Threshold of Annihilation (The Firebird Chronicles #3) - T.A. White Page 0,31
quality that didn't seem to extend to the Chancellor of House Kashori. The man was dogged in his determination to win concessions for his House.
"There are hundreds of Tuann who plan to go down to the planet. It is unreasonable to expect all of our people to use the Haldeel dropships to come and go," Torin said.
Graydon bared his teeth at the man, his expression not particularly nice. "These are the terms of the quorum, as set by the Haldeel."
Did House Kashori think they were special in some way?
"They've never had those requirements before," Torin argued, unwilling to let the matter drop.
True enough. The restrictions on who could visit and how they would get there were new but well within the rights of the host to set.
"They don't need to explain themselves to us," Graydon ground out. "Just as we have no need to explain ourselves to them. These are the conditions for us to attend. They will be followed to the letter."
Even if Graydon had to break a few bones to ensure the cooperation of the various Houses.
Part of the reasoning behind the Haldeel's request was easy to see—at least on first glance. They likely hoped to foster an air of cooperation and camaraderie among the Tuann and the humans whose relationship could be classified as uneasy at best.
Only a very select few attributed the truth of the new requirements to the Tsavitee.
A short distance away, two Tuann of different Houses bumped into each other. Instead of apologizing and moving on, they bristled, violence and antagonism threatening to spill into bloodshed.
Graydon strangled his urge to flatten the idiots. He signaled for one of his oshota to take care of it.
Diplomacy required a delicate touch, and Graydon simply didn't have the control for it today.
He was too volatile, impatience lurking under his skin like a constant itch.
Noor bowed before heading toward where the two idiots were now shoving each other. The smaller one stumbled, bumping into Noor's chest. He whirled; an arm already cocked.
Catching sight of the matte black of Noor's synth armor, the Tuann's eyes widened in horror.
Noor simply looked at him.
The man who'd shoved the Tuann finally displayed a hint of common sense. He spun on his heel, striding away at a pace that wasn’t quite a run.
The man who had collided with Noor dropped his fist. He muttered an apology before disappearing into the crowd in the same direction as the first.
Noor caught Graydon's eye, a small quirk to his lips.
Solal moved up to his side. "I've received a message from Baran."
Graydon didn't react outwardly. To Torin, he said, "You're dismissed. House Kashori will abide by the Haldeel's rules, along with everyone else."
Graydon didn't have to include a threat in that statement. Noor's actions were a perfect example of what would happen if Graydon wasn't obeyed.
Graydon strode away, leaving Torin gaping at him like an out of water fish.
"Where is he?" Graydon asked Solal.
"Waiting in your quarters."
Graydon picked up his pace, feeling a sense of rising anticipation that burned away the frustration and boredom of the past couple of weeks.
Just wait, Kira. This was only the start.
*
Baran wasn't the only one Graydon found waiting for him when he reached his quarters. His oshota stood at attention on one side of the room, watching Graydon’s other guests.
A man stood guard over a seated woman as she sipped from one of his teacups.
She didn't look up as he entered, seemingly engrossed in the contents of her cup.
Despite the long flowing robes she wore, the woman was Tuann. Her face had a kind of perfection that was rare. A cold beauty a man could get lost in. She looked like a goddess descended onto the mortal realm.
Black hair fell in a thick sheet down her back, her eyes large and her lips painted red as they curved into a chilly smile.
"Little storm, you've finally seen fit to join us."
Graydon raised one eyebrow. "I wasn't aware I was expected, Yukina."
Graydon gave a nod of respect to the imposing man at Yukina's side. Tall, with a build similar to Graydon's, he had brown skin and gold eyes that seemed to see everything.
He'd positioned himself in the role of an observer.
"What are you doing in my quarters?" Graydon asked.
Yukina took another sip. "You seemed so interested, how could I not be curious?"
Graydon didn't ask how she'd found out about Baran's presence or why she felt the need to pry.
As an Emperor's Face herself, Yukina had her own way of doing things.