God, she loved that he could do that.
“We’re getting off track,” Eurus announced.“We’re here to discuss recompense for the attacks.As victims, Kashori and Asanth are the only ones with a say.”
“Since Asanth’s Overlord isn’t present to speak on his House’s behalf, I motion that this discussion be postponed until he can attend,” Elias objected.
The interim lord cast him a cool look.“No need.My Overlord has given me full authority in this matter.Question my honor again and Danai will be the one we declare a blood feud against.”
Liara added her voice to the proceedings.“Don’t think the rest of us have forgotten about your absence in the aftermath of the rebel’s last attack.I already have questions regarding your commitment and loyalty to this empire.Continue to stir strife at such a turbulent time as this and there will be consequences.I’ll make sure of it.”
“I didn’t know your cousin had it in her,” Jin whispered.
Kira hadn’t either.
Elias’s features were rigid with fury as he tried to intimidate Liara into backing down.
Her cousin was unruffled, holding Elias’s gaze with an exasperating calm.
Seeing that Liara wasn’t going to be cowed, Elias changed tactics.“Are you sure this isn’t just about protecting your cousin?”
“It is none of Danai’s business who Luatha chooses to support,” Liara said.
“Does your House agree?”
Roderick glowered.“Luatha stands with its Overlord.”
Elias smirked, crossing one leg over the other as if he thought he’d won that encounter.
“Asanth accepts Roake’s offer,” the interim overlord announced into the silence.
That wiped the smirk off Elias’s face.
“What say Kashori?”Torvald quickly asked.
Helena appeared to be thinking.“If Roake’s heir can deliver on what was previously discussed, I’m willing to allow Roake to make things right.Providing, of course, that they supply assurances that those whose likenesses were used were not co-conspirators.”
Kira’s breath whooshed out of her in relief.
They were safe.
Roake was safe.
“This is ridiculous,” Elias objected.
Behind him, his oshota looked equally upset.
Kira saw a little of that same unhappiness reflected on the faces of those along the wall.Regardless of House affiliation.
The sight sobered her.
“It’s done,” Torvald announced, cutting off any further objections.“Now I want to be briefed as to what has been done since the attack.Where are we on tracking the perpetrators?”
Harlow set a memory stone on the table in front of him.“Roake will go first.”
He touched the stone.Light flickered within its semi translucent depths.A spark of blue.Then another.And another.Until the color swirled throughout.When it had turned opaque, a hologram formed above it.
The room’s lights dimmed to make the projection easier to see.
Kira stared at the image of four Tuann.All wearing Roake colors.
