Warrior's Pain (Cadi Warriors Book 4)(20)

“The male I’m working with is well connected. He will see that you’re compensated. He can also extend other benefits when he carries out his plan.”

“It sounds to me like your partner is making a play for the Daimio’s seat,” Cyprian growled as he surged to his feet. The smugglers at the table quickly stood as well. “I’m not interested in participating in a venture like that, based on your assurances alone. You want me to trust you, but you’re not willing to extend me the same courtesy. I don’t think so.” Cyprian turned, and stalked away.

“Let me talk with him,” Cyprian heard Vintor say to the others, as he made his way toward the bar.

A moment later, Vintor joined him at the counter.

“Nice touch sympathizing with Mave’s crew. You’d make my sire proud with your skillful manipulation,” Cyprian’s lip quirked up, along with his brow.

“I’ve had the chance to observe the best. Besides, us Scelus Cadi have to stick together, when it comes to you Vidya Cadi,” Vintor replied.

Cyprian chuckled. Vintor was really using the old patriotism to its fullest.

“I’m sending a message to Kagan. This situation has turned to shit,” Cyprian rumbled.

“Those morons are going to lead Cadi straight into the metcor’s lair.” Vintor shook his head. “How high up do you think this well-connected individual is?”

“High enough for him to think he might be successful at taking Kagan out, and replacing him.”

Cyprian and Vintor looked at each other. If Kagan died before his heir came of age, Dagaa would become the Daimio.

“You don’t think?” Vintor asked.

“No. Dagaa would never,” Cyprian replied.

“Are you sure? You know him better than I do. Since Kagan’s current heir is a hybrid female, and his son is adopted, I doubt anyone would balk if Dagaa kept the seat of power.”

“It’s not Dagaa. He would never betray Kagan. They’re like brothers,” he growled.

“Look, I don’t want to believe it either. I like Dagaa. But if not him, then who?” Vintor asked.

“Who would supersede Dagaa, if Kagan were dead?” Cyprian mused out loud.

Kagan didn’t have any close relatives, that Cyprian knew of.

“Or, I hate to say it, what if someone kills both Dagaa and Kagan? That leaves the seat entirely open.”

“Then the position would be left to the regents,” Cyprian replied.

“Considering this stunt, this mysterious partner has to be an utter fool. He’s likely using the Jurou Biljana to arm up for a total coup.”

“Then that leaves countless suspects. This is a lot to send in an encrypted message.”

Cyprian started tapping away on his handheld, while Vintor ordered a couple drinks. The chatter in the room suddenly grew in volume, and Cyprian looked to see a crowd gathering around the nearby stage.

The most bizarre music he’d ever heard, began to blare through the audio system. A frantic thrumming electric melody drowned out everything in the gallery. It was joined by the sounds of sirens and an unhinged battle cry. Blue lights focused on the darks stage to reveal Riley. Her voice joined the singer as she screamed to the ceiling. She started to gyrate with the rapid beat of the drum.

“Welcome to the jungle,” the music roared.

The singer joined the violent rhythm, screaming of death and oppression. Riley raged along with it, as she strut around the stage. Riley undulated her hips and rolled her shoulders, whipping her hair as she threw back her head and sang her war cry. Her moves were aggressive, like the music. Yet her dance was beckoning and compelling.

This time, when Riley worked her way around the stage, luring the audience with snaking arms and hypnotic hips, her expression wasn’t furious. Her dark rimmed eyes, shuttered by long lashes looked down on the people with something best described as carnal disdain.

As Cyprian watched Riley’s seduction he felt like he was staring at the delicate venin come to life. The blooms might be gorgeous, but its thorns were sharp and poisonous. Like the flower, Riley would reel you in with her mysterious smile, only to bite when you got too close.

Holy mother of Kali, what is that female doing?

Cyprian was certain the Topus had coerced her into this performance, but Riley seemed to throw herself into her erotic dance. She was working her audience into an impassioned frenzy. Cyprian was certain a brawl would break out at any moment, as patrons jostled near the stage. Part of Riley’s allure came from the fact that she was diminutive and spritely. But rather than cowering in fear, like one expected from someone in her position, she was a ball of fire.

Cyprian’s lip quirked as he watched Riley captivate the crowd. He knew the nature of human females, only too well. The human females on Cadi had been instrumental in ending the war and liberating the Toufik. They were the picture of femininity, soft and pliant, till their brash demeanor reared its head. Then they were a tiny force to be reckoned with, contentious and brazen. They used their wiles in ways a Cadi female never would, and most males never expected. In short human females were trouble. And Riley appeared to be at the top of her class.