She’d said consort not mate. Mirella exhaled. The queen didn’t know Letos was a genetic match for her granddaughter. Before Mirella could think of a response, Queen Aurelia shook her head, clearly disappointed. “I expected more of you, Mirella.”
She lowered her gaze, feeling humiliated and angry. “You’re right, of course. I apologize.” The words erupted automatically, but Mirella hated herself for every syllable. Every time she faced off with her grandmother she intended to speak her mind, she swore she’d stand up for herself, and always she buckled. It was so frustrating.
“Oh, I almost forgot.” She waited until Mirella looked up before continuing, “King Lotar of the Fire Islands is concerned. Apparently, his nephew Vox hasn’t checked in with his family for several days. Lotar isn’t certain the rebels are involved, but Vox has the sort of temperament that would be tempted by this sort of thing.”
“I’ll ask the Triad if they know the current location of Prince Vox.”
“Perfect. Contact me after your meeting.” Without further ado, Queen Aurelia terminated the connection.
* * * * *
“You’re absolutely sure about this?” Letos searched Bandar’s eyes, hoping to find a glimmer of amusement that would indicate his friend was joking. This had to be a joke.
“I knew something wasn’t right about her, so I compared her facial scans with our archived images. I came up with three possibilities,” Bandar explained. “Then a DNA match confirmed my suspicions. I’m not mistaken. DNA doesn’t lie.”
“Do I even want to know how you got her DNA?” Letos grumbled.
Bandar’s only response was a wicked smile.
“Now you’ve made me curious,” Haven said. “How did you get her DNA?”
“Off a wineglass,” Bandar told her. “The domestic staff cleaned Letos’s office and Bylerium intercepted it for me.”
Letos sighed, unable to find any other outlet for his frustration and anger. “Mirella Menjani is the daughter of Pern Keire and one of his war brides?”
“His last and favorite,” Bandar confirmed. “Her grandmother is Queen Aurelia, she wasn’t lying about that, but her father was Crown Stirate of Rodymia.”
“Then she’s not here to negotiate. She’s here to take over.” Haven sounded almost as shocked as Letos felt.
“We don’t know that,” Letos insisted. “Her Rodyte blood could be the reason she wants this peace treaty.”
“Then why didn’t she tell us? Why withhold something so vital if her motivation is peace?” Bandar wasn’t gloating. He presented information and allowed them to draw their own conclusions.
Rather than respond immediately, Letos paused to absorb the implications. If Mirella was a direct descendant of Pern Keire, she had a valid claim to the throne. It was a possibility that never occurred to the battle born. To their knowledge Quinton Keire was the last of his line. Removing him had created a vacuum that had to be filled. It stood to reason that this was the perfect opportunity to make changes to Rodymia’s power structure. Certain groups within Rodyte society were underrepresented. The Triad was supposed to correct this imbalance.
Still, the Rodyte people hadn’t voted to disband the monarchy. The rebels had basically forced their will on the masses. Letos was pretty sure no one missed Quinton Keire, but would they miss having a monarch?
Letos shook his head. The Triad had no hope of combating Mirella’s stealthy attack unless they were united in their approach to the conflict. “In the spirit of complete disclosure,” he took a deep breath, dreading their reaction to what he was about to say. “Ambassador Menjani and I are genetically compatible. I’m not sure if she’s aware of the fact or not, but I’m certain of it.”
Bandar stilled, likely analyzing the possible uses for the fact. The battle born were nothing if not strategic.
Haven scooted closer to the table. “Have you ever encountered a possible mate before?”
Letos shook his head, not sure what else to say.
“Do you intend to pursue her?” Bandar wanted to know.
“Before this conversation, I did. Now I’m not sure what I should do.”
Haven nodded, but her expression remained solemn. “Do we ask her to join the council? She has a right to that much at least?”
Again Letos shook his head. “A four-member panel can be deadlocked too easily. There were very specific reasons for how the Triad was set up.”
“As long as she’s lying to us, all of this is moot,” Haven flared suddenly. “She should have been honest from the beginning.”
“Like you were when Javin died?” Haven had conspired to hide the truth for several months, afraid of the consequences of his untimely death. Still, it was a cheap shot and she didn’t deserve it. “I’m sorry. That was uncalled for.”
Haven accepted the apology with a nod. “We all have secrets. We can’t blame Mirella for not trusting us. However, we can’t proceed in good faith until she admits to the omission.”
“I agree,” Letos told her.
“I don’t see why we should proceed at all,” Bandar insisted. “Send her back to Bilarri.”
“Give me today,” Letos countered. “I’ll see if I can shake her up, maybe rattle a confession out of her.”
Bandar laughed. “Is that what they’re calling it these days?” Letos just glared at him, so he continued, “You want her in your bed. There’s no reason to continue with this farce.”
“No reason?” Letos threw up his hands, genuinely baffled by the phrase. “We’ve been at war longer than you’ve been alive. Does peace hold no meaning to you?”
Bandar pushed back his chair and stood. Letos thought he’d storm from the room, again. Instead he spoke in deliberate phrases, while his gaze drilled into Letos’s. “I want peace as much as you do, but nothing worth having develops out of half-truths and outright lies.”
