“There will need to be a vote, but it probably won’t occur until after the tournament is complete. The divine do not appreciate when their entertainment is interrupted.”
Once more, I am reminded that Demi and I come from completely separate worlds. If Prince Balior seeks to infiltrate the City of Gods, then Marles may be spared from whatever horrors he is planning. It is entirely possible that Lady Clarisse is aligned with the prince. Somehow, with gods protesting in the streets, I don’t think it would be wise to mention that to Demi.
I am drying the last of the dishes when the back of my neck warms, touched by a gaze I cannot see. Calmly, I return the bowls to the cupboard, then turn. The East Wind stands in the doorway, cloaked head to toe in black, watching me.
“Eurus.” Demi offers him a smile. The sight twists my stomach. “Had I known you were hungry, I would have saved you some soup. Unfortunately, Min and I ate it all.”
“I’m not interested in soup, Demi.” He then shifts his attention onto me. “Can we talk?”
Considering he’s spent the last few days avoiding me, this is a surprise. But I nod, following him out of the kitchen and down the corridor until we reach an empty study. He gestures me inside, then shuts the door.
I glance around the room, if only to grant myself time to consider what I might say. Windows paneled in dark velvet. High-backed armchairs and a gleaming oak desk. When we last shared space, I learned what his breath might taste like, were I to allow it to flood my throat.
“Where have you been?” Eurus demands.
Beyond the expansive panes of glass, the city gleams beneath an autumn sun. It is the most beautiful place I have ever laid eyes on, but it is soured by the East Wind’s absolute incompetence at communicating.
“Let’s start with a proper g-greeting,” I bite out, turning to look at him. “I suggestgood afternoon, althoughgood daywould suffice.”
“Maybe mortals enjoy wasting breath on menial greetings,” he says, “but time is not on our side, bird.”
I shake my head. He listens, but he does not truly understand. “It would take such little effort on your part,” I say, “to treat me m-more kindly. What was it you said again, about making things right between us?”
The time for cowering is past. Today, and every day hence forth, I vow to honor myself, expel those rotting doubts from my core, the ones that tell me in no uncertain terms that I am not worthy of decency and respect.
“I’m doing my best,” the East Wind says.
“No,” I say. “You are barely making an effort. If this is what you consider your best, then I’m leaving.”
I brush past him, and his seaside scent drags me down into memory. A dark and drowning tide I did not fight, but welcomed. I falter, yet force myself toward the door.
“Wait.”
For half a heartbeat, I consider pushing out the door, but I don’t. Maybe I am too softhearted.
“You’re right. I’m sorry. That was rude of me. I…” His voice hitches as he fights to collect his words. “I am not very good at this.”
“This, meaning acting like a d-d-decent person?” I say, turning around to study him.
The East Wind lowers his head in what may be shame. “Yes. I’m sorry for that. You were gone this morning. I went looking for you. When I couldn’t find you, I feared something may have happened.”
He was worried, I realize. Worried—and tormented by the emotion. “I didn’t think you would notice that I was gone.”
He steps toward me, long legs swallowing the distance, until the heat of his body buffets mine. “Why wouldn’t I notice?”
He is so tall I’m forced to tilt back my head. “Because you’ve failed to make an effort to speak to m-me the last few days,” I stutter.
There was a time when I would have left this thought unfinished. I would not press for more. I would not seek answers, assuming I was not worthy of knowing them. But it is a new day. “Why have you been avoiding me?”
Eurus steps back in surprise. “I haven’t been avoiding you.”
“Really?” I laugh. I can’t help it. If I am a terrible liar, he is worse. “Where have you been sleeping then?”
“I haven’t been. Sleeping, I mean.”
Interesting. So, what, he has been wandering the palace grounds, flying off to who knows where, all to prevent himself from sharing a suite with me?
“I wasn’t sure if you needed space after what happened,” he murmurs. “I thought it better to give it to you.”
