Threshold of Annihilation (The Firebird Chronicles #3) - T.A. White Page 0,74
of the Emperor. A beautiful, icy one.
She supposed the name of Face was apt, allowing the emperor to choose the aspects and personalities that best complemented his public persona. Graydon was the brute force that concealed an exceptional intellect. Kira was guessing the woman represented elegance and subtlety.
More and more she could respect this unknown emperor who seemed to make the most out of the people he placed by his side—even as she recognized the threat he could one day present.
The walkway extended over the placid lake. On the other side, several figures clad in black synth armor waited. Graydon's oshota. Kira had wondered where they got to.
Finn waited off to the side, his face expressionless as they approached.
"Yukina may look like a delicate flower, but she's the ambassador to the Haldeel. I'd be careful of her if I were you," Graydon warned as they neared the rest.
Translation—Yukina was treacherous—and knowing the Tuann, deceptively deadly. Qualities that would come in handy for any liaison to the Haldeel.
Her position as ambassador also explained her clothes.
Yukina stopped in front of the oshota, casting a contemplative glance at Kira. "Now that we're out of the Haldeel's seat of power, I'd be interested to know why they refer to you as za na ri. They don't even use that honorific when speaking to me."
There were a lot of things Kira could say to that. Most of them insulting. Things like maybe the Haldeel didn't like the woman or that she wasn't as special as she thought.
Kira said none of that. Not with Finn's careful expression warning her to tread lightly.
Diplomacy. Politeness. Blergh.
And the Tuann wondered why she went AWOL.
"You would have to ask the Haldeel. I’m unsure of the reason myself," Kira said in an exceptionally polite voice. She managed a soft smile.
Yukina's expression went cold. "I find that hard to believe."
Kira's lips stayed uplifted in a kind smile, but her eyes were wintry.
Yukina wasn't the only one who could channel an ice princess. Granted, it wasn't Kira's favorite persona to don. She much preferred smashing and bashing her way to victory, but when dealing with someone like Yukina, sometimes you had to fight on their level.
Yukina was the type of person who waged war through sharp words and cutting looks. Kira's least favorite kind of battle.
"You're free to believe what you like," Kira said.
Yukina's smile sharpened. "You're awfully brave. Do you know who I am?"
"Not particularly."
Nor did Kira care.
Yukina's attention shifted in Finn's direction. "You've picked an interesting oshota to have serve you. Are you aware they call him the curse?"
Kira didn't speak as Finn went motionless, his eyes blank.
If Kira hadn't known him as well as she did, she never would have spotted the fine tremble in his hands before he clenched them into fists.
"You're his third sword. The first was killed in battle. Finn was the only one to survive. The second he abandoned. I wonder which fate you'll experience."
This woman played a vicious game. She couldn't make Kira dance to her tune, so she went after the next best thing. Finn.
"I don't think I like you." Kira's voice sounded detached, as if it were coming from someone else.
"I'm heartbroken." Yukina's lips stretched into a feline smile. "Would you like to know another secret?"
Snap. Snap. Snap.
There went Kira's restraint.
"No."
Yukina seemed momentarily taken aback. "No?"
Kira sent Graydon an indifferent glance. "Do the Tuann usually find themselves unable to grasp such simple concepts? It seems like an unfortunate trait in an ambassador. Must cause all kinds of confusion with your allies."
Graydon's oshota stared in shock at Kira as if they couldn't believe her presumptuousness.
Finn looked alarmed.
For a breath no one moved.
A laugh that sounded like wind chimes came from Yukina. "You're very bold."
"And you're very annoying."
Great. They'd now pointed out the other's flaws. Time to hurry this game along.
If Yukina was like the rest of her race, she wouldn't allow herself to be insulted by someone she considered her inferior.
She'd retaliate.
Kira was looking forward to it.
Pressure built in the air between them, ratcheting up until the intensity fairly crackled.
Yukina and Kira stepped toward each other at the same time.
Graydon and Finn blocked Kira's path, Yukina's oshota doing the same to her.
"Move," Kira ordered calmly.
Finn didn't even bother shaking his head.
Graydon smirked. "I don't think so. Not today."
"You don't think I can win."
"It won't matter if you win or lose because you’ll take some damage." He quirked an eyebrow at her. "Don't you have other business to concern yourself with?"