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‘That was how the Král-In-Waiting vanquished his grandfather, the old King. The Katánians are vicious, and Killen is more so, for he has Sable metanoids flowing through his blood. But he got lucky. The Kíríga was old, overconfident and slow. Killen, as you can see, lacks finesse. He moves with speed, but he’s yet to learn how to control the body and mind as one. He has the hawkstone, which gives him past knowledge, but it cannot train the body’s reflexes. His last strike was a fluke as the old King got tired, and Killen also had the guidance of his father in his ear. However, should he ever face a true Katánian warrior, he will be lost. He needs you to teach him how to move and cut with the entirety of body, mind and soul. A Shotelai skill that -’
‘I’ve honed for decades,’ Sana’a interrupted with a sigh as the holo shuttered off. ‘How am I supposed to upskill him the same in a short time, which I assume is the case?’
‘’Tis. But once he learns it, his hawkstone will hasten his learning. He only requires the basics from you.’
‘So I’m to play caretaker to an untrained, arrogant and overconfident consort?’
Mirage gave a small laugh. ‘Sana’a, you criticise Killen too much. He was brought up in the wilds of Devansi and has none of the airs most royals do. While forceful and rough around the edges, he’s also among the brightest minds I’ve ever met and humble about it. Trust me, he’ll give as good as he gets. He’s an able warrior, too.’
‘A lucky one with good spider senses, but I doubt he has more to offer,’ Sana’a scoffed, still bitter from her recent encounter.
‘Trust me; you’ll find he’s stuffed with honourable virtues.’
‘More stuffed with his own hubris,’ Sana’a said.
Silence fell as Mirage studied Sana’a with a twinkle in her usual jade eyes.
After a beat, Sana’a sighed. ‘What’s in it for me if I choose to accept?’
Mirage’s stunning biometric eyes glittered. ‘Your mother and sister will receive the best care here on Eden II.’
Sana’a raised a brow. ‘I assume you’re aware she has an incurable cancer.’
‘I do,’ the ebony-skinned creature said.
‘Since the fall of The Shotel World, we’ve had issues with finding her chemotherapy, stem cell transplantation, or targeted therapies,’ Sana’a murmured, her eyes clouding over.
Mirage clucked in sympathy. ‘We’ll transport her from wherever you are hiding her and shelter her and your sisters here at no cost to you. We’ll get her in front of our most respected medics. Also, we’ll pay you well for your time until Killen compensates you, which I’m certain he will in due time when he realises your value.’
Sana’a narrowed her eyes. ‘You have such high esteem for him.’
The quantum intelligence’s lips twitched, ignoring her outburst. ‘One more thing, if you play your cards right, you’ll have unfettered access to his great-aunt, and whatever you decide to do with her is your call. You have our support and sanction as it works in our favour. Having her out of the way will pave a smoother transition for Killen to the throne.’
The shikari tilted her head, still unconvinced. ‘Does he know the Sable Group is plotting away his life? Isn’t he a grown man who can make his own decisions?’
‘True, he is, which is why we’re not imposing you on him. We’re giving him the chance to choose you. Besides, the deal on offer is well-founded, is it not?’
Sana’a cocked her head, thinking it through. ‘It’s not bad. Can I sleep on it?’
‘Of course,’ Mirage said, taking a drag of her cheroot. ‘Take as long as necessary, but we’ll need an answer by the end of tomorrow.’
Sana’a scoffed at the short notice. ‘Typical Sable shenanigans, demanding everything yesterday. And if I refuse?’
Mirage smiled. ‘We’ll find another way—we always do. You, however, may not. Now, sip your tea slowly. Those cups are designed to keep nutrients at the perfect temperature to nourish your mind, body, and ka.’
Chapter 5
Killen narrowed his eyes at the shadows.
Then closed them to concentrate on the sounds of shy, tiny shrew-like mice, timid duikers and a solitary striped mammal darting through the undergrowth.
The creatures fled ahead of a fleet-footed charge and the glide of whisper-soft wings.
He froze midstep, the murmurs of the forest receding all around as his hereafter vision glimmered with what lay ahead.
Kalani, wedged close behind him, was quick to the draw. Five sentries. Two on foot, three in low flight.
He jerked his chin to his unseen companions and lifted a finger to halt their progress. I’ll meet them. You two leave me now.
