“The kind where both parties walk away satisfied. You have artifacts I’d like to acquire. I have resources you might find valuable.”
“I don’t need resources.”
“Everyone needs something.” I leaned forward slightly. “The question is whether what I offer is worth what you’re willing to trade.”
He studied me. Weighing options. Calculating risk versus reward. “I’m hosting a gala in three days. Very exclusive. The kind of event where serious business happens between serious people.”
“It sounds like an excellent opportunity.”
“It is.” He finished his drink. His eyes shifted to gold. “I’d like you to attend. As my personal guest.”
There it was. The invitation I’d spent three hundred thousand credits and an evening of carefully calibrated losing to secure.
I let myself look surprised. Pleased. Honored. “That’s very generous, Senator.”
“It’s strategic. Valerius will be there. He’ll see you’re under my patronage, not his. It sends a clear message about where power lies in this city.”
“I appreciate the invitation.” I stood. “And the message.”
“Good.” He moved to his desk and pulled out a formal invitation. “Show this to security. Hour of the Zenith. Formal attire.”
I took the invitation. “I’ll be there.”
“I’m sure you will.” His smile had edges. “And Mr. Korven? I expect you to remember who extended this invitation. Valerius may have been kind enough to take your money, but I’m offering you something far more valuable.”
“Access.”
“Exactly.”
I left with the invitation in my pocket and victory in my chest. In three days, I’d walk into Tarsus’s gala as his honored guest. Carys would create her distraction. I’d secure the Regalia. Andboth senators would be too busy measuring their influence to notice they’d been conned.
The best part? They’d both think it was their idea.
CARYS
Tarsus summoned me at dawn. The message came through my slate while I was still in bed, Flinx curled against my side. Three words.
Private lab. Immediately.
I dressed in yesterday’s clothes and walked through empty corridors. Staff wouldn’t arrive for another hour. The villa felt different in the pre-dawn quiet. Less manufactured perfection, more exposed machinery. The climate control hummed in the walls. The lighting adjusted to simulate sunrise that wouldn’t happen for another thirty minutes.
Everything on Valyria was a performance.
Tarsus waited in his private lab, the one he kept separate from my workspace. This room held acquisitions he hadn’t decided to display yet. Pieces too dangerous, too valuable, or too controversial for public viewing.
He stood at a workbench, examining something I couldn’t see from the doorway. His silver hair was perfectly arranged despite the hour.
“Curator.” He didn’t look up. “Come here.”
I crossed the room. Flinx stayed by the door, his sensors tracking everything.
The artifact on the bench was Nerath. Four-armed serpent design, intricate metalwork, ceremonial dagger from their assassin cults. Beautiful craftsmanship. Also extremely illegal to own outside of Nerath space.
“I acquired this yesterday,” Tarsus said. “I want your assessment before I show it to Mr. Korven.”
I studied the dagger without touching it. The blade had a green tint. Poison channels ran through the decorative patterns. “Where did you acquire it?”
“A private dealer. Very discreet.” He watched me. “Do you think Mr. Korven would appreciate it?”
