"Somewhat. It's been hard to break, but I think I found the weak point," the first man replied. "It'll take me a few days to position myself to take advantage of it. It involves Qatwal. I won't say more, lest this communication is compromised. I'm having some problems with messages being intercepted after they leave the planet."
"I understand. Our other plan is coming along. I believe Gage is in love with me, a simple emotion for a woman," Ne'Rin said. "And she's with child, Father."
There was a short silence. Kiera crept closer.
"So he did find the correct nishani, if an Anshan woman is able to bear a child again," the first man said quietly. "We'd all begun to doubt him. I had hoped he'd choose your sister."
"His chosen is the nishani, but your doubt may be well-placed. She is not from here, doesn't understand her role. She cannot do what the nishani must to help Anshan, and once our people see her, they'll lose their faith in him. My sister would've been a much wiser choice, and far more beautiful."
Kiera frowned, offended Ne'Rin thought so little of her, but not surprised. At least he was ragging on her to his family and not complete strangers. She could almost forgive him expressing his blunt opinion to his father.
"If I fail, mating into his family is the next logical step," the first man said. "And it sounds like you have this taken care of."
"Yes, Father, I do."
"Nishani!" Talal's voice jarred her. Kiera spun and darted down the hall, snatching Talal's arm and pulling her around the corner before Ne'Rin saw them.
"You picked a bad time!" Kiera whispered, trotting down the hall.
"I only meant to tell you-- "
"Do you know when A'Ran normally calls?" she asked.
"Soon, nishani. Do you wish to talk to him?" Talal brightened. "You should, nishani! It will shock and honor him."
"Shock and honor?" Kiera repeated. "Those don't sound like good things. Yes, I do."
"You should wear his most preferred color, yellow," Talal advised.
"That sounds nice," Kiera said, distracted. She heard footsteps from the direction of the conference room and offered a smile as Ne'Rin rounded the corner. He eyed them.
"Ne'Rin, my sister Gage is looking for you."
"Take me to her."
Talal struck off without hesitation. Ne'Rin lingered, his hard gaze on Kiera. Kiera bowed her head as she'd seen the sisters do, trying hard not to look guilty like she'd overheard his conversation. He left at last, and she waited for him to disappear from sight before jogging to the conference room. She'd learned how to lock and unlock the doors and entered the conference room, locking it.