Jin was her line in the sand. If he saw harm, she'd exact retribution. Simple as that.
This time the Haldeel’s bow was deeper. "As is your right,za na ri."
Good. He understood.
She so enjoyed when people had a meeting of the minds. It made everything else so much easier.
In this instance, the Haldeel knew Kira would kill him if her friend didn't recover, and she knew he'd defend himself with lethal force if necessary.
Kira smiled. "So glad we agree."
"Indeed."
The woman's expression iced over as Kira swept out of the inner sanctum and into the immense foyer of the building. Shadows danced on invisible waves over the floor as Graydon and the other two Tuann followed her out.
"Theza na ri nais look forward to your race in the Pinnacle,za na ri," the Haldeel said as the wall sealed behind her.
"How lovely, your little lostling has drawn the notice of royalty," the woman observed in a neutral voice that made it impossible to tell if she approved or disapproved. Her stare was intense as she regarded Kira. "I wonder what chain of events sparked such a rare occurrence."
Kira's expression was blank as she stared back.
To be honest, she'd really like to know that too.
It was never an auspicious occasion when you drew the attention of titans. That was a good way to end up dead or a pawn in someone else's agenda.
"We're being watched," the oshota observed in an undertone.
"This conversation would be best conducted elsewhere," Graydon said neutrally.
The woman's expression grew chillier. "Yes, I couldn't agree more."
Sensing a subtle threat in those words, Kira watched her warily.
The woman didn't say anything further, sweeping toward the exit. Her oshota followed her.
Kira raised her eyebrows at Graydon. "Colleague of yours?"
The corner of his eyes crinkled. "You could say that."
Kira had been right. The woman really was a Face of the Emperor. A beautiful, icy one.
She supposed the name of Face was apt, allowing the emperor to choose the aspects and personalities that best complemented his public persona. Graydon was the brute force that concealed an exceptional intellect. Kira was guessing the woman represented elegance and subtlety.
More and more she could respect this unknown emperor who seemed to make the most out of the people he placed by his side—even as she recognized the threat he could one day present.
The walkway extended over the placid lake. On the other side, several figures clad in black synth armor waited. Graydon's oshota. Kira had wondered where they got to.
Finn waited off to the side, his face expressionless as they approached.
"Yukina may look like a delicate flower, but she's the ambassador to the Haldeel. I'd be careful of her if I were you," Graydon warned as they neared the rest.
Translation—Yukina was treacherous—and knowing the Tuann, deceptively deadly. Qualities that would come in handy for any liaison to the Haldeel.
Her position as ambassador also explained her clothes.
Yukina stopped in front of the oshota, casting a contemplative glance at Kira. "Now that we're out of the Haldeel's seat of power, I'd be interested to know why they refer to you asza na ri. They don't even use that honorific when speaking to me."
There were a lot of things Kira could say to that. Most of them insulting. Things like maybe the Haldeel didn't like the woman or that she wasn't as special as she thought.
