Stop pressuring me.

Amazing was his self-control.

Larkin only glanced at Matthias, not daring to take his eyes from Miraye for more than a few seconds. She was going to be a challenging opponent, he knew, but did not doubt his victory. He needed a weapon much more effective than what had been intending to use. His eyes quickly went over the scene, and while Matthias and Miraye argued, he searched for one of his servants, but it was a guard who noticed him from across the room.

He felt a jerk at his side, and his arm tightened painfully around Tic. He gave the guard a warning look, and mouthed an order. The fleeing man, reassured by his leader’s confidence, knew already what Larkin needed, and the exact thing he wanted. Nodding once, the guard turned and disappeared through a side door.

They were still arguing, but he had used his chance up and gave a quiet cough, which, much to his amusement, returned their attention to him. He stood still, ready for Miraye’s attack and trying to ignore her lies and taunts. Did she want him to make the first move? He couldn’t do anything trying to keep Tic from running.

“Larkin,” someone called from behind.

He didn’t take his gaze from Miraye; he knew that voice, and sounding annoyed, answered, “Yes, Aurora?”

Again, he felt the boy shifting in his grip and he hissed through his teeth, “If you don’t stop wiggling,” he began, but Aurora touched his arm and he went silent.

“I’ll take him, Larkin,” she said, prying Tic from his arm.

Reluctantly he let go, turning his eyes to stare at Aurora’s face. She nodded at him, pulling Tic away with her. She was smart, Larkin trusted her. She knew what to do. She had to help anyway; Larkin was vital to her survival and success. Aurora didn’t doubt his victory, either. So, it seemed that several others didn’t as well. Three other governors emerged from the chaos and stood to the side, nodding their loyalty to Larkin.

He looked at them with a mildly grateful expression, but it quickly turned hard as Miraye directed his attention to Stelon. He looked at the young woman who stood, exposed, staring back at him. Betrayal had been on her face moments before, shocked by the accusations, but as Miraye hissed her shame and anger it became hurt and stunned. Larkin smiled at it.

“Yeah, she was a part of this,” Miraye said.

But hadn’t he known that already, from the moment he had caught her frightened stare? When she lied to him and had guiltily searched out Miraye, to see if she had disapproved of her and the enemy being so dangerously close. Now Stelon knew: she had.

“Now, seriously, and I mean it, hand over Tic.”

“I’m sorry,” he said, looking back to Miraye, “but you’re not being very polite.”