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  He leaned back in surprise. “You didn’t enjoy it?”

  She grabbed the edge of his neckline and pulled him down so she could whisper in his ear. “That has absolutely nothing to do with it. If they come after me because you wanted to stake a claim the moment I landed, I am going to kick your ass.”

  He chuckled in her ear. “I look forward to you trying.”

  She paused. “They are all staring at us again, aren’t they?”

  He pressed his lips against her ear. “Yes. This time, it is your doing, Your Imperial Highness.”

  She winced and relaxed her grip on his neckline, easing him to standing with a sigh and a pat at the front of his armour.

  She turned back to his parents and bowed. “Please, pardon my breach of protocol.”

  The emperor grinned. “No, I don’t think I will. I will be holding onto that image for a while. Now, Ambassador, come with me. We will get you sorted and out of our son’s eye line. It seems to do nothing but distract him.”

  A set of guards surrounded her, and one grabbed her armour. Halu brought up the rear, and they headed into the imperial grounds of Hredu. The emperor explained on their way that her skills as a negotiator were in dire need. A new jump corridor was planned, and the rights were hotly contested. They needed her to get to work immediately. So her six-month contract had begun.

  Chapter Four

  It took her ten minutes to get into her negotiator armour, and the Hredu cloak was waiting for her to represent their empire.

  She stepped into the outer room of her assigned chambers, and Halu stared. “Holy hells. Your faceplate is glowing.”

  Padana chuckled. “That is the idea. This isn’t the long-term suit that my mom was in, but it is a good approximation that will let me go without eating or drinking for a day.”

  Halu looked at it. “Are there reinforced joints?”

  “Yeah. I can manage standing or sitting. Whatever is necessary. So, shall we get going?”

  “Of course. Your guys are waiting outside. Are you going to be able to manage a full day?”

  Padana repeated it back to Halu. “Of course.”

  They left the temporary embassy with her guards around her and headed for the imperial court and the office that had been assigned to her. She stopped and got the authorization from the emperor to act on his behalf in a writ that was on actual parchment. Empress Ariadne still kept her hand in when it came to writing out the legal matters for the Hredu.

  The displays inside the armour gave her access to precedent and local law. She had a private library with just the flick of her eyes.

  The court divided as she approached; their expressions went from anticipatory to confused. Inside her helmet, she grinned.

  She walked to the imperial seats, and she bowed deeply. “I am here to serve the Hredu Empire. I will do my best to act in your best interests.”

  Emperor Usorn chuckled. “I believe you are going to regret that phrasing, Negotiator Tyrell.”

  She stood straight. “I have many regrets in my life so far. I shall simply add it to the pile.”

  He laughed and said, “This is your secretary, Lord Amen Thel. He will keep your calendar for you. He has secondary duties, but they can be worked around.”

  She turned and stifled a laugh. Winter was dressed in the formal court uniform, and he had a tablet in his hand. “Negotiator, I am at your disposal.”

  She inclined her head toward him. “I thank you for your service.”

  He smiled. “It is an honour to offer it. Now, there are several claims on your time. Would you care to discuss them in the privacy of the negotiation offices?”

  “I have offices?”

  “Temporarily. If you decide to remain after your term, I am sure something more permanent will be arranged.”

  She straightened and inclined her helmet. “Please, lead the way.”

  He bowed to the emperor, she did the same, and they left through a side alcove with her guards around them. There were guards at the entrance of the alcove, and they also looked familiar.

  When they were out of the court, Halu started laughing. “I think I like that prince of yours. He is starting things off with a definite assertive mood.”

  Padana snorted. “Sure. Three out of four guardians are around me; that won’t go badly.”

  Lord Thel chuckled. “We are mainly ceremonial. I will show your companion how to bring up the schedule, and I will maintain it from wherever I am.”

  They entered an office with a boardroom and a comfortable seat at the head of the table. She took her position at the head of the table and nodded her helmet toward Thel. “Okay, give me a rundown of who wants to negotiate for what.”

  He nodded. “There are a lot of marriage negotiations. Several domestic trades and three bids for gate access. The petitioners are waiting in the court, so I will send the guards for them if I am not here.”

  She inclined her head. “Can you extend your tablet?”

  She held her hand out over it, and she got the display up and running within her suit. “Got it. I can now begin pulling up the files I need.”

  He blinked. “You can do that?”

  “Yes. I applied for all clearances on my way here. The emperor was happy to grant them.”

  Halu chuckled. “She is remarkably efficient, but if you show me how to manage and identify the courtiers, we can manage with the standard guard detachment during the negotiations.”

  Thel looked at her. “What exactly are your credentials, lady’s maid?”

  Padana snickered, “Halu is well qualified to deal with whatever comes our way. She’s a registered talent, daughter of an enforcer, peacekeeper, and a guardian. Pride of the Nyal Imperium.”

  Thel blinked. “Halu of Jennila?”

  Halu nodded and inclined her head. “Just the same.”

  “Your parents are Frisk and Lance?”

  Halu chuckled. “Those are the ones.”

  He looked at her chalky skin and dark hair; the mask of gold pigment around her purple eyes made for a very striking appearance. “You aren’t a guardian?”

