“Doubtful.”Rhett looked at Graydon.“They would have needed a working knowledge of Tuann tech to recognize what we use to track our ships.”
“Not necessarily,” Kashori’s heir interjected.“If they were working with a Tuann, that person could have shown them what they needed to remove.”
Pallas and Alexander stared at the girl like they had just realized she was in the room.
“How open minded of you.Most are like him.”Pallas nodded at Rhett.“Of course, no one could ever hope to hinder the mighty Tuann.Perish the thought.They’re too smart and superior for that.”
“Is that how you see the major Houses?”Rhett asked, failing to react to Pallas’s mocking tone.
Alexander answered in place of his brother.“It’s how we know you think.”
Rhett’s face was thoughtful as he glanced at Alexander.
Pallas regarded Tinsley with interest.“What made you come up with that theory?”
“It’s something I heard Roake’s heir say once.That the Sorrowing happened because of our own blindness.We failed to see what was right in front of us, simply because we couldn’t conceive of the seemingly impossible.I’d rather something like that didn’t happen again.”
Rhett shot her a sharp glance.“When did she say that?”
“Why should I tell you?If you’re interested in what Roake’s heir has to say, I suggest you have a proper conversation with her.You might learn something of interest.”
Kashori’s future was bright.Graydon had been there the one and only time she and Kira spoke face-to-face.The things hiscolihad shared were ground shaking, but she’d been very careful not to insinuate anything like this.The fact Tinsley had picked up on it anyways showed how astute and intelligent she was.
A slow smile spread over Pallas’s face as he scrutinized Tinsley.“I like you, little sprite.You’ve got gumption.”
Tinsley’s eyebrows twitched, her expression somewhere between pleased confusion.
“Quit teasing her,” Alexander ordered.
“Sometimes, brother, you act like an old man.Loosen up.Get laid.It’ll do wonders for your personality.”
The air froze.
For one moment, Alexander did nothing.
Slowly, methodically, he twisted to look at his brother.His shoulders bunched until the cords in his neck and arms stood out in stark relief.He seemed to grow, taking up more space than should have been possible.
Pallas watched all this play out, his tongue playing with his lip ring as a cruel little smile twisted his lips.“Ah, there he is.The berserker.”
“One more word, brother,” Alexander threatened.
“Or what?What will you do?”
Alexander’s nostrils flared as he took a deep breath that did nothing to calm him.“I guess you’ll find out.”
One of Tinsley’s guards tugged her backward as the other inserted himself between her and the other two, using his body as a shield in case of violence.
Rhett was calmer, his gaze considering as he studied the other two.
“Should we stop this?”Solal asked.
Graydon waved him off.“Sometimes it’s better to just let them get it out of their system.”
They might fight, but it was unlikely they’d do permanent damage.
Seeing their distraction, the human chose that moment to make his move.
Graydon sighed.