Letos nodded once, acknowledging the statement. “I don’t think she realizes that I’m her mate, but it might work to our advantage if she did.”
“In other words, you can’t wait to kiss her and see how she reacts.” Bandar slowly shook his head. “If you want to screw her, then screw her. Don’t dress it up in false motivations.”
Haven ignored the outburst, continuing on as if Bandar hadn’t spoken. “And if you can’t get her to confess?”
Letos followed her lead, focusing on her as if Bandar didn’t exist. “Then I’ll confront her with what we know. She’ll have no choice but to reveal her intentions once I’ve blown her cover.”
“And this is why we can’t have a fourth person on the panel.” Bandar pushed in his chair and waited for them to acknowledge him again. “How will you two gang up on me if there are four of us?”
Haven smiled and Letos relaxed a little.
“I can’t help wondering if Paytor had a hand in this fiasco,” Bandar went on. “He’s been obsessively loyal to Quinton through all of this.”
“The thought definitely crossed my mind,” Letos agreed. “Let’s take out one target at a time. Let me figure out what Mirella is really up to, then we’ll refocus on Paytor.”
Bandar finally nodded. “Until tomorrow.” Then he strode from the council chamber.
Letos looked at Haven. “This will work best if I’m alone when she arrives.”
“Not a problem.” She stood as well and followed Bandar from the room.
Chapter Four
Over an hour passed before the Endeavor’s com-system notified Mirella that she was invited to IG Headquarters for an informal meeting. Letos had sent the message, but he didn’t indicate if they were the only two invited or if she’d be meeting with the Triad. Either way, she’d be more comfortable without her entourage watching and listening to everything that took place. Fobitar would do whatever she told him if she really put her foot down, so she summoned Xorran to her cabin.
“What can I do for you?” the Rodyte asked after they’d exchanged the expected pleasantries.
“I want only either you or Fobitar to
accompany me to IG Headquarters and then I expect you to remain outside the room while I speak with the Triad.”
He dipped his head and a ghost of a smile curved his lips. “We already came to the same conclusion, ma’am. IG Headquarters has excellent security, and your panic button will allow us to intervene if anything goes wrong.”
He was being suspiciously cooperative. She studied his features objectively. Most would find him handsome, she supposed. But his stubbornness and loyalty put them at odds. “Good. I expected more of a fight.”
“I don’t want to fight with you.”
He sounded so sincere, she had to ask, “What do you want?”
His gaze darted away and tension crept across his features. “I’m not sure anymore.”
She was highly suspicious that her grandmother was recording everything that took place in this cabin, so she decided not to indulge her curiosity until they’d left the ship. “Are you ready to depart?”
“I am.”
“Then let’s get moving.” She held out both hands. With obvious reluctance he moved closer and clasped her wrists. “Teleportation isn’t painful.” It was amusing to see such a big, burly man so unnerved by something she’d been doing since she was ten.
“I don’t like bio-streaming any better,” he grumbled. “I much prefer a ship, with myself at the controls.”
“No doubt.” Most males, especially Rodyte males preferred to be in control. She closed her eyes and visualized their destination, a small patch of grass in front of IG Headquarters. Tuning out everything else, she drew forth energy, letting it build and intensify until her entire body vibrated with the current. Her fingers tightened against his thick wrists as the concentration became painful. Then she released her metaphysical hold, like a slingshot, and let energy project them through space.
They materialized with an abrupt jolt and Xorran gasped. He grasped his knees and panted, his swarthy face suddenly white.
“Are you all right?”
“I will be.” He continued to pant. “I told you, I’m not good at this sort of thing.”
She found his vulnerability oddly endearing. It made him seem less intimidating, less hostile. “May I ask a personal question?”
He glanced at her, color slowly returning to his face. “You can ask.”
“But will you answer?”
“Depends on the question.” Straightening his back, he looked around. Many Rodytes glanced at them as they passed on adjacent walkways, but no one stopped to confront them.
“Are you battle born?”
Defiance flashed through his eyes, but disappeared as quickly as it flickered to life. “I am. As are you.”
“There’s no need for defensiveness. I was simply curious.”
“My I speak frankly?”
“Why not? I too can choose not to answer.”
He started to speak, then closed his mouth, apparently changing his mind.
“Go on. You clearly have something to say.”
He took a deep breath then clasped his hands behind his back. “I knew your father. I didn’t approve of many of his actions, but people have forgotten all the good he accomplished. He loved the Rodyte people and always put our planet first.”
Xorran hadn’t used her father’s name. It was unlikely they were being observed, but they both knew better than to speak recklessly. “He was also merciless, killing without regret,” Mirella pointed out.
“I’m well aware of his dark side. I served aboard his ship for seven years.”
Thoughts of her father always left her conflicted and confused. She knew he was a murderer, that his obsession with genetic manipulation had caused countless “test subjects” to die in agony, but she also knew him as loving father and devoted husband. He had never raised his hand to her or her mother, hardly even raised his voice. It was as if he transformed into another person whenever he left his ship.
