Ryon released a breath as Kira sat across from Brooke. “It was only by the gods—er, god—that I was able to kill Zamara, ma’am.”
“Aeo did a great thing through you, and I can never repay that debt.” Brooke’s eyes smoldered like cauldrons stewing a multitude of emotions. “But tell me what you want, and if it lies within my power to grant, it will be yours.”
Kira glanced up at Ryon, and he didn’t know what to do besides slightly shrug.
“If I could have anything, I would wish for my younger brother back. Or for my mother to be cured.” Kira looked down at her folded hands in her lap. “But within your power . . . There are Emberhawk orphans living in root-tunnels beneath the city. I know it’s not the best time to ask, but as Jadenvive is rebuilt, would you build an orphanage for them?”
Ryon’s heart felt like it burst, and the remains congealed around Kira. Creator, please let me have this woman!
A lopsided smile grew on Brooke’s face. She was watching him with a knowing look in her eye. But Ryon didn’t care—she could tease him all she wanted. He loved Kira, and the whole continent would know of it.
“Done,” Brooke said. “However, this is something that I should have done anyway, and I will see done regardless.” She flicked a braid so its end brushed her lips. “Choose something else.”
“Ryon, then.” Kira glanced up at Ryon for a half second, stopping his heart. “His eyesight was damaged as he fought to defend the city. But I think he still wants to work for you.”
Kira paused and looked at Ryon again, but his tongue didn’t work. “Balemba, you don’t have to—”
“Will you give him a better job—one that he will love?”
Brooke’s smile faded onto a hard frown at Ryon. “Your eyes were damaged?”
“Yes, but Feli—a friend is getting me lenses. I might still be able to—”
“Did you think I would fire you?” Brooke demanded.
“N-no, I—”
Brooke huffed and waved a hand to cut him off. She looked back to Kira. “Idryon is one of my best. I would never abandon him, especially if he were injured while protecting our people.” Her smirk returned. “It’s adorable that you’re trying to make him happy with your wishes, but you’re probably the only one who can really do that.”
Ryon felt himself flush as Kira squirmed. Brooke stood before either of them had a chance to respond. “Ryon, you will remain by my side for the next week for training.”
His mind blanked. Training for what? He needed to escort Kira home! “But I . . . ”
Brooke silenced him with a firm look that defied her exhaustion. “Dimbae, send summons for the leaders of every tribe, including the Emberhawk.” Something flashed in her eye. “And find Lysander.”
A bull of a man appeared behind her from thin air. “It will be done, Chieftess.”
Tekkyn must have been cut free from his bonds, because he stood and rubbed his wrists. “Please allow the Navakovrae Resistance leaders to meet with you as well.”
Brooke nodded. “We will speak of your rebellion soon. For now, you’re free to go.” She gestured toward the metal doors with a flick of her wrist. “Oh, and Ryon . . .”
Ryon willed his reeling mind to respond. “Ma’am?”
“Give Felix my thanks.”
His thoughts evaporated. “Uh . . . I—”
“Also tell him that little girls don’t know how to keep secrets.” Brooke smirked, then winked at Kira. “But don’t worry. I do.”
48
KIRALAU
Vibrant grass, still wet with morning dew, cooled Kira’s toes. She took a deep breath and savored the scent of rain.
It had poured every day since she and Tekkyn had returned to their father’s ranch, so much so that the Navakovrae were on high alert for flooding on the plains. It had made transporting Lee’s body and digging his grave difficult.
At least the sun peeked through this morning. Kira leaned forward and plucked the grass that waved between her knees. She twirled it between her fingers and thought of Ryon for the hundredth time.
He should be coming soon to meet her parents; she’d hoped he would arrive yesterday. She didn’t realize being away from him would be so hard—especially with the remains of their hay barn constantly reminding her of him. If she didn’t see him along the road during the trade run to Navarro, her heart would rot.
“Don’t get all flustered about it, girl!” Granny’s words ricocheted through her head. “You’ll get sick from worry.