“Love him. You will be his ability to release. His pressure valve. He hasn’t even gone to sleep. He’s probably in some room right now, standing in a circle of testosterone-drunk men all flexing and shouting.” She wagged her finger. “Too many powerful men in one space always leads to stupidity, destruction, and unnecessary death. You must start being in that room when war is discussed."
I widened my eyes. “Okay but. . .”
“Yes?”
“Honestly, I would feel like that wasn’t my place.”
“Of course you would. You didn’t give the oath with your blood like everyone else in that room, but it doesn’t matter.”
“Why not?”
She stepped closer and lowered her voice. "Because a woman should be in that room. Softening things. Layering femininity into the air. Reminding those men what they’re actually fighting for—not just bloodlust and pride. And because I will teach you how to take up the space in that room so perfectly. . .no one will ever complain. . .in fact. . .they’ll beg for you to be there. . .some may even demand it."
My voice was quiet but sure. "So you’re going to teach me how to keep Kenji calm and remind him of the things that are important in life?"
"No, Nyomi. I’m going to show you how to help Kenji win this war."
My pulse beat harder in my throat. "How do I do that?"
"Go to him right now. Check on him."
"I want to." I nodded. "I’ve been wondering if he’s even eaten. Or when he plans to sleep, because he clearly needs both."
Hiroko’s lips curved into a knowing smile. "That right there. That concern. That’s what will win this war."
"You think so?"
"I know so. Kenji thinks killing his father will be the end. But war doesn’t end with death. Peace ends war. And love births peace. But how could Kenji even begin to understand that when he’s never knownreallove?"
Against my will, I thought of my mother again and how she would have never considered anything like this. She might have even told Hiroko to shut up and leave. In her mind, a woman’s true place was on the sidelines, quiet, and looking pretty.
But. . .I had to break that legacy.
I had to stop being the little girl in the hallway, scared to speak.
I let out a long breath. "Okay. Teach me everything.”
Hiroko grinned. “It will be day by day. I can’t do it all today, but there are clear moves you should make right now.”
“Alright. After you tell me, I’m going to wash my face, brush my teeth, and check on him."
Hiroko frowned. “Are you forgetting other steps?”
“No.”
“You are.”
"What steps am I forgetting?"
She glanced at my pajamas like they were an insult to her bloodline. "What will you be wearing?"
I blinked. "Well. . .he’s probably in his war room. I could throw on a robe—"
"Absolutely not!" Zo shrieked like I’d just slapped him.
“Alright.” I shook my head. “I can throw on some clothes.”
“Throw on some clothes? Is that how a dragon tamer sounds when they prepare for work?” Hiroko looked at me like I’d offered to wear a trash bag to a coronation. "You are with the Dragon. And this is the morning afteryoumade him kneel. You will walk into that war room looking like a queen. You will command the attention ofeveryman in that space. And you will absolutely make every last one of their cocks hard and remind Kenji why he should never go one night without coming to your bed. Do you understand me?”
