That evening, Kaiden was comfortably wedged between Aria and Nyx on a sofa in the Abyssal Palace when Alexandra brought Taigi into the lounge.
He straightened at the sight of his commander, expecting a report about the Japanese entrance. Instead of armor, she wore a dark green tunic over loose trousers, and her fingers were busy with the end of her sash.
"My lord..."
"Taigi. Come in. Is everything alright?"
"Yes! Yes, my lord. Everything is well."
She took a step toward him, then stopped to glance at the women beside him.
"I was hoping... If you have a little time to spare?"
Aria lifted her arm from behind his shoulders, allowing him to rise. As he approached Taigi, the commander wound the sash around her fingers again, pulling it tight enough to crease the fabric.
"Of course. What's on your mind?"
"My people would like to speak with you. Before the applicants begin arriving, while we still have the opportunity to gather together. We hoped you might visit the settlement."
