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Laidon’s gaze narrowed and Tov thought he would ignore the question. Instead, Laidon took a deep breath and responded, “I was a palace guard, Cylex was an investigator. After two years in Jevara’s court, we both decided that he was evil incarnate.”
She looked at Cylex and said, “Yes or no. Do you agree with that assessment?”
“Yes.”
Already Cylex’s tone was tight with resentment, so Tov tried again.Drop the subject. They will not stay civil for long.
She ignored him. “What happened after you realized that Jevara was evil?”
“We both joined the military. It was a demotion, but we didn’t care. Life within the palace was intolerable.”
Leaving Cylex out of it this time, she prompted Laidon, “Go on.”
“The military wasn’t much better because Jevara was still in control. One of the first missions we were sent on was the one that started the war.”
Tov had been about to put an end to the conversation, but Laidon was revealing facts he’d never heard before. Maybe Cara’s instincts were right and all these two needed was to talk through the conflict.
“That must have been horrific,” she said, sounding sincere. “I’m sorry you had to endure that. What did you do next?”
“I became a rebel, while Cylex—”
“We are talking about you.” He nodded once but did not elaborate. “Are your differences purely ideological? This conflict feels personal to me.”
Cylex stood up so quickly his chair nearly toppled. He glared at Tov and sneered, “Do your orders only apply to me and Laidon? If you want us to stay focused on the mission, you need to muzzle your mate.” Then he stormed from the room before anyone could respond.
“It is doubtful Cylex will ever tell you his side of the story, so I will tell you what he would claim,” Laidon volunteered. “He insists that I used the rebellion to seduce his lover. She was later killed in a raid that I led, so he blames me for her death.” Laidon looked at Cara, his expression turbulent. “I know your intentions were honorable, but some conflicts cannot be resolved.” He nodded to Tov and Merrik, then left the room as well.
“Security code nine-seven-three. Disable the door and activate privacy protocol level one.” Merrik’s expression was hard, yet his eyes were burning.
Tov wasn’t sure if Merrik was just anxious to fuck their mate or if he was reacting to her flagrant disobedience.
Cara nervously licked her lips as she looked at Merrik. “Are you mad at me?”
“Do I have a reason to be?”
She scooted her chair back from the table and stood up. “I know Tov told me to stop, but they really needed to—”
“Excuses are meaningless when it comes to disobedience. Tov is your commanding officer. He stated that anyone who spoke about anything other than the mission would not participate. Did you hear him give that order?”
She sighed and lowered her gaze. “Yes, sir. But the meeting was over.”
“Had you been dismissed?”
Another sigh escaped her mouth, then she muttered, “No, sir.”
“He was attempting to create camaraderie with the meal and you sabotaged his efforts.”
She glanced at Tov, genuine regret shining in her sky-blue eyes. “I’m sorry, sir. You are in charge of this mission. I should have followed your lead.”
Merrik had no intention of letting it go with a simple apology. “What happens when you intentionally disobey us?”
Tov generally instigated her discipline, but Merrik was doing a wonderful job. Tov sat back and watched her squirm.
“I am punished so that I don’t repeat my mistakes.”
She was dressed in faded jeans and a clingy top today. He wasn’t even sure where she had gotten the outfit. Probably her cousin Flora. What interested him was the sturdy leather belt threaded through the loops on the jeans. Using his eyes, he told Merrik that he wanted the belt.
Merrik nodded once then fought back a grin. “Undress completely. Fold each garment and place it on your chair.” She kicked off her shoes and toed off her socks, then unfastened the belt. But when she started to wiggle out of the jeans, Merrik stopped her. “Pull the belt free and hand it to Tov, then continue undressing.”
