Page 98 of Stars in Halo

You have a call. It’s from the Royal ALMQ palace.’

‘Speak of the devil. Patch him through.’

A holo display shimmered between the Khosana and the couple on the couch.

It cleared to show the cold face of His Highness K’Sumi, his glower aimed at Duke’s mother.

The holo’s camera faced his niece, so Xion and Katya were outside its scope.

The Ccyth King, therefore, had no clue they were listening in.

‘House DKRT vessels were reported violating a secret ALMQ base and secreting away my guests. Is that accurate?’ he snarled, leaving out any niceties.

‘Guests, K’Sumi? More like hostages,’ the stately woman smirked, the warmth not quite reaching her eyes.

K’Sumi’s body stiffened, and from where they sat, Xion and Katya saw his eyes dart about, the gears in his mind turning.

He understood that he had just slipped up, and the Khosana had him right where she wanted him.

His face rearranged into arrogance, but his eyes flickered with a hint of panic. ‘You’re playing a dangerous game, Sonaya,’ he warned.

His cousin smiled, her eyes twinkling with amusement. ‘Am I? Or are you the one who’s lost control of the board and scores, K’Sumi? I got word two of your safe houses were infiltrated in one day, and prisoners were set free. News travels fast on Iccythria.’

K’Sumi’s face darkened into a shade resembling eggplant purple. ‘I assure you, I always know where my pieces are placed and that I’m on top of the situation. I know exactly what you’re trying to do, rattle me,’ he bit back.

‘I think you rattled the wrong cage, Uncle, and your sway over your coffers, mining investments, and cabinet has diminished. How much more will the bribed deals you made hold up? When you can’t keep up with the streams of payment?’

‘I have a plan in place,’ he sneered. ‘What it is is none of your business. You’re lucky you’re ALMQ, or right now, I’d be sending the military to blow House DKRT into oblivion.’

The Khosana smirked. ‘Thank fokk for blood then. Remember, though, the blood of the covenant is thicker than the womb’s water. And there’s one covenant I understand you’ve tried to fokk up, causing its keepers to get riled up for you.’

The ALMQ monarch leaned in. ‘Which one?’

‘The Sable brotherhood. They don’t take too well to being fokked around with.’

K’Sumi twisted his lips. ‘I’m not playing with them; I just need something they have with great urgency, and I won’t let up until I have it.’

‘K’Sumi, you’re getting desperate, and I’d watch your back if I were you. Now I must leave; I’ve guests to attend to.’

She ended the call with an abrupt wave, closing the display off just as the King’s mouth opened to share more of his high-handedness.

‘You heard him,’ the Khosana clipped, her eyes burning as she stared down Xion and Katya. ‘He’s on the lam. Get your asses to wherever bum fokk they’re needed to trace his plans down and hand his ass to me. With full proof evidence of whatever crimes he is about to commit.’

Xion stepped out of the salon with Katya in tow.

‘I’m fokkin’ exhausted, D’Hanna,’ he grated. ‘Here’s what I think needs to happen next. You climb those stairs and spend the night with your family for a few hours, at least until dawn. I’ll track to my ship, hovering above the palace, and get some rest. In the morning, we’ll lift off for Eden II. Hear?’

Katya’s eyes traced the weary lines of his face. ‘Understood.’

He jerked his chin at her and strode away.

‘Xion?’ she called after him.

He stopped midstep and rotated to face.

‘Sante.’

Their eyes locked, clashed and flamed.

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