Rhyst grunted, cutting her off. “Of course she understands you. Their species…”
“Humans,” Charlie filled in.
“Their species, humans, have similar tech for learning the language of strangers we encounter. It may seem, however, that we have encountered a difference and Cha’lii did not realize that her language would be downloaded into the universal systems the moment we entered the city.”
Ah, fuck.
“That said, I will not tolerate anyone abusing her. Cha’lii has come honorably with me after assisting me in my escape from the at’sahl who are among her people. She ought to be treated as an honorable prisoner. For that, she does not deserve your insult after she has come all this way to stand before the king. Not even from my dearest, only sister,” he added with a meaningful inflection.
Charlie fought to not grimace. Great, she basically just threatened and insulted his fucking sister of all people. His only, dearest sister. Maybe Ben had been right when he once told her that she needed to learn to be a little softer around the edges. She had punched him for the advice, if she recalled correctly.
She smiled at the memory before worry flooded through her. She really hoped that her friends were okay.
Turning away from the disconcerting press of the crowd, she looked up at the largest of the buildings dominating the square. Rhyst saw the direction of her attention and nodded toward each of the buildings.
“These are the temples of En’el, Esh’nahahl, and Inara Tahli. Among the holy presence they bestow their blessings upon the royal palace standing just before us.”
The palace was imposing, as in towered over every other building, the architecture declaring with every line the pride of the people. She flinched as the doors slammed open, and the attention of the crowd turned toward the palace.
In the distance, there was a flurry of movement as two tall emblems, like something a standard bearer might have once carried on Earth, emerged from the palace. The Tak’sinii parted, making a clear path to Rhyst and Charlie. It was only then that she was able to see a small contingent of armed a’sankh prowl forward as a tall, muscular male wearing flowing white and purple robes followed them. She knew from the high crown set on his brow, its fiery stone winking in the waning light of the setting sun, exactly who approached.
The king stopped before them with his entourage, his dark sapphire eyes narrowing on them until Rhyst plucked her from his back and stood her before him to face the cold regard of their ruler. Those eyes were as hard as the very stones they resembled as they looked her over, nostrils flaring as he drew in her scent.
Finally, he directed that attention to Rhyst. The shift was so much like a physical relief that she nearly let out a sigh in gratitude. Instead, she ran her thumb over the kit clinging to her and prayed this would be over soon.
“You have brought this at’sahl.”
“I did,” Rhyst affirmed. “I observed her people and allowed myself to be captured so I could learn more. Cha’lii helped me escape, and I have brought her to bear witness on behalf of her people as well as to meet with our grievances against them.”
The king’s scrutiny fell on her again, and she felt as if she were being weighed. She tried not to fidget. Life experiences had taught her to not attract attention, to lower her eyes when she was addressed by anyone above her station. Being with Rhyst over the last few days had freed her from that existence, and she didn’t want to go back to it. Instead, she inclined her head in a partial bow rather than drop her eyes.
“I do not tolerate at’sahl near our territory. However, in light of her assistance, I will permit her to remain within the limits of our city until I have examined all evidence that you have brought to me, Rhyst Emat’teln. You will be solely responsible for this offworlder until that time.”
Charlie’s brow beetled. Evidence that Rhyst brought him? He had escaped with nothing but his fur. Ag’hana cleared her throat, catching her attention. The female pointed her eye—the same eye that was mechanical on Rhyst. His eye recorded information! That explained how he had managed to find his way so easily through the lab. But how would they access his eye? Her stomach turned as she imagined the eye removed to be docked. Gods, she hoped that wasn’t how they