"How are you, nishani?" Jetr asked.
"Fine, thanks."
"I apologize if I am being too direct. I have a concern to discuss with you."
"Okay."
"My warriors have intercepted a message that may reference you as an intended victim. It seems there are people in this house who do not favor you as a nishani and who may seek to harm you."
Her thoughts went to Ne'Rin. He didn't like her, but she wondered how far he'd go, especially since A'Ran trusted him so much.
"I will warn the dhjan as well, but I wanted you to be aware. Your people are very unlike those on Anshan. Considering this, I felt it right to tell you," he said.
"Thank you," she managed, uncertain how to respond to a vague threat from a stranger. "I'll be careful."
He appeared satisfied, bowed, and walked away. Suddenly feeling alone and vulnerable in the wide hallway, she returned to her room and locked the door, her mind going to the visitor as she tried not to think about Ne'Rin wanting to hurt her.
* * *
"You did not tell me about her."
A'Ran didn't have to guess which her his uncle spoke of. He remained seated before a viewer listing the losses from the most current battle.
"If you're here, the crops failed," he said.
"And the mines give us nothing we can use to barter for more food and water," his uncle added.
A'Ran dropped his feet from the table and rose to face his uncle. Mansr appeared more haggard every time they met. His uncle bowed.
"The people are already starving. They cannot await the results of another planting," A'Ran mused.
"They cannot, nephew." Mansr's scratchy voice was soft. A'Ran's gaze rested on him for a long moment. Mansr awaited a response.
"You met nishani."
"I did. Did you await the signs?" Mansr's voice was too casual, too even.
"I did," A'Ran said. "Unfortunately, my lifemate knows nothing of Anshan or even the Five Galaxies. She understands nothing of our traditions."
"Surely women have mates where she is from."
"Her world is very different, uncle."
"She belongs on Anshan. Maybe then she'll see what she must do," Mansr said.
"It's too dangerous for her on Anshan," A'Ran replied. "She couldn't survive if anything happened, and every Yirkin warrior on the planet would be looking for her, once they hear she exists."