A waiter suddenly loomed large over them and Loong spoke to him briefly and he went away again. They made small talk and presently the waiter returned, bearing three glasses and a decanter of purple liquor. Savage questioned the third glass with the raise of an eyebrow.
"Larhana is to join us," Loong explained. "It is a great honor to be favored with her presence at one's table."
Almost as if summoned by Loong's words she appeared on the opposite side of the floor. She crossed it with the same easy grace she had shown in her dance, her hair flowing gently down over her bare shoulders as she moved. Although she had typically Trygonian features, Savage thought her the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. He wondered if it was Choon's influence again.
They stood to receive her and Savage found that she was as tall as he.
"May I present Commodore Jarlon Choon," Loong said and Savage bowed.
"Delighted, Commodore. I have heard a great deal about you." Her green eyes sparkled at him mischievously.
"I am honored ..." Savage began, but a harsh voice behind him interrupted:
"Choon, the Empress' lover, is trying to make another conquest."
Savage spun around, his fists clenched, but Loong grabbed his arm.
"Careful," he whispered urgently, "that's Satish, the High Commissioner's right hand man."