"Yes. A'Ran is with them most of the day," she said absently. "How far is Anshan?"
"Two turns of the sun."
"Will you stay long?"
"I cannot," he stated, his gaze growing distant. "I have a duty to the people. I will address the dhjan and leave."
Her intent gaze lingered on him as they reached the house. The etchings of age, pain, and sorrow were upon his brow and cheeks. She sensed the unseen scars of war and strife, the price of Anshan's struggle, buried deep beneath the surface of the hardened man before her.
"Worry not, gentle lady," he said, aware of her scrutiny.
Kiera flushed and looked away. They stepped into the cooler house, and her attention was caught by Talal, who froze in mid-stride along her path toward the northern wing.
"Uncle," Talal managed, and gave a formal bow. Her eyes went to Kiera in surprise.
"Niece." He returned the bow.
"I will guide you immediately to the dhjan," Talal said with apprehension and another bow.
Her unusually swift stride outdistanced both of them. A'Ran's uncle remained at Kiera's pace. He was quiet, and her thoughts wandered to Anshan and her alleged, vague duty to the people. How did one save a planet, and how long would it take?
"You may enter, uncle," Talal said, and stopped in front of the war quarters. "Nishani, come with me."
Before she could move, Kiera's arm was caught by the man beside her. She gazed up at him questioningly.
"Nishani?" he echoed, his eyes on Talal. Kiera watched Talal smile and bob another bow. His dark eyes dropped to Kiera's features.
"I am honored," he said, and bowed his head.
"Come, nishani." Talal took her arm before she could reply. Kiera went, looking back once to see Mansr staring hard after her.
"Nishani, you are not to greet alone!" Talal chided her as they marched down the hall.
"It wasn't right to leave him standing in the sun all day!" Kiera replied. "What does your uncle do on the planet?"
"He controls the ground armies. If he is here, he has no good news."
Kiera debated how he could have worse news, curious about the man and the war. They nearly reached the women's wing when the strange little Council member with white eyes called out to her.
"Nishani!"
She and Talal both turned as he approached. He gave Talal a short bow she took as dismissal, then waited for her to pad out of sight. Kiera waited for him to speak, wanting to hide somewhere until she could think straight.