A starmap, Kira realized, fascination compelling her forward. It was a three-dimensional map of the galaxy, incredibly detailed and surprisingly realistic.
Thoughts and plans raced through her head. What she couldn't do with an invaluable tool like that. Himoto would go crazy if he knew the Tuann were sitting on maps as comprehensive as what was in front of her.
Graydon snagged her arm and drew her several steps away before she could get any closer. With effort, Kira managed to drag her attention from the many pinpricks of light to focus on the male nuisance at her side.
"What is your problem now?" she asked.
"Besides the fact you have already survived two attempts on your life, yet you stand here with no protection? Again," he finished with a bite in his voice.
"I'm plenty protected," she said, waving her hand at the four guards. The one woman ducked her head trying to cover her smile.
Graydon growled, the sound raising the hair on Kira's neck. She blinked at him. Was he really growling at her?
The sound continued.
Yes, yes, he was.
She gave him an exasperated look.
"Their first priority is their Overlord," he said in a precise voice as if he was having to explain something to a flighty child. "They will not make the first move to help you if it turns out she is the one who wants you dead."
That wiped the looks of amusement off the Luathan guards' faces.
It seemed Kira wasn't the only one capable of burning bridges.
"Isn't that what you're here for? To make sure everyone plays nice with each other?" Kira asked sweetly. "I sincerely doubt whoever keeps trying to kill me would do so in such an obvious way."
One of the cloaked figures made an aborted movement, drawing Kira's attention.
"Who're your friends?" she asked.
Graydon shifted to block her view of them as he spat out several sentences in Tuann. There was a rumbled response before the two figures moved away, down the hallway in the direction Kira had come.
She watched them go with narrowed eyes. There was something familiar about their energy. She just couldn't place her finger on what.
"What are you doing here?" A strident voice came from the doorway.
Kira forgot about the strangers as the seneschal approached. Alma’s expression was haughty as she looked Kira over.
"I'm here to speak to the Overlord about the people she had taken into custody," Kira said, stepping forward and speaking before Graydon could interfere.
The seneschal’s mouth tightened and she looked down her nose at Kira. "The Overlord doesn't have time for your problems. She’s a busy person. You'll be informed when a decision has been reached."
"A decision," Kira said, fighting dismay. "I won't take up much of her time, but I'd like to understand why they were placed under guard."
And convince Liara why that wasn't necessary.
A ladylike sound of derision escaped Alma. "They're human with inferior morals and a penchant for deceit, that's why."
"What a Tsavitee-like thing to say," Kira said, her eyes narrowing as anger warmed her belly.
The Tsavitee had called humans inferior and tried to wipe them out. To hear the same thing from her mother's people was disquieting.
Alma sneered. "We found evidence they were poking where they didn't belong. I suspect it's only a matter of time before we tie the attacks to them as well."
"What do you mean?" Kira asked.
"One of them was caught in our solarium. She had no business being there," Alma said.
Blue—it had to be. Her scientific mind was curious and bright. If she'd seen something of interest, she would have pursued it. She wouldn't have been able to help it.
Although Kira didn't understand why a location like a solarium would be considered off-limits.
"The Overlord would be in her right to have them all executed," Alma continued. "It's what she should do, and as her seneschal, it’s my duty to guide her onto the right path."
She didn't wait for any further comment, flicking her fingers at the guards before turning and striding back into the room.
With a look of regret at Kira, they closed the door behind her before arranging themselves in front of it. Their message was clear; Kira wasn't getting by them without a fight.
"Come on," Graydon murmured, taking her arm and drawing her away. “Arguing with them right now will cause trouble for you later.”
"I can't let them stay locked up," Kira said.
"Yes, you can. I have my men standing guard with Roderick's. They'll protect them from harm. Your Curs will be fine for now."
Kira hurried to keep up as he propelled her down the hallway. She shot a look over her shoulder at Jin, mouthing “Find them.”
He shot up to the ceiling and followed it until he found a hallway, disappearing within seconds. Joule watched him go with wide eyes, his gaze dropping to Kira. She gave him a wink before turning to face forward again.
"Why is it that every time I see you, your oshota is nowhere around?" Graydon asked conversationally.
"Because Roderick came and detained his replacement," Kira said in as pleasant voice as she could manage.
Graydon frowned in frustration. "I'd like to say I'm surprised, but the level of incompetence here has become a theme."
Kira's attention snapped to Graydon as she considered his words. She wasn't the only one who suspected betrayal and deceit.
"What would happen if I died while under Liara's care?" Kira asked.
Graydon steered her out of the maze of hallways and into the sunshine. They walked through a courtyard, towers surrounding them on all sides as it overlooked a small section of the forest.
They turned down a small path, well-trodden and narrow as it meandered through the many bushes and trees inhabiting the lush space.
She looked around in unconcealed pleasure, appreciating the hidden oasis, one of many throughout the Citadel.
Kira let Graydon lead, knowing that for this conversation it would be best if they were away from any potential listeners.
"It would weaken her politically and could have very real consequences for her and Luatha in general. Her House is a strong one, but it suffered during the Sorrowing," Graydon said. "Liara is a relatively new overlord. She's fifteen years older than you and her rule is considered unstable."
"How am I considered a child and she adult enough to rule?" Kira asked, sidetracked momentarily.
"She has survived the highest form of the adva ka and earned her name," Graydon said.
"So, I have to survive this adva ka and I’ll be considered an adult?" Kira asked.
"Yes."
"That is a ridiculous way of determining someone's maturity," Kira complained.
Graydon shook his head at her and walked up to a statue. He set his hand against it. His forehead furrowed. There was an explosive crack as power flashed around Graydon's hands. The statue remained standing for several beats before it slowly folded in on itself, collapsing into finger-sized bits of rubble.
"Attend, Kira. The stage you now stand on is dangerous. Many wait in the wings looking to topple you. This was a tiny drop of my power. Until you can defend yourself from this and other powers like it, you will always be considered under the protection of another, your wishes superseded by theirs," Graydon stated, his seriousness giving his words weight. "Some never reach this stage."