Page 100 of Tempting Cargo

We waited.

CHAPTER FORTY-THREE

My serenity is the hidden dagger that strikes at dawn

Shohari

“WE’VE GOT this, Captain,” Paiata said, and my tension clicked down a notch in his calm, dependable presence.

“You’re damn right we have,” I said.

Our boots landed quietly on the familiar blue grass, and though I was far too used to bare feet now, maybe it was better I couldn’t sink my toes into the soil of my homeland. I wouldn’t be back.

I gazed longingly at the cottage far to the left. Airida’s home. His prison. But I knew better than to try to see him first. No, we approached the main residence, the tall, dark red walls more oppressive than ever.

I wasn’t supposed to be here. Would Mother accept my story?

I hated this skykking dress.

“Shohari.” Mother’s sharp voice was full of disapproval. She swept down the dark stone corridor, her ostentatious robes flowing behind. Her headspines were braided and set withjewels, her face painted with cosmetics and malevolence. “You were not anticipated for three cycles. It is most unseemly to call without the courtesy of a comm-card.”

“I wanted to surprise my family,” I said, ignoring her admonishment. “Orith is on the way to Maughnis, and I have time to stopover here.” I forced a smile; it wouldn’t do to drip in hatred, after all. “I brought gifts.”

“Why didn’t you lead with that information, child?”

She stopped inside the receiving room and gave my crew a cursory glance, her lower nostrils wrinkling in distaste. “You may get refreshments in the servants’ area. Guard!”

A large male I didn’t recognise materialised from a shadowy corridor.

“Take ourguests”—her voice choked on the word—“down the hall as we discussed.”

“Thank you for your hospitality, madame,” Paiata said, as unruffled as usual.

Muzati stayed uncharacteristically quiet at his side, and I gave her a scant tilt of my head. Much as I’d have loved to hear her run her mouth at my mother, this was not the time.

The room empty again, Mother gestured to the floor cushions, amongst which a spread of fruits and pastries sat on a low table. “Sit. Tell me your news, daughter.”

As she listened, lapping up the gifts I’d brought, confidence pulsed under my skin. “I even took the liberty of getting an extra bolt of ydouiran silk for you. I can sell the main cargo at a different station for a slightly better price, and I know you personally picked out this colour.”

She softened, and the thrum of anticipation put a tiny fracture in the dour mood that had plagued me since Vadias. I nibbled on a piece of fruit, my other hand stroking patterns on the velvet cushion beneath me.

Mother broke the brief silence. “It is just as well you have returned. I had considered recalling you, anyway. There is talk of a coup from the kai Gadha family. There is unrest in the city. Now is the time to consolidate our family’s power.”

My stomach clenched.Breathe, Shohari.“I’m glad I’ve come back, then.”

She didn’t need to know I spoke true for very different reasons. Was Tokki getting on okay? Was Garrison? Was he safe? Was Airida well?

“What can I do to help?” The steadiness in my voice surprised me.

She waved a dismissive hand. “You have played ship’s captain for long enough. It is time to strengthen our position, and you can do that better here on Orith.”

Skyk. Breathe.

Avarice danced in her eyes. “It is time to unite with the fei Sinlas. The banns have been read out, and Master Rokharu is on his way here as we speak. Your timing was quite fortuitous.”

My blood chilled to ice.

My calm is a sword to cut my enemies.