Rules of Redemption (The Firebird Chronicles #1) - T.A. White Page 0,53
Amila said, moving closer and breaking the bubble of space she and Baran normally afforded Kira. “It’ll prevent any unapproved ships from approaching the planet.”
Kira frowned as she turned her attention to the mine. She’d never seen anything like it. She would have liked to get closer, maybe run tests on it, see what it could do.
"It is nearly time to disembark," Amila politely informed her. "We've been asked to report to the shuttles."
Sounded good to Kira. Whatever it took to get this over and done with.
"Where's Baran?" Kira asked, noticing her second shadow was nowhere present. While Amila and he took turns following her around, she had assumed both would be present for this transfer.
"He's been given another task," Amila said.
Finally. One person watching over her would be a lot easier to shake than two.
Kira and Jin followed Amila as she led them to the shuttle bay which was filled with several small spacecraft. Kira took a moment to admire the many shapes and sizes, noting their differences and wishing she had the chance to fly some of them.
Amila led them to a midsized surface-to-space shuttle. Inside, a dark wood accented the pilot seats, each one slightly different from the next. Graydon and the rest of his oshota waited inside.
Kira looked around, noting the lack of any humans. "Where are the Curs?"
Graydon’s smile was dangerous, the light in his eyes taunting. "They’re taking a different shuttle."
Kira narrowed her eyes. That was not the answer she wanted.
His smile broadened as he sent her a look inviting her to do her worst. He'd better watch out. She might take him up on his offer.
She made a show of looking around. "There seems to be plenty of room on this ship. Inviting them on board would certainly ease my mind."
His smile widened into a wicked grin. "I didn’t think you were so easily unsettled. Perhaps a pacifier might calm your nerves."
Jin made a choking sound next to her at the insinuation she was acting like a baby.
Kira didn't react, her face remaining emotionless as an icy smile formed. It was on. "Perhaps it's not me who needs a security blanket. Are you afraid the extra weight will affect our re-entry?"
One of Graydon's guards smothered a laugh at the insult.
"Not at all. I thought to spare your delicate sensibilities, given your upbringing among the frail humans," he returned easily.
Frail her ass. She'd like to see him break atmo in a wave runner suit with the remains of a dying ship coming down around him while Tsavitee artillery fire targeted him from the planet's surface. They'd see who was frail then.
Her smile became sugary sweet. Jin muttered a curse next to her. "Well, aren't you thoughtful? Too bad you're as dumb as a rock. I suppose intelligence isn't really required of a man in your position."
"Oh god," Jin said, feeling in his voice.
Graydon's expression turned deadly. Before he could say anything, a small form burst onto the shuttle. Ziva wrapped herself around Kira's waist.
"You're here. I've been waiting for days to see you again," Ziva said, tilting her head to look at Kira.
Her expression was cute and designed to pull on a person's heartstrings. Kira couldn't tell if it was a façade or if she was doing it unintentionally.
Joule followed at a more sedate pace, his young face much too mature for his years. His half-bow surprised Kira. He hadn't been nearly as polite by the end of their previous encounter.
"Lady, I hope you are well," he said formally. He was a miniature adult, precious in his solemnity.
Kira fought against showing any amusement, knowing he'd probably see it as an insult.
"The same to you," Kira managed.
Graydon and the rest of his guards watched the interaction with interest, something the boy seemed to realize.
"Would you consider sitting with Ziva and me for the journey?" he asked.
Kira gave him a small nod of agreement.
He pulled his sister away and together they found a seat next to one of the starboard side windows.
Graydon stepped up beside Kira. "The two of them are in a difficult position. It's likely he will ask for your help."
"How so?" She had little to give. She wasn't even in control of her own destiny at the moment.
"Their former House owes allegiance to your House. Having your esteem may strengthen the position of what remains of their House," Graydon said.
Kira tilted her head as she studied Graydon. It sounded an awful lot like he was trying to persuade her.