SIXTEEN
AHUSH FELL as theaudience waited for the final outcome.
Kira blinked at her chest, expecting to see splotches of white, signaling her demise. Her clothing remained unmarred, its surface still perfect.
Impossible.
Kira twisted, trying to get a glimpse of her shoulder. No white there either.
In disbelief, she glanced at Graydon. His expression held chagrin as he stared at his foot like it had betrayed him.
A spot of white on the tip destroyed the perfection of the otherwise spotless black synth armor.
She exhaled.
It wasn't her. She didn't get the penalty. Graydon had.
A snort of amusement escaped Kira. She slapped a hand over her mouth, her eyes laughing up at Graydon’s.
She couldn't help it. His expression was priceless. A little sulky; a lot insulted. It was something Kira had never thought she'd see on the Emperor's Face.
"What happened?" she gasped. "Did one jump up and bite you?"
Graydon rolled his big shoulders as his chin lifted, his dignity already damaged. "Apparently, I misjudged a flip."
Kira lost it, bending nearly double as she could no longer contain her laughter.
"Are you done?" Graydon asked.
Kira paused then shook her head, holding her stomach when it started to hurt.
Graydon leaned down, his jaw brushing her hair. "I'm so glad you're enjoying this."
Kira's laughter dried up at the hint of threat in his tone. She gulped down any further amusement, drying the corners of her eyes.
"Very good." Graydon's smile was slow and decadent. "Let's see who won."
Kira straightened. That’s right, the victor hadn’t been determined yet.
Although Graydon had fouled out and sustained a penalty, it didn't necessarily place the win in her hands. In the end, it came down to the accumulated points. There was a chance his overall score would still exceed hers.
Kira focused on the holographic score board suspended over the stage they stood on.
The icon for barrage flashed once and then two scores.
