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. Why would you think we re shelteringLunar fugitives? Because I ve just seen one in your courtyard, along withthose insolent protestors.This is not to be tolerated.Kai stood and folded his arms over his chest. This isthe first I ve ever heard of Lunars in my country.Presentcompany excluded, of course. Which leads me to believe that you ve been turning ablind eye to the problem, just as your father did. How can I turn a blind eye to something I ve never heardof?Torin cleared his throat. With all due respect, YourMajesty, I can assure you we monitor all spacecrafts bothcoming to and leaving the Commonwealth.Though we can tdeny the possibility of some Lunars being smuggled inunder our radar, I can promise that we ve done everythingin our power to comply with the Interplanetary Agreement.Besides, even if a Lunar fugitive had come to reside in theCommonwealth, it seems unlikely they would choose to riskbeing discovered by coming to a protest when they knewyou would be present.Perhaps you have been mistaken.The queen s eyes smoldered. I know my own when Isee them, and right now there is one in these city walls.She pointed a finger toward the balcony. I want her foundand brought to me. Right, said Kai,  that ll be no problem in a city of twoand a half million people.Let me just go dig out my specialLunar detector, and I ll get right on that.Levana tilted her head back so she could peer down hernose at Kai, even though he was taller than she was. Youdo not wish to try my patience with your sarcasm, youngprince.He flexed his jaw. If you are incapable of finding her, then I will have aregiment of my own guards dispersed to Earth, and theywill find her. That will not be necessary, said Torin. We apologizefor doubting you, Your Majesty, and are eager to fulfill ourcountry s part of the agreement.Please allow us time toprepare for the coronation and the festival, and we willbegin our search for the fugitive as soon as resourcesallow.Levana narrowed her eyes at Kai. Do you intend toalways let your adviser make your decisions for you? No, said Kai, allowing a cold smile. Eventually, I ll havean empress for that.Queen Levana s gaze softened, and Kai barely bit backhis next words.And it won t be you. Fine, said Levana, turning away and seating herselfbeside her thaumaturge. I will expect her, along with anyother Lunar fugitives in the country, delivered to Luna onemoon cycle after your coronation. Fine, said Kai, hoping that Levana would forget thisconversation before the time came.Lunars in New Beijing he d never heard anything so absurd.The anger vanished so completely from Levana s facethat it seemed the past few minutes had been a dream.She crossed her legs, so that the slit in her sheer dressdisplayed a swath of milk-white skin.Kai set his jaw andstared out the window, not knowing if he was going to blushor gag. Speaking of your coronation, said the queen,  I havebrought you a gift. How thoughtful, he deadpanned. Yes.I wasn t sure if I should save it for the big night, butI ve determined that it might give the wrong impression if Iwere to withhold it.Unable to deny his piqued curiosity, Kai eyed the queen. Is that so?She inclined her head, auburn curls cascading over herbosom, and extended her fingers toward her secondthaumaturge, the man in the red coat.He produced a glassvial, no larger than Kai s pinkie finger, from his sleeve andplaced it on Levana s palm. I want you to know, said Levana,  that I have a verykeen interest in the welfare of the Commonwealth, andwatching your struggle with the letumosis disease has beenheartbreaking.Kai dug his nails into his palms. You are probably not aware, but I have had a researchteam dedicated to studying the disease for some yearsnow, and it appears that my scientists have finallydiscovered an antidote.Blood rushed to Kai s head. What?Levana pinched the vial between her thumb andforefinger and held it out to him. This should be enough tocure one adult male, she said, then clicked her tongue. Awful timing, isn t it?The world spun.Kai s fingers itched to reach out andstrangle her until his entire arms were shaking. Go ahead, said Levana, a persistent warmth behindher gaze. Take it.Kai snatched the vial away from her. How long have youhad this?The queen s brow arched upward [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]