“Why is the emperor giving us this information?” Harlow tore his gaze away from the mesmerizing beauty of the lenacht to focus on Graydon. “Why hand this to House Roake when there is far more political benefit to be gained if he were to give this opportunity to his son.”
The strategic advantage a Mea’Ave lenacht could offer to a House and its chosen could not be overstated.
The ability to guide a lenacht to its new home was a coveted one that had spawned more than one feud amongst the Houses.
No House would pass up the opportunity to add to their strength by increasing the number of worlds in their control with a Mea’Ave rich environment. To say nothing of the fact that those who spent an extended time with such a creature often walked away changed.
Sometimes the Mea’Ave unlocked additional affinities within the recipient. Other times it enriched what was already there.
Whatever the gain, it was sure to rewrite the power structure of the Houses.
As emperor, Torvald could control who received the information of the birth of a new lenacht, but it wasn’t foolproof.
The signs were there for those who knew what to look for.
It made the entire situation a powder keg waiting to explode in all their faces.
Hence the emperor tasking Graydon to relay the message to Roake.
Caius’s frown grew more pronounced as he studied the careful blankness on Graydon’s face. “That’s why you’re here, isn’t it? He doesn’t plan to involve his son in this matter.”
The air around Harlow turned heavy. Almost oppressive as Graydon’s silence confirmed Caius’s guess.
Graydon held himself still, keeping his gaze trained on the Overlord.
Despite the short nature of their acquaintance, Kira had become a vulnerable point for Harlow. Anything that jeopardized her safety would inspire a quick and violent reaction.
Harlow slammed his fist into the desk, the sturdy wood bowing under the force of the blow. “I will not allow him to sacrifice my niece to protect his son.”
Harlow rose, his features thinning with rage.
A chill brushed along the back of Graydon’s neck.
Something he’d always understood about his mentor was how dangerous Harlow could be even under the best of circumstances.
Harlow had never needed a primus. He was lethal all on his own.
In a way, Kira reminded Graydon of her uncle.
Neither relied on the abilities they were born with to carve out a path in life. Many Tuann allowed their ki and affinities to be a crutch.
After the passing of Harlow’s twin, Harding, the former Overlord, House Roake should have fallen into disrepute. They shouldn’t have been able to sustain themselves. It was thought they’d be easy pickings for the other Houses.
They hadn’t. That was in large part due to Harlow’s contribution.
It was that part of Harlow that faced Graydon now. A warrior who had already traveled through the abyss. Someone unafraid of death if it would allow him to protect what was truly important.
As the Face of the emperor, Graydon could be considered an aspect of him. A threat against his life was a threat against the emperor’s.
Harlow could be charged with treason for his actions just now.
Graydon kept his gaze level, conscious that being the emperor’s Face or even his history with Harlow wouldn’t save him if the other man decided he was a danger to Kira’s life.
Ki saturated the room. Graydon remained unaffected, accustomed to the oppressive feel of the atmosphere.
By now, Solal and Amila would have detected the change and were probably going crazy. Graydon would get an earful from them later.
“Of the two, who do you think is more likely to retrieve the lenacht safely?“ Graydon asked calmly, pretending not to notice the danger.
