The Dragons of Nova by Elise Kova

Author:Elise Kova [Kova, Elise]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction, Fantasy
Publisher: Keymaster Press
Published: 2017-07-10T18:00:00+00:00

28. Petra

“What has you so pleased?” Cain asked from her left. He’d been silent for hours, clearly mulling over something. Petra wondered if the obvious small talk would be enough to bring it forward, because her patience only stretched so far and he was already beginning to pull at it.

“The sun is warm, more Rok blood has been spilled than Xin, Yveun has remained mostly tucked out of sight, and my brother seems to have escaped the Court.” She stretched her fingers, her claws digging into the chair. She’d only had to stand for two people so far, and while that would permit her to excuse herself from the remainder of the Court if she desired, Petra remained. After all the trouble it was to see the Court to daylight, she wasn’t about to step away.

“He seems to have escaped for quite a while,” Cain muttered.

Petra laughed. “Does his fondness for the woman bother you so?” Cvareh was certainly a gossip with all his visits to Napole’s tea parlors, but she’d never taken Cain for such habits.

“Why doesn’t it bother you, is the better question?” As if realizing his own boldness after the fact, Cain glanced around quickly, taking note of any who could’ve overheard. Lucky for him, the only other guests in the box were close Kin who Petra had no cause to worry over.

“Cvareh is loyal above all to House Xin. If someone is fond of him, then they must also be fond of his House. Their relationship is an advantage to us. Ends before ideals.”

“Ends before ideals,” Cain repeated.

“Have a little more heart in that,” Petra cautioned.

“Forgive me, Oji. It is only, the notion of our Ryu with a… thing… like that woman.” Conflict was apparent in both Cain’s voice and expression. He believed in the motto of House Xin, but the matter bothered him to an immense degree—enough that it seemed to rattle his very core.

Oh well. It doesn’t matter what he thinks. There were certain benefits to being Oji, and never having to explain herself was one. Cain would come to his senses sooner or later, or Petra would forcefully remove all conflict on the matter for him.

“Petra, her blood…”

“Was as it should be.” Cain was too smart for his own good and had been around the woman for too long. Petra needed to stop this speculation where it was. “It is none of your concern.”

“You must have seen it, smelled it. There was something off about that illusion. I don’t think—”

“I do not need you to think,” Petra interrupted abruptly. “I need you to do as I say for the good of Xin.”

“That is what I am concerned for, Oji.”

“Cain, that is what I am concerned for. If you wish to be so concerned for it, then you wish to be the Oji.” Petra turned to him, baring her teeth. “Would you like to step into the pit?”

“Never.” Cain lowered his eyes and face, submissive.

“Good.”

The duel before them finished and a long stretch passed before any challengers shouted forward.

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