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Chapter 21
Vahadr
“Hey, Vahadr, are you free to talk?”
I smile lightly at the sun-lit image of Ana floating on the holo-screen before me and lean back in my chair, completely ignoring the minister sitting across my desk, who’s mouth is still hanging open from where he was interrupted mid-word by this call. “Of course, is everything alright?”
She’s lounging in the grass with Asili laying against her, his head in her lap and a rather fierce pout on his lips. A few more university students are scattered across the surrounding expanse of grass and trees, basking in the warmth, and I find myself rather wishing I was out there with them.
“It’s about that list of names you sent me the other day.”
“Ah, one moment, please.” I quickly flick through the settings on my com to ensure the sound is set to directional and the conversation remains private. Then with a second thought, I dismiss the minister before me, barely even registering his spluttered response as he leaves.
“Alright, Ana. Continue.”
“Okay so, I’m not sure if this is actually important or not, but it did stand out to me, and I had a feeling it’d be a good idea to let you know right away.” She looks quickly down at the holo-note sitting in the grass beside her, and when Asili huffs dramatically, she simply smooths his hair back and looks at me, unfazed. “The eldest daughter of Senator Ezshov Lveznik just got married about eight months ago to Nezem Kuznezhen—no children yet.”
I stare at her, feeling a cold chill course through me.
“I know neither of those two occupy seats at Chyeltsk parliament, but I noticed the family sigil by her new name when I was looking into Lveznik, and it’s the same as the ring of that man in your basement…”
“The Lvezniks and Kuznezhens are now connected?” I ask quietly.
“Yeah, I guess they are. Do you want me to look into anything else about this? I’ve finished going through the rest of the list you gave me.”
“Presently, no,” I mutter absently, as I stand from behind my desk. “Apologies, Ana, I have to go.”
***
“Kyrin, come with me.”
My brother is in Board Room 9 with a few others, but he needs only one look at my face before he adjusts the tie at his throat, stands up, and excuses himself from the room with barely a nod.
“We have a problem,” I say as the two of us head down the hall. “Or rather, we have had quite the problem for some time, and I’m only just now realizing it.”
Kyrin only turns to watch me as we walk, waiting for me to speak.
“Ezshov’s eldest has married one of the Kuznezhen males.”
His stride falters minutely, but not enough that anyone besides myself would have noticed.
“Nezem, the fifth born little runt,” I continue. “Olentr’s son, part of the main family line. Good for little beside forging alliances, I suppose.”
“When?”
“Eight months ago.”
This time Kyrin stops entirely. “That’s when the riots in Chyeltsk began.”
“Yes,” I say, as I too come to a stop.
Kyrin stares at me. “Ezshov has a lot of backing across that half of the sphere, both political and from the people.”
“And Olentr has recently been returned to his family from my basement in several bags.” I sigh. “The Kuznezhens will seek retribution, and with support from the Lvezniks, they could actually be in a position to take it for once.”
“Hm,” Kyrin says thoughtfully.
“Quite.”