  “My family is filled with guardians. There was no need for me to get in line.” Halu smiled. “Lord Thel, you are staring.”

  He blinked. “You don’t look like a Terran.”

  She laughed. “I am not. I am mostly Ekathi of Jennila. Pointy ears and all.”

  Padana listened to the interesting conversation and chose her first clients. “Lord Thel, I believe the first clients to come in should be the Mardke and Hrodan grouping. I am ready if you would please bring them in.”

  Lord Thel nodded, and Halu went with him to see how he greeted the families.

  Padana snickered five minutes later when shouting and screaming could be heard coming toward her down the hallway.

  She sat at the table and put on the recorders. Halu had her hands in the crests of two of the men of the Hrodan family; the ladies followed and huffed.

  Halu sat the men at the end of the table, and the ladies settled next to Padana.

  Lord Thel came in with his folk sullen and stomping ahead of him, aside from the young male. He looked nervous.

  Padana gestured for him to take a seat and did the same for his irritated family members.

  She looked at the families who began arguing the moment that they sat down.

  She knocked her fingers on the table gently, and when that didn’t work, she rolled an arcing and sparking ball of static energy down the table. Anyone leaning forward was struck and knocked insensible.

  Padana smiled at the couple. “Now, I am Negotiator Tyrell, and I want to know what is standing between your two families as well. So, Miss Hrodan, Mr. Mardke, tell me why you two should be wed.”

  The first two hours were spent stunning anyone who tried to argue with her and soothing the upset couple. By the end of their negotiation, the agreement had been made, and a preliminary version was sent to the emperor’s scr
ibe for the creation of the marriage contract.

  The families were subdued but calm as they left the office. They had agreed on the terms of the contract, and their bio signs indicated they were in agreement with the final terms.

  Halu looked at her. “So, that is new. Is it the suit?”

  Padana chuckled. “Yes, it is the suit.”

  Lord Thel stared at her. “How do you do that?”

  Padana looked at him through the shell of her helmet. “Do what?”

  “Listen to their petty concerns without losing your mind.”

  “Oh. That. That is training. All of my family members were taught how to listen to arguments and made decisions without losing their composure. You have to be willing to listen.” Padana got up and stretched, twisting and bending. “Right. I have made the roster. Bring in the next happy couple and their insane families.”

  Halu chuckled. “That armour is...”

  “I know. My father wanted to be sure I was visible in all circumstances, and my mother made sure that it was reinforced all the way.”

  Lord Thel blinked and chuckled. “Right. Next ones on the list.”

  Negotiator Tyrell plowed through the next three happy couples, and one mining consortium and a farmer. The land they wanted wasn’t usable, but the environmental impact was a concern. Their negotiations were far easier than that of the happy couples.

  She was about to request someone else when Lord Thel inclined his head. “I am sorry, Negotiator, but I have been called away.”

  “Duty calls.” She shooed him away and looked at Halu when he was gone. “So, how does he compare to his portrait?”

  Halu’s cheeks pinked. “He’s very good at passive intimidation. I am more on the active side, as you know.”

  Negotiator Tyrell patted her friend on the shoulder. “I know. When you contacted me, I couldn’t believe my luck, and then, you showed me that portrait, and I couldn’t believe yours. I wonder if Rhoda has done portraits for them here?”

  Halu smirked. “I hope that I hid my copy well enough that customs didn’t get a look. I am sure that they wouldn’t have looked at Winter the same way.”

  Negotiator Tyrell chuckled, and they left the office and turned to her guards. They led her through the palace and the empty audience chamber. She apologized. “I am sorry it went on for so long. My timing isn’t quite up to Hredu standards yet.”

  There was a guardsman who decided to be the spokesperson. “We had a shift change while you were inside and will be on duty until you rise.”

  “Okay. Is there any possibility of me getting something to eat before I crash tonight?”

  One of the guards nodded. “I will get on it. How much will you require?”

  “I believe I missed two meals, so two meals’ worth, please. And a lot of water or herbal tea. I didn’t have a chance to stock my suit.”

  “So, you have been without food or water this entire time?” the guard muttered in a strangled tone.

  “Yeah. It’s fine. Today you learned my schedule, so in the morning, I need water and a high-protein meal, and then, I need two meals when I finish working as well as about two litres of water or herbal tea.”

  “Yes, Negotiator. I just hope that the emperor or his son does not look too carefully at your meal plan. It will not be received well.”

  “They are going to be busy for a few days. We have time to get into a rhythm. I will intercede if necessary.” She nodded.

  “Thank you, Negotiator, but when they lock onto you, providing an alibi is the last thing on your mind.”

  “I have been in one of their clutches, and I understand completely.” She nodded and walked the rest of the way to her quarters silently.

  Halu verified that the rooms were empty and let her in.

  The guard said, “We will get your food going.”

  “Good. I will get myself out of the suit and take a shower. It should take close to thirty minutes. Is that enough time?”

  He nodded. “Plenty, as long as you just want it hot and fast.”

  She paused and nodded. “As long as you are talking about food, it’s fine.”

