Kira said none of that. Not with Finn's careful expression warning her to tread lightly.
Diplomacy. Politeness. Blergh.
And the Tuann wondered why she went AWOL.
"You would have to ask the Haldeel. I’m unsure of the reason myself," Kira said in an exceptionally polite voice. She managed a soft smile.
Yukina's expression went cold. "I find that hard to believe."
Kira's lips stayed uplifted in a kind smile, but her eyes were wintry.
Yukina wasn't the only one who could channel an ice princess. Granted, it wasn't Kira's favorite persona to don. She much preferred smashing and bashing her way to victory, but when dealing with someone like Yukina, sometimes you had to fight on their level.
Yukina was the type of person who waged war through sharp words and cutting looks. Kira's least favorite kind of battle.
"You're free to believe what you like," Kira said.
Yukina's smile sharpened. "You're awfully brave. Do you know who I am?"
"Not particularly."
Nor did Kira care.
Yukina's attention shifted in Finn's direction. "You've picked an interesting oshota to have serve you. Are you aware they call him the curse?"
Kira didn't speak as Finn went motionless, his eyes blank.
If Kira hadn't known him as well as she did, she never would have spotted the fine tremble in his hands before he clenched them into fists.
"You're his third sword. The first was killed in battle. Finn was the only one to survive. The second he abandoned. I wonder which fate you'll experience."
This woman played a vicious game. She couldn't make Kira dance to her tune, so she went after the next best thing. Finn.
"I don't think I like you." Kira's voice sounded detached, as if it were coming from someone else.
"I'm heartbroken." Yukina's lips stretched into a feline smile. "Would you like to know another secret?"
Snap. Snap. Snap.
There went Kira's restraint.
"No."
Yukina seemed momentarily taken aback. "No?"
Kira sent Graydon an indifferent glance. "Do the Tuann usually find themselves unable to grasp such simple concepts? It seems like an unfortunate trait in an ambassador. Must cause all kinds of confusion with your allies."
Graydon's oshota stared in shock at Kira as if they couldn't believe her presumptuousness.
Finn looked alarmed.
For a breath no one moved.
A laugh that sounded like wind chimes came from Yukina. "You're very bold."
"And you're very annoying."
Great. They'd now pointed out the other's flaws. Time to hurry this game along.
