“Roake supports this,” Kira said.
“As does Luatha.”
“And Asanth stands with the emperor’s Face,” Rhett said.
“Kashori too,” Tinsley added.
Rhett’s smile was small.“As you can see, they have the sponsorship of four of the five Major Houses.They also possess a stronghold capable of hosting a Mea’Ave.Whether they will be able to successfully defend it remains up for debate, but they have a century to prove themselves.”
Alexander took over from there, adopting a formal voice as if speaking to a much larger audience than the one present.“The twenty-nine thanks the Major Houses who’ve agreed to sponsor our re-entry into Tuann society.”
Kira ignored Jin’s surprised sound.
Twenty-nine?According to Mars’s last words, it should have been thirty-five.
Either Mars was lying or some of her siblings had taken advantage of the chaos to break away from the main group.More than just the eight Mars had mentioned.Kira didn’t know if that was because they didn’t support this path or if there were more sinister implications.
Alexander was still speaking.“We will take the next twenty-nine months to accept newcomers to our ranks.Wanderer or Tuann.We don’t care as long as you can pledge loyalty to our House.House Asunder.”
“They’re transmitting this announcement,” Graydon murmured for Kira’s benefit.
Kira didn’t know what to think.Of Ryan.Of this new House.
Everything was changing.For good or ill.
“This is ridiculous,” Sariah declared.“If no one will stop this, I will.Have our ships open fire.”
The crew of Graydon’s ship launched into action, preparing to take evasive maneuvers.Only nothing happened.
A fact that seemed to surprise Sariah too.
“Did you not hear me?Open—”
Her words ended in a gurgle.The look of surprise on her face almost as gratifying as the blade sticking out of her chest.
“I’m afraid it’s not the emperor’s Face who has overstepped their authority but you,” Jarek whispered into Sariah’s ear.
Blood spilled from Sariah’s lips.“Traitor.”
“I’ve never strayed from my vows.”Jarek ripped the blade out of Sariah’s torso.“Which is more than I can say for you.”
Sariah crumpled to the ground, dead.
“Aww.I wanted to do that,” Kira muttered.
Jarek stole her kill.The bastard.As if she didn’t already have enough reason to hate him.
The inquisitor looked up at them with a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes.“I have to thank you for your assistance in this matter.I couldn’t have accomplished my mission so easily without you.”
Behind Jarek, inquisitors flooded the room, taking out the rest of Sariah’s co-conspirators.Kira had a feeling something similar was happening on every ship in Sariah’s fleet.The arrogant woman must have assumed Jarek was on her side.He used that to smuggle his own people into position.
“Eurus placed you under her on purpose,” Graydon guessed.
Jarek’s lips tilted up faintly on one side.“He and Lady Amaris suspected purists had infiltrated the Order and were working with the rebels for their own purposes.Turns out their fears were warranted.Keeping an eye on things was part of my penance for my earlier lack of judgement.”
Kira wasn’t sure what to think of this unexpected twist and she didn’t think she was the only one taken off guard.Graydon and Jin wore similarly suspicious looks on their faces.Neither one happy about Jarek’s sudden about face.
Before she could consider all the ramifications, Jarek’s gaze shifted to her.“Have you given any more thought in regards to our earlier conversation?”
