Warrior's Pain (Cadi Warriors Book 4)(97)

“With Giselle and I there, no one will refuse to attend,” Kagan interjected.

“I see,” Cyprian nodded.

The ceremony was a great way to gather all the regents without the traitor becoming suspicious. No one would dare decline the invitation, with the Daimio’s family attending. And Kagan’s mere presence meant he sanctioned the unusual mating between Sundara and Metcor. That would hopefully prevent any bigoted reprisal against the couple.

“I just need to figure out a reasonable way to get ahold of everyone’s handheld,” Tytus said. “Although, I must say, this isn’t quite how I imagined our mating ceremony,” he added, as he held June close.

“With any luck, we’ll take the traitor into custody before the meal concludes,” Kagan promised Tytus and June.

“I don’t mean to invite myself, but perhaps I can help,” Aculus spoke up. “The Jurou Biljana have wormed their way into too many worlds, manipulating their governments to make a profit. If there is any way I can put a stop to that happening on Cadi, I will. I have equipment that is able to pick-up numerous communication frequencies.”

Kagan looked from Aculus to Cyprian. Cyprian nodded in agreement.

“Your assistance is appreciated,” Kagan said.

“You’re invited.” June bounced excitedly in her seat. “It will be a good way to see Cadi and a mix of its people.”

“Thank you. It will be an honor to witness your custom.” Aculus tipped his head in appreciation.

“Oh, I almost forgot, I have a question.” June turned to Cyprian. “Why is your name tattooed on Riley’s chest?”

“I would like to know the answer to that as well,” Kagan asked in surprise.

Cyprian cringed at the turn the conversation had taken.

“The Overseer opted to not auction Riley. He held a competition instead, auctioning off positions to compete for her. Your general and I competed, and he won,” Aculus explained, seeing Cyprian’s discomfort.

Cyprian was grateful Aculus didn’t explain exactly how he won Riley, with June present. He wanted to tell Kagan all that occurred in private.

“The auction house branded her when it was done,” Cyprian added.

“Oh, I’m sure Riley was thrilled with that,” June smirked.

“She wasn’t amused.” Cyprian hoped Riley didn’t mind so much anymore.

“At least it’s a pretty design,” June smirked. “Uh, one more question.” Her eyes drifted to the floor. “Why is that box wiggling?”

Cyprian nearly forgot the crate he’d been toting around. He grabbed the box and cracked the lid open.

“Riley managed to make a friend. I found the stowaway in my bag.”

Cyprian showed off the red furball to everyone. The little tangle didn’t look pleased about being separated from Riley. The cor was rolling around the box frantically.

“It snuggled on her lap all the way here,” Cyprian said as June peered into the box.

“It’s a tribble,” June exclaimed with a delighted giggle. “You poor thing. Do you miss Riley?” she asked as she stroked the disgruntled ball of fur.

Cyprian was glad he hadn’t put Riley’s panties in the box, with the way everyone was examining the creature. The scrap of clothing would probably calm the furball, but the last thing Cyprian wanted to explain, was what he was doing with Riley’s underwear.

Cyprian’s eyes flew to the door when Jorg entered the sitting area.

“The implant came out easy. I almost didn’t get Riley closed up before she was struggling to come out from under the anesthesia.”

Cyprian was on his feet in an instant, heading for the medical suite.

“Her hormones started to return to normal levels the instant the implant was removed from the base of her skull,” Jorg reported as they all walked down the corridor. “Here it is,” Jorg said as he handed a vial to Tytus.

“That’s the same type of implant we found in the gallinacus,” Tytus growled. “I knew something wasn’t right about that incident.”

“We were attacked at the beginning of this mission by a horde of giant raptors. It was bizarre, since there are rarely that many large adults in one place. June nearly died that day,” Cyprian explained to Aculus.

“The auction house uses this implant to moderate the moods of the slaves up for sale,” Aculus explained.

“Instead of subdued, it made Riley aggressive, like it did the raptors,” Cyprian informed Tytus, since he would be examining the implant.

“I don’t know. Riley was pretty ornery before all this,” June piped up.

“I imagine no truer statement has ever been made.” Cyprian shook his head.