15
THERE WERE REASONS gamra manners stood stiff with formality. Preventing ugly cockfights was one of them. That didn’t mean they didn’t happen, though, especially when Coldi were involved. Asto was notorious for its disregard of the conventions, and I was sure that plenty of rules of behaviour were going to be disregarded today.
I stared across the hall, clenching my jaws. I don’t care who he is. I won’t let myself be bullied under the table.
Thayu glanced over her shoulder; she had heard that thought, of course.
Don’t. He’ll destroy you. I’m serious. The statement brimmed with emotion.
I met her eyes squarely. Let him try.
She turned completely in her seat and stared at me, mouth open. I could feel her confusion. I was taking on her supreme leader to whom she had sworn loyalty, and
