Right now, they weren’t lovers.They were Face and Roake’s heir.Each with a job to do.
Graydon and Eurus arranged themselves behind the emperor as his oshota surrounded the room.
“At ease,” Torvald instructed.“Now then, I trust we all know why we’re here.”
Torvald’s gaze was penetrating as he peered at each of the Overlords.When he got to Harlow, there was a flash of something as his gaze darted to Jin at Kira’s side before it was quickly covered.
“Yes, I dare say the entire empire has heard what has happened by now,” Danai’s Overlord drawled with a provocative look in Harlow’s direction.
Harlow’s expression remained bland as he met Danai’s gaze.“As I said before, Roake regrets current events and is willing to make recompense.Although we are just as much a victim as Kashori and Asanth, we recognize the holes in our security that allowed something like this to happen.”
“A simple apology won’t bring back those lost,” Danai sniped.
“What type of recompense were you thinking?”Asanth’s interim lord asked.
“For Asanth, we’re willing to cede our claim to Delira.The planet is rich in resources that should go a long way to funding the repairs for damages sustained in the attack.For Kashori, the trade route in the Shaea belt.”
Kira could see the Overlords considering Harlow’s offer.
“This won’t make up for the hardship caused, but we hope it’s a start,” Harlow added.“We also plan to set aside five spots in ourruma ahfor both Asanth and Kashori.To be used at your discretion.No questions asked.”
Kira glanced at the side of Harlow’s face.More than the planet and trade route, that was a mighty big concession.
Roake’s apprenticeship program was among the best.Spots were highly coveted due to the exceptional warriors they turned out.Successfully passing Roake’sruma ahgave you an immediate advantage when it came to theadva ka.The Tuann’s other rite of passage.Even the emperor’s side tended to recruit from their graduates.
“Do you think that’s actually enough to make up for the lives lost?”Danai sneered.“Roake should pay in blood.The same amount that Kashori and Asanth lost would do for a start.”
There were rumbles from those assembled.Some of the oshota and highly placed civilian members of the major Houses looked like they were actually giving Danai’s suggestion serious consideration.
Kira took note of their faces.She might not be able to do anything to them right now but she’d memorize and file them away for later.
One day there might come a time when she could exact retribution.But that day wasn’t today.
Thankfully, they were in the minority.Most of the room seemed horrified at the proposal.
“When did Danai begin to speak for your Houses?”Harlow asked Helena and Asanth’s interim lord.“And why wasn’t Roake apprised that you’d sworn fealty to another?”
Helena shot Danai’s Overlord an unfriendly look.“Danai doesn’t speak for Kashori.”
“Nor Asanth,” the interim overlord added.
“That’s good to hear.”Harlow flicked a wintry look at Danai’s Overlord.“Let me be clear, Roake has already paid in blood.We lost several members when I initiated our Nexus’s self-destruct to avoid further damage to the city and palace.I promise you—any further bloodshed won’t be our own.”
Jin leaned into Kira’s side, his voice dropping to a whisper.“I think I want to be your uncle when I grow up.”
Funny—Kira thought she did too.
“Can someone please tell me why this child hasn’t been escorted out yet?”Danai demanded.“The adults are talking.”
Oh, wow.Just wow.
“He really went there,” Kira whispered.
Danai’s Overlord shot the emperor a disapproving look.“He may be your first born but you’re too lenient with him.”
Kira clamped down on Jin’s shoulder.Tension coiled in his muscles as he practically vibrated with the need to lunge across the table at Danai’s Overlord.
“Don’t give him what he wants,” Kira advised.
