Read Online City Of Tears by Cyndi Friberg - Free Book Online Page B

with bold white lettering that read: This is the shirt I wear when I just don’t give a shit.
    She looked from Lyrik to Saebin and back. “Have I been naughty? What brings the big, bad warlord to my door?”

Chapter Seven
     
    Ensley sat silently as Cyrus interacted with the holographic image of Pern Keire. Cyrus puffed out his chest and raised his chin. Did he really expect the Crown Stirate of Rodymia to be impressed with his bravado? The incoming transmission was encrypted and filtered, leaving Pern’s image blurred, his voice distorted.
    “Our goals align quite well.” Ensley wasn’t fooled by Pern’s bored tone. His reputation fascinated her. The fact that he intimidated the overlord aroused her. Cyrus might think himself powerful, but Pern was a true conqueror. “I must know that you are committed to this path. Once the demonstration is set in motion there will be no turning back.”
    “I trust the design I delivered this morning is adequate proof of my dedication to our mutual goal.”
    Each “I” Cyrus uttered made Ensley’s decision that much easier. Without her design Cyrus would have had nothing to offer the Rodytes. Much to Cyrus’s frustration, the Joint Council monitored his transmissions, so she’d contacted Pern from her flat. There would be no alliance without her, yet Cyrus focused solely on himself.
    “I will feel more secure in our partnership once I have a working prototype,” the Stirate replied.
    Cyrus inclined his head. “I understand.”
    “I don’t think you do.” Pern paused for effect. “I want the designer on my ship within the hour.”
    “But —”
    “The prototype can be built much faster if the designer oversees the project. This is not negotiable.”
    Cyrus glanced at her, fear obvious in his expression. What a fool. Revealing any hint of weakness to a man like Pern Keire was an invitation for destruction. The incoming signal was distorted, but Pern could see Cyrus clearly.
    “Give me just a moment, please,” Cyrus said and blocked the transmission.
    Ensley tried to look suitably concerned. In truth she had contacted the Rodytes moments after finishing the design and arranged for this demand. All she’d needed was a foot in the door. Cyrus had served his purpose.
    “You think you’re so smart.” He shook his head. “If you want to subject yourself to these animals, have at it. The Rodytes have no regard for women. You’ll be raped before they leave orbit. Is that what you want?”
    “Abusing me would be rather counterproductive. Don’t you think?”
    “Say the word, and I’ll call off the negotiations.” Ensley wasn’t swayed by his anxiety. He was scrambling for a way to salvage his stake in the deal. “We can sell the design to another buyer.”
    Now it was “we.” She wanted to laugh. “They already have the design. You transmitted it this morning.”
    “They are barbarians!”
    “They are technologically advanced barbarians.” She sighed and averted her gaze. There would be plenty of time to gloat once she was aboard the Stirate’s ship. “I can progress no farther without their assistance. We really have no other choice.”
    The holocom beeped demonstrating the Stirate’s impatience. Cyrus returned to his place in front of the transmitter and reactivated the feed. “I’m reluctant to part with the design and the designer. You must understand how —”
    “This is nonnegotiable. I will send a shuttle for the designer. If it returns without him, our dealings are ended.” The image blinked out.
    Cyrus crossed his arms over his chest and scowled. “Did you hear him? He presumes the designer is a man because women are treated like animals on Rodymia.”
    “What choice do we have?” Rushing to her bedroom, she opened her closet and activated her hovercase. The container floated toward her bed.
    “You’re remarkably composed.” Cyrus stood in the open doorway, his gaze narrowed with suspicion. “Why aren’t you afraid? Believe me, you