Yukina, Graydon at her back, stepped through it before stopping to observe the small tableau with a cool glance.
Graydon’s face showed amusement as Yukina started to speak.
“We apologize for the delay. There was an unavoidable matter that needed our attention. If you’ll follow me, we can begin negotiations.”
Yukina stepped to the side to reveal an empty room. There was no sign of Selene or Alexander anywhere. Even their teacups and the destroyed table had been cleared, a new one in its place.
Lieven murmured something to his companions. They nodded before heading inside the room and leaving Lieven behind.
“It was a joy to see and compete with you again.” A few of Lieven’s appendages lifted off the ground, their tips fluttering in a gesture that meant happy sorrow before he smiled up at Jin. “Perhaps our next face off will result in something other than a tie.”
Jin snorted. “We’ve got to work on your trash talk.”
Lieven’s stance changed to one of amusement. “And you must improve your sneaking skills, my friend. As much fun as our security team has had matching wits with you, we ask you to behave for the remainder of your stay.”
Kira kept her gaze trained on Lieven, pretending not to see Jace’s choked laugh or the fuming look Yukina sent her.
Jin’s laugh held a touch of awkwardness. “Oops. I didn’t think they knew about that.”
“I can assure you they did,” Lieven murmured with a twinkle in his eye.
“I promise he won’t bother them again,” Kira interjected before her friend could make things any worse.
Lieven’s appendages rippled in a way Kira knew meant laughter as he reached into the pocket of the warrior’s uniform he wore. A sleeveless vest with a split paneled skirt that would allow his appendages ease of movement.
He withdrew a marble and handed it to Kira.
Jin glided closer for a better look. “Is that a Haldeel communication orb?”
“It is, za na ri Jin. The za na ri na Tierni asks that both of you keep in touch this time. Should you need our help, this will make it easier for you to reach us.”
Kira took the orb carefully, knowing how precious an item it was. At one time, Himoto would have given his right arm for direct access to a Haldeel royal.
And now here she was being handed it as if it was no more important than a marble.
Lieven nodded a farewell and started after his companions.
“Look at you—making friends all over the place,” Jace drawled as Kira tucked the orb into her pocket.
“Jealous?”
“A little.”
“How much trouble is the Consortium in?” Kira asked.
“Things aren’t good.”
“You poor sucker. You’ve inherited a thankless job,” Jin told him.
Jace dragged a hand along his jaw. “Don’t I know it.”
“You’ll get through it,” Kira assured him. “Just remember what Himoto taught you.”
“Easy for you to say. You’re not about to get ripped to pieces by a bunch of angry Tuann and Haldeel.”
Kira shrugged. “You could always take a page out of my playbook.”
“What page is that?”