  He paused, grinned, and left. Two guards were still visible, and they were in place when Halu closed the door. “Do you need a hand?”

  “No. I have this. See you in a few minutes.”

  She released the helmet closure and removed her gloves, using her biological key to open the rest of the suit. Her skin was sensitive today, but that wouldn’t last long. Soon, it would turn red and raw. Being in the suit wasn’t difficult; it was a marathon. If she could have a few days off now and then, she would have a better chance of living through her six months, but who knew what would happen.

  Right now, she just wanted a shower and a meal. One thing on her agenda at a time.

  Chapter Five

  Padana slumped on the couch in her quarters. She rubbed her forehead and then stared at her hand. “Gloves. It is going to have to be gloves.”

  Empress Ariadne was sending her a makeup artist so that they could have dinner together, but Padana had been on Hredu for two weeks, and two weeks as the negotiator in the armour had caused a predictable reaction. Her skin was peeling, and she was exhausted. The artist was going to have to be a miracle worker to disguise that little fact.

  Halu made a tutting sound. “You are a wreck. You have to mention it to them. You need some time in medical if nothing else.”

  “It usually takes a few days in a tank to get over this quickly.” She made a face at her red, raw skin.

  “Well, the makeup artist is on the way, so if you are going to dress up, you might want to do it now.”

  Padana got to her feet and nodded. “Right. Let me just get my...” The floor rushed up to greet her.

  The empress was at her side, and she was writing with her tattooed fingers. Her hand moved gracefully over the document in the elegant lines of formal Hredu.

  “So, the negotiator suit makes you ill?” The empress looked over at her and gave her a wry smile.

  “It just irritates my skin.”

  “To the point where you got an infection that spread throughout your system and destroyed your immunity to many daily irritants.” Ariadne shook her head. “Stupid.”

  “I just wanted to get settled and then ask for a day or two off, but there were so many petitioners that I felt guilty for thinking about taking the time.”

  “And put yourself at risk.” Ariadne tutted.

  “Wait. You aren’t wearing makeup.”

  “We are in the emperor’s wing of the palace. No need.”

  Padana pushed herself up against the headboard, and she asked, “Where is Halu?”

  “Outside the door. She is good at guarding you but not against yourself.”

  She winced. “I kept reassuring her, but she was getting worried.”

  “So, when were you going to mention it to us? We could have given you whatever time you needed.”

  “I was just trying to spend a bit more time in the suit.”

  Ariadne blinked and lifted her pen from the parchment. She looked at Padana with dawning understanding. “You were dodging Yomin.” Ariadne chuckled. “Now that makes sense.”

  The hot blush matched the colour in her hands. “You sound like my mother.”

  “Well, we were born on the same world. She is very worried and extremely frustrated that you didn’t mention your issue with the suit. She recommended time in the tank, but we don’t have one available.”

  Padana nodded. “I will recover in about twelve days without one.”

  “Well then, in that case, you are going to be reassigned to our country house until you recover.”

  “What?” She closed her eyes and groaned.

  “When you return, you will be given a mask and a uniform of the imperial household. You will also have two guardian cadets with you while you meet with families and negotiating parties. It is important for them to learn how to
deal with irate people.”

  “I feel horrible that I can’t complete my six months consecutively.”

  “Oh, you will, you will just take little breaks.” Ariadne smiled. “And if you think this is all about your negotiating skills, you are deluding yourself. Usorn has been in heated discussions with Palden VII in regards to your person.”

  Padana groaned and covered her eyes. “I know. I have been pretending that I didn’t, but it had all the hallmarks of an engagement.”

  Ariadne laughed. “My son got a portrait delivered from an artist—”

  “Rhoda.” Padana turned a darker shade of crimson. “I am familiar with her work. It’s the reason that Halu is with me. She got one as well. They kinda feel like blackmail notes. Wait. Did Lord Thel get one?”

  The empress’s grin was slow. “They all did. It was a charming care package. A little eye-opening—I hadn’t realized that my son was so flexible—but definitely fascinating.”

  Padana blinked and flipped the covers off, setting her feet down and standing before rushing to the door.

  The empress got to her feet. “Where are you going?”

  Halu was standing with her back to the door, and Padana whispered, “Halu, he knows.”

  Halu turned around and caught her, carrying her back to bed as if she were weightless.

  “I assume you are referring to Lord Thel?”

  Padana nodded. “He has a portrait.”

  Halu coloured slightly. “Well, that makes sense. He keeps looking at me as if he can’t quite place me, so it would be the explanation.”

  Empress Ariadne smiled. “I don’t believe it has occurred to him. I am sure that when Yomin mentions his portrait again, it will come to him.”

  Halu tucked Padana back into bed and checked the texture of her skin. “You were out for a day and a half, Princess. Your mother and mine are not happy with me, and Prince Yomin wants me tied to a post in a lightning storm.”

  Padana chuckled. “I would say that I would protect you, but it isn’t really up to me right now.”

  The empress was writing again. “So, why is it that only you have a reaction to being in the negotiator armour? Your mother said that it was a trait from your father’s side but would not say what that trait was.”