Warrior's Pain (Cadi Warriors Book 4)(28)

“Last night you mentioned there was more than money to be had from our partnership,” Cyprian commented to Mave.

“I did.” Mave looked away from the contortionist.

“And if I wanted to be the regent of my province?” Cyprian fished for information.

The only ones who could get him a council seat were Daimio Kagan, or a vote by the province regents, in Kagan’s absence.

“That’s rather ambitious.”

The way Mave smiled at Cyprian it was hard to determine if the answer was yes or no, so he pressed further.

“It is. But as I see it, if I’m not going to see any profit at this auction, then I’d like to be compensated in other way.”

“You are persistent,” Mave chuckled. “I can’t make any promises, but I think my friend can arrange something mutually beneficial with you.”

Cyprian grunted in reply. Mave neither confirmed or denied the mystery partner was a regent, but everything pointed that way. Granted the traitor could be a disgruntled general, like Cyprian pretended to be. But he didn’t think that was the case. As the senior officer, Cyprian knew all the generals, and he couldn’t picture any of them betraying Kagan. Then again, he also knew the regents and couldn’t pick out a suspect.

“You reminded me, I still need to contact my friend to tell him about the sale,” Mave groaned.

Cyprian was glad Tytus was monitoring communications going off-world.

“You don’t sound pleased.”

“The male is tedious. You’ll see what I mean when you meet him.”

That describes half the regents.



Riley

“What’s going on?” Riley asked, when Hoda interrupted her dance.

“I’m supposed to bring you to the Overseer.”

Riley followed the bulging eyed amphibian backstage and through the long corridor to a set of doors. They entered the lavish office to find Cuttles sitting in an upholstered chair with the Jurou Biljana standing nearby.

“Overseer.” Hoda nodded to Cuttles.

“Human, tell Jyk what happened to your companion,” Cuttles demanded sternly.

Riley froze. She expected Cuttles to give her a little forewarning so they could get their stories straight.

Apparently not. You’ll just have to be vague.

Riley thought about poor Exo, and summoned the tears she worked so hard to hold at bay. She opened her mouth then shut it again.

“Come on, tell Jyk what happened.” Cuttles looked aggravated.

“He,” Riley sobbed. “He was so pale. Paler than normal. Exo kept talking about his mate, Ion.” Riley shook her head as she let the tears stream down her cheeks. “He wasn’t made for this. None of us are,” Riley cried as she stomped toward the reptilian man, letting her anger seep through with her very real sadness. “Exo was so upset, so frantic. He collapsed on the floor.” Riley stared at the floor, picturing Exo in his last moments. “I couldn’t feel his heartbeat. He wasn’t breathing. I tried to breathe life into him, but he was gone. You should’ve never brought him here,” she raged.

“Enough,” Cuttles said as he held up a tentacle to halt her. “It’s just as I said. The exotic male you brought us was flawed. The strain of being captured and brought to auction was too much for him. Please don’t bring us anymore of his kind.”

“Fine. It’s unfortunate. I have discovered I’m in need of the male,” Jyk replied.

“You may have the body,” Cuttles offered.

“I will take the body, but it won’t help. I needed his voice,” Jyk hissed. The scaly reptile paused, then turned his yellow eyes on Riley. “But perhaps the human will work.”

“Of course. She is still your property, until the auction concludes,” Cuttles replied.

Riley’s eyes widened.

What the hell does he want with me?

“If you wouldn’t mind escorting the human. I’ve noticed she has a nasty temper,” Jyk requested.

Hmm, I wonder why I have a nasty temper, you slaving asshole.

“Hoda will assist you,” Cuttles said as he dismissed them.

“Where to?” Hoda asked Jyk.

“Docking area, Fectu 9.”

“I know a shortcut to the other side of the asteroid,” Hoda commented as she led the way.

The three of them traversed the main hallway behind the scenes. Where the public areas were decorated like a gaudy Vegas casino, the back halls were drab and utilitarian. Cuttles office was the only exception. As confusing as the maze had been at first, Riley was starting to notice a pattern. Everything branched off the main large corridor, which paralleled the public esplanade. Doors that led to the slave wings were red. The ones that went to public spaces were blue. But Riley had yet to see what was behind a yellow door. Hoda held her wrist up to a sensor by the door. It split open to reveal an empty box. Hoda led them into the cubicle, then tapped on the control panel. Riley felt them start to drop.