“There’s the issue of the embargo, Jaya-jen,” said Asha helpfully.
“Ah, yes.” Jaya smacked her own forehead and turned back to Jio. “Since it seems likely the Royal Council is going to normalize relations between Kekon and the Uwiwa Islands, shipping traffic will be restored to Lukang, and No Peak still controls the docks here. So it would be better for you to ally your clan with ours. The alternative, of course, is to go down with Ayt. But why would you want to do that?”
She could Perceive Jio Somu’s jade aura glowing with smug scorn. He saw her as a spoiled princess, twenty-three years old, playing at being a Fist and getting away with it because of her father’s indulgence. It was hardly the first time Jaya had encountered this reaction—indeed, today she was counting on it—but it never ceased to gall her. “You certainly are confident, aren’t you?” Jio said. “To come all the way to Lukang in person to suggest I betray my oldest ally on the word of a pretty girl.”
Jaya kept her smile in place but averted her eyes. “That’s kind of you to say, but I’m actually quite nervous, to be given so much trust by my father that he’d ask me to make such an important alliance.” She fiddled with one of her jade earrings. “Do you really think I’m pretty, though?”
Jio chuckled and moved closer to her on the seat. “I’m not blind. Why did your father really send you to Lukang?” When Jaya gave him a confused look, he lowered his voice and whispered, “I know how these games are played. You’re one of the best cards in your father’s deck, aren’t you? One that he’s been keeping in reserve for some time.”
Jaya was well aware of the suitors and families who’d approached her father, as if she were a prize for him to grant. She was selfishly relieved that Niko’s return meant she had to put up with less bullshit clan speculation about her own personal life. Nevertheless, she wasn’t surprised that even Jio Somu, a man known for being extremely cautious, responded presumptively to even the tiniest encouragement. Underneath the table, Jio’s knee touched hers and stayed there. “It’s Lukang’s seats in the Royal Council, isn’t it? Kaul Hilo doesn’t want them going to the Mountain.”
Jaya took a chance by reaching over and placing a hand on Jio’s knee, the one pressing against her own. She lowered her own voice and her gaze. “My father could’ve sent a platoon of Fists to lay down an ultimatum, but he didn’t. He sent me, his only daughter, to speak with you so that you would take his proposal seriously, and so that you’d see we want this to be a friendly conversation, not a threatening one.”
“That’s surprisingly politically savvy of Kaul Hiloshudon,” Jio said. “Your father’s not known for subtlety. Perhaps he’s gained some wisdom over the years.”
“I’m told that’s what happens sometimes,” Jaya said. “So are you wise enough, Jio-jen, to take this offer my family is extending? What should I tell my father?”
Jio ran his tongue over his bottom lip. His eyes traveled slowly over her face and body. “I would need more information to decide how worthwhile a change in allegiance would be.” He glanced at the two other No Peak Green Bones, who were watching him carefully. “You could come to dinner with me tonight. Send your bodyguards away so that we can discuss the potential alliance in more . . . depth.” He placed his hand on top of hers under the table.
Jaya drew back her hand and her head, her lips parting in a small intake of breath. “Jio-jen,” she exclaimed with feigned disbelief. “Are you suggesting . . . you might betray the Mountain clan and side with my family if you could fuck me?”
“Of course not,” said Jio. “It would have to be a lot more than one fuck.”
Jaya stood. “I came here to discuss a serious alliance. You’re insinuating that I’m a whore, and that my father would expect me to seduce you for political gain.”
“I can’t see what else No Peak has to offer,” Jio said with a smirk.
Jaya’s eyes flashed fire. It didn’t matter that Jio could Perceive her true anger and malice. “I can overlook an insult, but not when it’s against my parents. Jio Somusen, Pillar of Six Hands Unity, I offer you a clean blade.”
Jio’s mouth fell open. Then he laughed uproariously. His bodyguards bit their lips and fought not to join in. They didn’t even notice that Jaya’s coy manner and her show of ire were both gone. She stood expressionless as she waited.