“So there was no other way to ensure you didn’t die from an injury?” I ask, as I set down my tools and rub my temples.
“There was another way, but it would have been more dishonorable than bending the rules.”
“And that was …?”
“A proposal. Had I accepted it, my vow would have been nullified, and I could have received medical care.”
“A proposal? Like, for marriage?”
He thinks for a moment before saying, “Pairing. Mates. Yes.”
A surprising surge of jealousy hits me at the thought of him ‘mating’ with someone, and I nearly groan. This is getting ridiculous. I can’t keep having these thoughts.
Returning my focus to the conversation, I ask, “And you didn’t accept the proposal, even though it would’ve gotten you medical care?”
He looks at my mouth for a moment before answering. “She was a poor match, selected by my government. It was expected that I would agree to that proposal, but I could not. Her family has long sought control over the empire, and I am certain a pairing with her would have ended in my death.”
That sinking feeling deepens as I study his expression. Heseems entirely unaware of the implications of what he’s just said, and I can’t figure out why. He’s smart. That much is clear. But it’s like he has a giant blind spot.
Brows furrowed, I ask, “And that doesn’t make you even a little concerned?”
“What are you insinuating?”
I throw my hands up. “I just think it’s strange that any empire would let its soon-to-be emperor bleed out for no reason. Don’t you?”
“We are a people of honor. If I had died here, it would have been an honorable death.”
I still can’t tell if my observations are completely off-base, or if his honor-tinted glasses are so thick he can’t see what’s right in front of him. Either way, I’m more certain now than I was before that he isn’t supposed to leave here alive.
“I needyou to explain your arrangement with Gaius,” Vexar says, interrupting my questions about his family. After learning about his refused marriage proposal, I was curious and kept probing him about his family and his culture. Turns out, him turning down that proposal was abigdeal, and I’m sort of impressed that he was willing to do it. I assumed he was more of a ‘by the rules’ kinda guy, but maybe I’m wrong.
I push the hair out of my face with the back of my hand and ask, “What do you want to know?”
“All details regarding your contract and the events that preceded your arrival here.”
My stomach drops a bit, and I set down my tools. “Why do you want to know?” This is the last topic I want to talk about, so unless he has a good reason, I’m not revisiting it.
“I want to help you, and to do that, I need to understand your situation.”
“Help me … how?”
“By getting you out of here and ensuring Gaius faces consequences for his actions.”
With the quickly darkening sky outside, the warm glow of the cell’s lamp has begun to cast long shadows on the walls. I stare at the dark void cast by Vexar’s horns and shift on the soft pillow beneath my knees. I don’t know how to respond. He’s so dead-set on keeping me alive.
My eyes lock on his. “Why do you care so much if I make it out of here alive?”
The muscles in his jaw tick. “You saved my life, and I”—he sighs—“admire your ferocity.” He brushes a hand over his chest before adding, “I also believe in what you are fighting for.”
“And having this information will help?”
“It will. Greatly.”
Even if he can’t save me, it’s probably good he knows what’s going on.
“Alright,” I say, trying to steel myself for what I know is going to be a painful conversation. Immediately, my hands start to shake, and my heart rate soars.
“Are you well?” Vexar asks, his accent thicker than normal.
