Kira had always thought Graydon handsome.Brutally so.The sharp planes of his face conveyed power and fury.There was never any mistaking what he was.A warrior.
The rigid muscles that lined his arms and chest spoke to an existence dedicated to hard work and an endless training regimen that had resulted in wide shoulders and a chest that tapered into a narrow waist.
“I came as soon as I could,” Graydon told her.
Kira cupped his jaw, running her thumb along its length and smiling softly at the bristles she felt there.“I know you did.It’s good to see you.”
The admission felt torn out of her.A bit of vulnerability that even now she had to resist playing off like it didn’t matter.
Graydon touched her forehead with his.“I’ve missed you.”
Kira made a husky, choked sound.“Me too.”
More than she wished to admit.
His absence over the last few months had left a giant, mountain-sized hole in her life.He’d been away overseeing an expedition to the planet the Tsavitee had abandoned.
“Jin’s fine,” Graydon said before she could ask.“He’s awake and furious.Already demanding your release.”
A sob dragged at Kira’s throat.That was her Jin.
She’d felt him through the bond, but it was good to have confirmation.
“Elena and Elise are fine too.Wren got them out before the Nexus went up.”
Wanting to hide her tears, Kira pressed her face into the side of Graydon’s throat.He gently stroked her back.
“What about Finn and Raider?”
Despite how muffled Kira’s words were, Graydon understood.“A little banged up but they made it across the avenue.From the accounts I heard, they acquitted themselves well.They managed not to kill any of those who tried to obstruct their path.”
“That’s good.”
Very good.
She had barely dared to hope for such good news.Now that it was here, she felt almost light headed with relief.
Scrubbing at her eyes to wipe away the traces of her tears, Kira forced herself to pull back from Graydon.“When did you get back anyways?”
“A few hours ago.”
Kira didn’t ask why he hadn’t come to her immediately.His other duties would have taken precedence in a time like this.The emperor would have needed to be briefed on the situation and a plan made to address what had happened.
“It’s bad,” Graydon told her.“The Major Houses are calling for Harlow’s head.”
“Roake won’t give up its Overlord.”
One thing she was sure about her new family was that they were loyal to the bone.Even to save themselves, they wouldn’t disavow their Overlord.
“The emperor has called a meeting to discuss the situation, but there’s only so much he can do to run interference.With the Tuann rebellion straining our resources, he can’t afford to lose the loyalty of the Houses right now.It puts him in a difficult position.”
“What will happen if the emperor turns against Roake?”Kira asked.
“There are a variety of possible outcomes,” Graydon said carefully.
“Worst case?”
“He could exile the entire House.You would all become wanderers.”
