“And how are you going to get into Mir-Brennan Tower, My Lady?” His tone was respectful, yet brittle.
“There’s another way in … one only my family, and the Captain of the Lord’s Watch, know about.” She flashed him a tight smile. “Rest assured, we wouldn’t be going in if we didn’t have a solid plan.”
Her pulse quickened then, her skin prickling.
A solid plan … is that what you’ve got?
“Lady Jenna.” Commander Levi dragged a hand over his face, letting the strain show for the first time. “Your courage is to be commended, but I really must object. This is far too dangerous. With the clan-lord imprisoned, you are the heir to his seat. We need you here, leading the clan … not putting your life at risk.”
Jenna drew in a deep, steadying breath. She’d expected this reaction; even so, it was hard not to let her frustration show.
“This isn’t up for discussion, Commander,” she replied, injecting steel into her voice. An awkward pause followed before she added, “Don’t worry, I don’t make this decision lightly. I also have Captain Malik’s expertise and protection. I’m not doing this alone.”
The commander’s mouth thinned. “So, you are resolved, My Lady?”
“I am … but there are a few things I require your assistance with, Commander.”
“Very well.” Levi's tone was brusque now, although his gaze was resigned. “What do you need me to do?”
14. THE ROGUE CYBORG
JENNA WAS SITTING on the bed, scrolling through a list of Morhaven’s taverns and pleasure houses, when the door whispered open.
She glanced up to see Malik, carrying a large backpack over one shoulder, step inside. He’d showered and changed before going out. His hair had now dried into a crown of messy spikes that made her want to smooth it.
Clenching her jaw to quell the unwelcome urge, Jenna lowered her tablet. “Mission accomplished?”
He nodded, his gaze settling upon her. “I managed to get most things we’ll need.” He paused then. “And I’m pleased to see our earlier shopping trip was successful.”
Warmth crept across Jenna’s chest at the frankness of his stare. “You picked the right size, at least,” she said, keeping her tone light.
“I did,” Malik murmured. He’d removed his contact lenses earlier; his eyes were now that startling shade of violet once more. “Were you successful in contactingThe Star Tempest?”
“Yes … Levi Mir-Brennan will let the governors know I’m alive, and he’ll warn them against doing anything reckless, at present. The commander has also agreed to help us get off Idral once we rescue my family.TheStar Tempestand theStar Monarchwill be cloaked nearby … waiting to hear from me … as soon as we’re ready.”
“Glad to hear it.” Malik’s mouth lifted at the corners. “The Mir-Ferrins will swarm like sand-stingers when we free their prisoners. We won’t be leaving the planet without assistance.”
Anxiety fluttered up under Jenna’s ribs. “Commander Levi let me know that Tian’s put out a bounty on me,” she murmured.
His brow furrowed. “Really?”
She nodded. “Forty thousand credits.”
Malik muttered a curse. “Maybe you should stay in here, where it’s safe. I’ll find us mercs.”
Jenna shook her head before raising her chin in a silent challenge. “They’re looking for you too, remember? Both our pictures are all over the newsfeeds.” She paused then, holding his eye. “Anyway … this mission was my idea. I’m taking responsibility for whom I hire to help us rescue my family.”
Malik’s mouth thinned, a muscle in his jaw feathering. However, he held his tongue.
“Don’t worry, I’ll be careful. I’ll keep my hood up … and you should too,” she assured him. She then motioned to the tablet on her lap. “I’ve got a list of places we’re likely to find mercenaries. There are quite a few … I suppose we should start our search.”
“We should.” Malik dumped the heavy backpack at the foot of his bed and turned to face her once more. “Are you ready to go?”
Jenna surveyed the smoky interior ofThe Hook and Horn’scommon room. Their search for mercenaries who were both available to work, and agreeable to the job, had led them to a host of places.
But so far, they hadn’t found anyone suitable.
They’d been trawling taverns and pleasure hours for hours and were getting toward the end of the list she’d compiled.
