“And Maksym is Maksym.”
The oshota was one of those rare specimens who was even more stubborn than Kira. He’d determined he would be the big brother she’d never had and no amount of resistance on her part would deter him.
Kira might have a lot in common with a porcupine, bristling anytime someone got close, but even she had her limits.
Resisting Maksym had proven more tiring than previous comrades. She’d found it easier to give in on some things. Besides, his training was helpful. Kira’s control of her soul’s breath had improved by leaps and bounds under his guidance.
“I’ve heard the stories.” Torvald dragged a chair out from the table and took a seat as Kira crossed to the new counters.
She fished through them until she found what she was looking for. Two packets of freeze-dried chai. They were from a brand she didn’t normally buy because of how expensive it was. Maksym must have added it to her stash.
Though she wondered how he knew it was her favorite human drink.
She found the cups on her second try, grabbing two and dumping the mixes in before adding hot water.
Finished, she carried the mugs over to the table and set one in front of Torvald.
Kira sat and wrapped her fingers around her own mug, studying Torvald as he simply looked at the cup that she’d given him.
In retrospect, it probably hadn’t been the best idea to offer a man hiding his identity a drink that would require him to remove his face shield.
To her surprise, Torvald picked the cup up, examining the liquid inside for a moment before lifting the cup to his face. The lip of the cup penetrated the energy field as he took a sip.
“Interesting flavor,” he remarked, the cup reappearing in its entirety as he lowered it.
Kira’s nod was distracted. “That’s one way to put it.”
The energy field masking his face was permeable. Kira wondered if that was by the emperor’s control or if anything could penetrate the field.
Kira set her cup on the table in front of her. “I’m assuming we’re not here to talk about my choice in beverages.”
Torvald paused with his cup half raised to his mouth. “True.”
“Then regale me. To what do I owe this pleasure?”
Torvald gestured to the empty space at Kira’s right. “We’ll get to that. First—why don’t we ask your friend to join us? He must be tired of all his sneaking around by now.”
Kira stilled. “I’m not sure I know what you’re talking about. We’re alone in here.”
“Oh? Are you certain of that?” There was a challenge in Torvald’s voice that told her she wouldn’t like the consequences of lying further to him.
And here Kira was hoping he wouldn’t pick up on Jin’s presence. What a futile hope that was. This was the man who had a hand in shaping Graydon into the person he was today, after all. Kira suspected he didn’t miss much.
With a sense of defeat, she glanced at the spot containing the small presence she recognized as Jin’s.
A sigh filled the air. Jin’s camouflage fell as his sphere became visible. “How did you know?”
“I would be a fool if I didn’t recognize when our own technology was being used against me.” Torvald nodded at the spot next to Kira. “Join us. As fun as it’s been to watch you attempt to spy on me over the past few weeks, that game is at an end.”
The look Kira gave Jin held reproach. “Tell me you didn’t.”
Jin cleared his nonexistent throat. “I’ll explain later.”
He’d better. He’d need the best explanation he could muster. Of all the hair-brained schemes he’d embarked on over the years, this one was at the top.
“Now that you have what you wanted, perhaps you can answer my previous question.” Kira glared at Torvald, already fed up with the games. “What do you want?”
The ship jolted.
