Threshold of Annihilation (The Firebird Chronicles #3) - T.A. White Page 0,126
expression. "If I remember correct, wasn't that the source of a minor scandal?"
Yukina’s stare drilled into Kira. “Yes, a Haldeel higher echelon family was caught trying to pass the offspring of a distant branch as a candidate for the Ascension using the scores of another.”
Yukina’s lips curled in a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “When the deception was discovered, the child responsible for those results deposed the imposter. It was a bloody affair, I’m told.”
That would explain Tierni’s current position—and perhaps some of why Kira and Jin weren’t arrested for their actions.
“Your royal made quite the splash on her return. Her first act was reforming the laws around the Vertier,” Yukina added.
“She’s garnered a reputation since her Ascension,” Torvald said, sounding approving.
Yukina's stare drilled into Kira. "You’re lucky you didn’t die. The Vertier has a warrior sect within it."
“I’m aware,” Kira said.
They’d sent those warriors after Tierni and Lieven. Never again did she want to face a Haldeel in battle.
"What could have possessed you to be so reckless?" Wren asked.
Kira lifted a shoulder. "It involved a child."
For her, that was the only reason that mattered.
She could never walk away from a child who needed her help. It was a weakness she knew the Tsavitee might one day try to take advantage of. Even so, she had no desire to fix the chink in her armor. It was what made all the rest bearable. It made her feel clean.
Ignoring Tierni’s situation had been impossible—especially in those days.
Raider stretched one arm across his armchair and leaned back. "You found Tsavitee meddling, didn't you?"
"There was the suggestion of their hand in the mix," Kira allowed. "No proof however."
Just her gut feeling.
While the Tsavitee gave the appearance of defeat after the war, it was a cover to launch a much more insidious attack—one that sought to take advantage of the fact everyone believed them gone.
"It's obvious from the royal that whatever Kira's actions, they were seen as legitimate by the Haldeel," Yukina said after a projected silence. "We have no reason to reject their invitation to tomorrow’s banquet. Kira will attend with the rest of those who’ve distinguished themselves today so as not to insult our hosts."
She sent a hard look in Kira's direction. "There will be no surprises during this banquet. No fights, no scuttling of ships. Nothing. Am I clear?"
Kira really wanted to know exactly what sort of person Yukina thought she was. It was almost like the Emperor's Face didn't trust her.
Seeing Kira didn't have an argument, Yukina flicked her fingers toward the door and sat back. "You're dismissed."
Kira excused herself, Raider following.
Kira headed toward the room Auralyn had shown her to last night.
Two corridors later she finally looked at the man at her side. "Is there a reason you're shadowing me?"
Raider stuck his hands in his pockets. "Just waiting."
"For what?"
"To see if you'll keep your side of the bargain."
Kira's footsteps came to a halt as she watched him out of the corner of her eye. "It looks like there's no need for that since you already know."
Raider smirked but said nothing else.
Seeing Elena rocket around the corner, Kira started toward her. "No matter what, make sure you're on the station tomorrow night."
Raider sent her a startled glance. "You have a plan?"
Kira made a mmm of agreement.
"Will it start a war?" he asked.
"Don't be ridiculous. Even I know better than that."
Seeing Elena's suspicious gaze as she slowed in front of them, Kira reached out to ruffle her hair only for her niece to duck away with an expression of disgust.
Kira's hand froze in midair as she stared at it, feeling a similar repulsion. It wasn't that she'd forgotten she was covered in saliva—it was far too repulsive for her to do that—but she'd put it on the backburner until seeing Elena's expression.
"I'll leave the two of you to get caught up. I'm going to get a shower," Kira said.
Kira walked away. Despite her assurance to Raider, Kira wasn't entirely sure what she'd do if the Haldeel rejected her offer. One thing was for sure—she wasn't leaving the station until she talked to the woman who wore Elise’s face.
TWENTY
AN HOUR LATER, Kira climbed out of the shower. Steam escaped from the stall, curling around her body as she reached for one of the fluffy towels on the counter.
Her motions were quick as she dried off.
She paused as she caught her blurred reflection in the mirror. The condensation that had formed distorted Kira's image, veiling her features until they were indistinct.