Uncomfortable with the memories, she prompted, “Did you have a question or not?”
“Your grandmother is clearly strong-willed, but she’s a kitten compared to your father.”
“That’s a fascinating analogy, but it wasn’t a question.”
He raised his chin and looked into her eyes. “Why do you let them bully you? A conqueror’s blood flows through your veins. How can you allow yourself to be used?”
She should have been insulted by his impertinence, but she wasn’t. Similar thoughts had been plaguing her for several months now. “For the same reasons you remain loyal to a madman.”
“Honor and obligation?”
She nodded then moved closer and lowered her voice. “How many aboard the Triumphant would defend your boss if he came under attack by the rebels?”
Xorran stilled, looked around, then spoke in barely a whisper. “Is this what you and Letos were plotting last night?”
She shook her head and stepped back, not wanting their position to draw attention. “It was a thought.” It was obvious he wasn’t going to answer her question, so she started for the front door of IG Headquarters.
Xorran remained silent and sullen as they passed through security. They were told to wait for Bylerium, which annoyed Mirella. She never would have kept a VIP waiting.
“The answer is very few.”
Xorran waited so long to answer, she almost forgot the question. Very few would defend Paytor if the battle born attacked him. Interesting. “Honor and obligation only go so far?”
He nodded. “The rebels have more to offer us than my boss.”
Bylerium came striding across the lobby then, ending her conversation with Xorran. “Sorry to keep you waiting. I had to resolve a minor emergency.”
It was likely that they were under surveillance now, so Mirella reinforced her role. “It’s insulting that anything took precedence over me. I am a royal ambassador.”
“I apologize, Your Highness. It will not happen again.”
The proper way to address her was “Your Royal Highness”, but none of the Rodytes had gotten it right so she didn’t correct him.
He motioned to the doorway across the lobby from where they stood. Mirella nodded once then headed in that direction. She expected to be led back to the council chamber. Instead he took her to an elevator that could only be accessed by a facial scan. She exchanged concerned looks with Xorran as they stepped inside the lift. Where was Bylerium taking her?
Without explanation, the Rodyte guard led them out of the elevator and down a posh corridor. Unlike the main level that was decorated in ivory and gold, this level was more sedate, almost understated. They passed several doors, but Mirella couldn’t help noticing how much space there was between each door. The rooms, more like suites, must be enormous.
Bylerium finally stepped in front of a door at the end of the hallway. He scanned open the portal then motioned her inside without entering himself.
Xorran touched her arm. “Allow me.”
The insistency in his tone made her smile. He’d agreed to give her privacy, but he wouldn’t allow her to race headlong into danger. “Of course.”
He pushed the door open and entered the room. Mirella followed as far as the doorway, but remained there until Xorran checked things out. Her gaze was immediately drawn to the massive curved window that made up the outer wall. This was some sort of observatory, she realized.
“Will it be just you and Her Highness this morning?” Xorran sounded annoyed.
Mirella dragged her gaze away from the stunning view to see who Xorran addressed. Letos stood near the window, dressed in a business suit similar to the one he’d worn the day before. The dark gray jacket was unbuttoned, but he still looked debonair, and a bit dangerous.
“It will,” he told Xorran, but his gaze lingered on her.
She straightened her posture and walked toward him with well-practiced grace. “Good morning,” she greeted as she reached him.
“Shall I remain here or await you in the corridor?”
Xorran was clearly reluctant to leave her alone
with Letos, but she wanted nothing more. “In the corridor. Thank you.”
After a tense nod, he retraced his steps to the door and let himself out.
“He did not want to leave you alone with me.” Letos grinned. “I wonder why.”
She returned his smile, unable to resist his subtle charm. “I can’t imagine.”
“Would you like something to eat or drink?”
“Not right now, but before I forget, King Lotar of the Fire Islands is concerned about his nephew, Vox. The king has reason to believe Vox is interacting with the battle born, but Vox hasn’t spoken with anyone in his family for several days. They’re starting to worry that something serious is wrong. Do you happen to know his current whereabouts?”
“I’ve heard the name, so I’m pretty sure the king is right. Vox is interacting with the battle born. Unfortunately, that’s all I know. I’ll ask General Nox for an update.”
“Thank you.” She turned and faced the window. “It’s really quite beautiful.” Bilarrian architecture was all harmonious curves and smooth surfaces. Rodyte builders, on the other hand, preferred dramatic angles and soaring spires. Everywhere she looked pointed towers stabbed into the sky. “Is this all part of the capital?” If the city had an official name, she’d never heard it. Everyone she knew simply referred to the city as “the capital”.
“The outer sections began as suburbs, but the capital has spread until it’s all one rambling city.”
“And where do you live?” Any personal interest would encourage him, but she couldn’t seem to keep things professional whenever she looked into his eyes.
“There’s a penthouse that belongs to the guild master. I’m currently living there.” He flashed another rakish smile then asked, “Would you like to see it?”
“It think it’s safer to remain here.”
His smile faded and he moved even closer. “You’re always safe with me, Mirella. I would never do anything you didn’t want me to.”
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