Malin’s eyebrow rose. And they weren’t angry at being locked in? That, more than anything else, told him that whatever the warriors wanted, it wasserious.
“I see. This isn’t a social call, then.” He rose. “Shall I order us a light meal? We can speak in myoffice.”
He ordered from his office after settling them onto a couch dragged in front of his desk. The cafeteria below sent up a platter of various sandwiches and sliced fruit. More cookies and tea in floweredmugs.
Niko rolled his eyes. “Human women. See?” He held up a tiny yellow cookie with pink frosting—and sprinkles. “They have no idea how to serve awarrior.”
“Why should they?” Malin snapped, avoiding Niko’s eyes. Bea had a rather vindictive sense of humor. “No wonder you’re stillsingle.”
Kausar snorted, while Tomas laughed quietly, the youngest of them having little to say–ever. Malin noticed that Niko’s disgust didn’t stop him from devouring a half-plate of cookies,though.
“We heard your sister is making progress with theresearch.”
“She isn’t my sister,” Malin replied, shortly. “We share neither a father nor amother.”
Niko looked at him. “Interesting attitude to take, considering. Does that mean she’s no longer under yourprotection?”
Malin inhaled sharply, half rising before Kausar put a hand on his thigh. “Niko didn’t mean anything by that. He’s juststupid.”
“If he goes around saying things like that, he’ll make her a target.” Niko leaned back in the couch, crossing his arms. “I already have to block warriors from doing stupid shit when Geza isn’t paying attention. Petru was about to follow her home from the palace the other night. But if you don’t want me tobother—”
“What?”
Niko watched closely, then shook his head. “Damnit, Malin. Youcan’t—”
“I can’twhat?”
“That girl would die for you,” Kausar said, glancing warningly at Niko. “You think an old warrior doesn’t recognize that kind of spirit in a warrior? We’re trained to recognizeit.”
“I don’t want to talk about Surah.” He put his cup of coffee down on his desk, wishing for something...stronger. But no, that was Surah's weakness, nothis.
“Alright.” Kausar shifted in his seat, running a tongue over his teeth. “I’m a plain speaker, son, so I won’t waste yourtime.”
Malin stared at the only man allowed to call him son. Switched his gaze to Niko and Tomas, the former who turned his head to stare him down, the latter who stared at the mug clasped in hishands.
“We want you to take back thethrone.”
“I beg yourpardon?”
Kausar’s eyes narrowed, then he grinned. “You heard me, Prince. You’re just stalling fortime.”
Time he needed. The words ignited a ruthlessly ignored desire in him. A desire on par with his craving for the man he couldn’t have. The desire of a born Prince to rule, a gargoyle warrior trained by the elite to prove hisworth.
“Geza’s weak,” Nikosaid.
Kausar’s face set. “His habits are distasteful to those of us who respect discipline. He’s allowing his advisors more and more unchecked authority to make decisions that should be vetted by theassembly.”
Malin’s thoughts raced, though he let nothing show on his face. “Who iswe?”
“I’m not going to give you names just yet,” Kausar said. “The three of us–we were chosen to represent the faction. Figured you were less likely to tell me to go to hell than anyone else.” He paused. “Besides Surah. We haven’t been able to get toher.”
“And you won’t,” Malin said, rising, restless. “Leave her out of your politics. She wants nothing to do withit.”
Kausar watched him pace. “You think she’ll be able to remain neutral? Sister to one Prince, doctor and…friend toanother?”
The look Malin leveled on his old teacher was cold. “Leave her out ofit.”
The weapons master lowered his head briefly. “Heard. What say you,Malin?”
