“Harlow?”
She couldn’t believe it. Her uncle wouldn’t attack a representative of the empire. No matter how much the man deserved it.
“You didn’t see what you looked like.” There was a haunted look in Finn’s eyes as memories surfaced. “He was most unhappy about your injuries.”
Apparently, he’d taken that unhappiness out on Jarek.
Though why those injuries were still in the process of healing rather than already gone was another question Kira had. There was no doubt in her mind that the emperor had healers at his call who could make those bruises disappear in an instant.
Just look at Kira.
She’d been damaged beyond belief with multiple broken bones and lacerated organs. Yet here she stood a week later, almost fully healed.
Her gaze drifted to the dais waiting on the side of the room. Torvald sat on a throne; his chin propped on his hand. Graydon beside him.
Then again, maybe she didn’t need to wonder why Jarek had been forced to let his injuries heal naturally.
It was a punishment. A subtle one.
Reaching the floor, Kira swept her gaze over the rest of those assembled. Makon and another person from Roake she didn’t recognize stood behind Harlow.
The stranger regarded Kira with interest. “Is this the heir everyone is talking about?”
There was a playful look on the man’s face, reminding Kira of Graydon. That same cockiness and charm.
“Yes, Caius,” Makon answered as he sent a respectful nod Kira’s way.
The stranger didn’t say anything else as Alexander fell into step beside her, crossing the last few feet at her side.
Kira examined Eurus, finding him a hard one to read. Like the rest of the emperor’s Faces, he seemed to have perfected the art of maintaining a blank expression.
Despite that, Kira thought she caught a spark of interest in his red eyes as he looked at Alexander.
“I’m almost glad Jarek attacked you,” Jin said through their comms. “I didn’t get to see Alexander in action last time. This should be good.”
Kira nodded in agreement.
Alexander was a force to be reckoned with, even managing to get the best of Yukina. Jarek should be child’s play.
Kira studied the inquisitor, finding the former arrogance missing. His manner subdued. She wouldn’t go so far as to say he seemed regretful, but there was definitely something different.
“It is surprising to find a member of your line here,” Eurus said, addressing Alexander. “They tend to prefer more physical pursuits.”
“Then I can only count myself lucky to have grown up not suffocated by tradition. Such a situation would have been untenable,” Alexander returned.
Eurus made a small sound in the back of his throat, his expression showing more interest than before.
Kira didn’t move as his red-eyed gaze shifted to her, holding still as he examined her with that same detached curiosity.
“So, you are the ones to have led my inquisitor into such turmoil.” Eurus’s head tilted as he studied her and Jin. “My inquisitor is rarely impetuous, but I can see now his reasons for acting the way he did.”
Kira tensed, Harlow’s hand landing on her shoulder a second later.
“Do not react,” Harlow warned in a low voice.
“I know,” Kira responded.
And she did know.
