“Son of a metcor. I should’ve known,” Tytus growled. “All the abductions center around this province, his province. Feroze also conveniently showed up when we attacked Mave’s vessel in the hangar. I bet he was helping the smugglers, when we snuck aboard the cruiser to free June and the others. No one could be as inept as Feroze was.”
They’d all underestimated Feroze. He was a self-serving, vain, regent. But no one imagined he was capable of conspiring to take over, with the Jurou Biljana.
“I think this is a good time for us girls to go mingle,” Giselle announced. “Try not to wreak havoc gentleman.”
“Alright,” Kagan said as he kissed Giselle’s forehead, then turned to his warriors. “We need to know what else Feroze has been up to. I want that handheld secured before he can destroy or tip off any coconspirators.”
“That’s the plan.” Tytus nodded.
Cyprian was only half listening, as he watched Riley and her companions head into the crowd. He was fine with June introducing Riley to her adopted parents, but when a crowd of eager warriors started to surround Riley, Cyprian was ready to storm in.
Riley hadn’t given him the time of day. Now she had nothing but smiles for the warriors who stood way too close. One male had the audacity to touch Riley’s bare shoulder, where the colorful warrior’s ink swirled on her skin. Cyprian scowled. The male wouldn’t dare touch her if he could see the name inked over Riley’s breast, or the conjugo mark beneath the bandage.
“Mind yourself,” Kagan warned.
Cyprian realized he was growling and shoved it down deep.
“I’ll keep an eye on Feroze,” Cyprian rumbled then stalked away.
And I’ll keep an eye on the stubborn Little Manx.
Riley
Riley was doing her best to ignore Cyprian. She didn’t want to lose it again. That would heap embarrassment on top of her misery.
“Did you hear that,” Giselle commented, as they left the men.
“Yes. I never liked Feroze. He’s condescending and full of himself,” June declared.
One look at the long-haired regent, and Riley knew the man thought a lot of himself. He was flashy compared to the other men, with his silver and red brocade coat. Feroze was the prime individual responsible for her misery. He was the reason the Jurou Biljana were near Cadi, when Exo and Ion visited. Riley hoped the asshole got what was coming to him, in spades.
“I tried to give him the benefit of doubt,” Sundara said with a shake of her head. “I never understood why our province wasn’t making the same progress as others, after the war. I just assumed Feroze wasn’t the best regent. Someone has to come in last. Now I see he had other motives. I’m just shocked he managed this level of subterfuge.” The incredulous look on her face was hilarious.
Riley laughed at Sundara’s observation.
“Sorry. I know this situation isn’t funny. But Feroze must really be a fuck-up if this has you all shocked. Reminds me of a few politician’s back home.”
“That sums it up.” June nodded. “I’m just glad this is about to be over. Let’s go talk to my adopted parents, and let the guys do their thing.”
“Parents?” Riley quirked her head at June. “What else have you been up to?”
“You want all the details?” June wagged her brows at Riley.
“Spare me,” Riley smiled at her ornery friend.
“She’s been getting a little tail,” Giselle giggled.
“Giselle, you pervert. That’s all you,” Providence admonished Giselle with a shove.
Riley smiled at the bawdy implication. Sundara covered her mouth as she snorted. It was good being with the girls. Their acceptance into the group was instantaneous. No one was angling for some sort of hierarchy like in the colony, which felt like the ultimate episode of Survivor. Besides the monumental hiccup with Cyprian, she liked Cadi.
“I know. I have problems,” Giselle snickered.
“Don’t get Riley started. She’ll outstrip you all with the lewd things she can come up with.”
“My life is a giant cautionary tale, but this tail business does intrigue me.”
“Enough,” June cut Riley off before she could expound upon her off-color pun. “Rark, Vivina, meet my friend Riley.”
A scarred Cadi woman hugged June, then turned and hugged Riley.
“Oh, child, I’m so glad they found you safe and sound. It is wonderful to meet you, Riley.”
Vivina held Riley’s shoulders as she doted on her. Riley could see why June called the woman her adopted mother. The woman reminded Riley of her Mémère with the way she clasped her.