Page 340

“I know.”

“When?”

Veyr’s gaze drifted to the woven blanket over his legs, then lifted again. Not a retreat—a gathering.

“Soon.”

Anik didn’t blink. “Define soon.”

I almost smiled. It sounded like something I would say.

Veyr didn’t. “I need one conversation first.”

Anik’s eyes cut to me, then back. Something shifted in his expression—a quiet click of comprehension.

Oh.

My heart thumped hard against my ribs.

Anik reached for the slate on the bedside table. “I will have staff bring the preliminary audit structure to you tomorrow,” he told me.

“Okay.”

“Sera’n’s medical team will send word when he can receive visitors.”

“Thank you.”

His attention returned to Veyr. “Rest.”

Veyr’s mouth flattened into a faint, stubborn line.

Anik glanced toward the door as it chimed once. “I may not return for a couple days. Other pressing matters.”

“Another crisis?” I asked.

“A foreign freight vessel crossed into restricted Zunatorian space without proper clearance.”

Veyr’s attention sharpened. “Smuggling?”

“Unknown.”

Anik looked back at us. “My father would normally handle it, but he is still occupied with the Council. Border Command has intercepted the vessel.”

“Sounds pleasant,” I said.

“It rarely is.”

Anik turned without waiting for a reply. The door sighed shut behind him.

The air in the room didn’t settle after Anik left. It hummed, like the space between lightning and thunder. I looked at Veyr and found his gaze already waiting, silver-gray and unblinking.

“What?”

“I asked Anik not to contact my family yet.” The words came out measured, each one placed with care.

“I know.”

“I need to do it.”