesitation, Rheya explained, "The bouts are a good way to showcase your skills. Although the prospective mentors seem absent, they're likely observing." She pointed toward two spots on the longest wall, both appearing as stone. "There's a balcony the Overlord and the higher-ranking members of the House can use to observe training."
Jin made an admiring sound. "Now isn't that interesting? Another hidden doorway. I'm beginning to sense a theme."
Kira was too, and it wasn't one she liked.
Jin's voice was thoughtful as he mused, "It does present an interesting conundrum. How long do you think they've been watching you without your knowledge?" He paused. "Do you think some of these hidden doors are in our room?"
Kira didn't know, but Jin had better find out if he knew what was good for him.
"I wonder if I could steal that technology. It'd come in handy on theWanderer."
He'd better not even think about it.
Kira considered Rheya's offer, trying to see the motive behind it. Rheya wasn't her friend. She had no vested interest in seeing Kira succeed, and if she was anything like other Tuann Kira had already met, she'd likely assume Kira's combat skills were low.
Graydon's expression was inscrutable. "I'm sure Commander Wren's presence is exciting for you. It’s almost unheard of for him to agree to act as an instructor. I seem to remember you admired him at one point."
Rheya was unable to suppress her excitement. "Word is he plans to take an apprentice or two from those preparing for theadva kaif they impress him."
Ah, so that was it.
Rheya wanted to use Kira to make herself look good in front of her hero. Not a bad plan, except she didn't factor in that Kira was well versed in fighting. She wouldn't be the easy prey Rheya assumed.
