Just when she’d been getting comfortable with members of Roake, Harlow had to go and pull a fast one.
“Does Raider know about this?” she hissed.
“Yes. I spoke to him an hour ago.”
Kira rubbed a hand over her face.
“It’s not forever, Kira,” Harlow assured her, the look in his eyes almost begging her to trust in him. “Just until after the adva ka.”
Kira’s hand dropped. “How do things change between now and then?”
“It will give us time to cement her cover story. Her great grandparents are in the process of returning to the fold. Their presence will protect against scrutiny by those outside our House,” Silas explained.
Kira forced herself to take emotion out of the equation.
After a moment she shook her head. “It won’t work. Too many people saw me with Elena on Jettie. She even called me auntie.”
Though sparingly and usually not in the hearing of others.
“That’s fine,” Harlow assured her. “Those attending the quorum come from all parts of our territories. Few would live on this planet. As long as you don’t remind them of Elena’s presence, the other Houses will have no reason to investigate her origins.”
Meaning Elena’s presence might fly under the radar.
“What do you think of all this?” Kira asked Graydon.
Until now, the emperor’s Face had been content to sit quietly in the corner. Kira didn’t let that fool her into believing he didn’t have his hand in the situation.
More than anyone here, Kira trusted his opinion.
“You said Elena is your highest priority. It’s time you prove that,” Graydon said softly.
He held Kira’s gaze, his sincerity wrapping around her like the embrace of her favorite sweatshirt.
“Alright, we’ll do it your way,” Kira said, not looking away from Graydon as she gave him an arch look. “Was your presence really necessary for this?”
Kira was flattered that Harlow had felt the need to call in reinforcements—if a little surprised.
Graydon’s lips curved in a wicked smile. “They feared you might be unreasonable and that my participation would have a calming influence.”
Kira couldn’t contain her derisive snort. “They don’t know you very well.”
She thought it far more likely for Graydon to exacerbate the situation than placate her wrath.
“I don’t know, I like to think my presence has some effect on you,” Graydon said, giving her a look that made Kira’s core clench as she was reminded of the kiss they shared yesterday.
This man was dangerous—in more ways than one.
Kira rose. “I’m going to let you explain this to Elena. I wish you all the luck.”
Lord knows he’d need it.
The room was silent as those inside stared at the door Kira had disappeared through.
“That was easier than I expected,” Caius said with a thoughtful glance.
Harlow and Graydon shared a look, similar thoughts running through both their minds.
“I don’t know whether to be relieved or worried,” Harlow confessed.
