Page 33 of Tamed

Domar closed the distance between them and perched on the edge of the table. “I’m not so sure. He could be shopping the alliance to see who will offer him the best deal.”

“The rebels have nothing,” he objected. “What could they offer Zevon that I could not double or triple?”

“You have land and wealth, but the rebels have trained controllers and powerful sources,” Domar pointed out. “We both know which Zevon values more.”

Verbet glared at her, but Jevara was the cause of his frustration. As usual. Jevara’s feud with the Citadel had motivated nearly all of the empowered people on Torret to join the rebellion. His refusal to compromise year after year made it impossible for them to remain loyal to the crown.

Despite the fact that Verbet agreed with her assessment, her boldness abraded his already raw nerves. “You need to leave. I must devise a way out of this mess.”

She slipped off the table and offered him a weak smile. “I’ll go, but I’d like to offer one final suggestion.”

She paused, wisely waiting for permission this time.

“Go on.”

“Our biggest challenge has been locating conduits away from the protection of the Citadel, correct?”

He nodded, not wanting to prolong the conversation.

“Zevon just told you where they can be easily intercepted.”

His eyes widened as he realized what she meant. “Two will be dispatched to each planet every month. And those fools can’t resist pomp and pageantry. I can picture it now. They’ll have some sort of ceremony as the four sets of conduits depart at the same time.”

Domar nodded, then smiled brightly. “You won’t be able to get away with an ambush more than once, but one coordinated attack could result in eight conduits. Eight fully trained conduits who are ready for mates. Isn’t that how Zevon described them?”

Shocked that such a crucial detail had escaped his notice, he held out his hand. “Join me, my love. Let’s devise a plan together.”

CHAPTER 5

Kendra stood up and moved out of the way as the board of governors entered the conference room. They had watched Zevon’s interaction with Verbet from a nearby lounge and their thunderous expression reflected their displeasure.

“There is no doubt,” one of them said. Kendra didn’t know his name. “Verbet murdered his brother and intends to take his place.”

“I agree,” another said as they quickly took their places around the table.

The eldest member of the group moved to Zevon’s right and spoke to him rather than the room at large. “So what does this mean for us? Is this development good or bad?”

“There are several possible courses of action,” Zevon told him, authority ringing in his deep voice.

Arcon escorted her toward the door as Zevon took control of the meeting. She wanted to stay and watch Zevon in action, but the governors would be more productive without the distraction of the president’s potential mate.

“Do you know what he plans to propose?” Kendra asked as she walked down the corridor with Arcon.

His warm palm pressed against the small of her back and awareness arced between them. “We could launch an aggressive military campaign against Verbet before he has time to set up a power base. We could wait and see what Verbet does. He might be a better leader than his half-brother.”

“Jevara’s death was more or less an accident,” she admitted. “Are there any other options?”

“We could offer support to the rebels while letting them take the lead.”

“Which option do you favor?” They reached the elevator banks and paused. Arcon was heading back to the training center to continue his self-defense classes, but Kendra was heading to their apartment. Provost Nadis, the most requested mentor, had offered to help Kendra explore and learn to control her new abilities. The lessons required quiet and concentration so they’d agreed to meet in private.

“I think the last option makes the most sense,” Arcon told her. “The best decisions are made by those closest to them. In other words, Torretians need to decide on the fate of their planet.”

“Do you know the new rebel leader? Can we trust him not to turn into a dictator himself?”

“I don’t know Soro well, but he seems to be an honorable male, and my instincts say that we can trust him.”

“Well, your instincts are good enough for me.” She rocked onto the balls of her feet and placed a kiss on his lips. “Will you be home for lunch?”

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