“What was that about?” Fortunately, Noelle asked the exact question Eira had been wondering but wasn’t sure if she should vocalize.
Cullen stared back at Alvstar for a long moment. “Some political nonsense I need to discuss with my father.”
“Political nonsense like what?” Eira asked.
“Nothing to worry about. I’ll get it sorted.” He dismissed her question with a smile. But the way concern lit the edges of his eyes made Eira worry all the more. Something was wrong. But she couldn’t ask here and now. Not when they’d been doing such a good job of staying distant.
So she shrugged and engaged in a conversation with Alyss. When the morphi finally joined the group, they lined up, ready to march out to the training grounds. Eira tried to step over to where Alvstar and Cullen had been talking, but her attempt at seeing if any of their words had seeped into the stones at their feet was interrupted by Ducot suddenly appearing.
“Sorry I didn’t have a chance to speak with you last night.”
She glanced up at him. “It was hardly the time.”
“Very true. In any case, thank you,” he said softly as they started walking forward in a line, knights falling into step around them. The Twilight Kingdom and Solaris competitors buffered the two of them in the front and back, as if everyone knew they needed a moment alone to talk.
“I didn’t do much.”
“That’s not what I heard.” Ducot glanced her way. “Arwin told me, then I got the full story from Deneya later.”
“Do you have orders for me?” Eira said under her breath. The sun was dimmer while she talked about the Court of Shadows; Risen was less glorious.
“No.”
There was more to be said. She could feel it skulking in the silence that followed. So Eira waited patiently, walking in step with him as they passed by the residents of Meru.
“I don’t like how Deneya is handling all this.”
Eira merely hummed. Saying too much seemed ill advised. Ducot was still a shadow, last she checked, and that meant he still was loyal to Deneya first, regardless of his feelings.
“I don’t think it’s fair to you,” he elaborated.
“I’d agree.” The words burned too much to keep inside. “But I’m also biased.”
He chuckled. “I do agree with her that you’re reckless and have been a liability more than an asset.”
“I’m not arguing that point.” Eira shoved her hands in her pockets, keeping her eyes forward.
“I know. And that’s part of why you’re earning my respect. Your recklessness has given us information we wouldn’t have otherwise had, or would’ve gained long after it was too late. You were the one who put that information together, trying to warn us. And even after we ignored you…youstillran headfirst into danger last night. You saved Arwin and the rest.” Eira glanced up at him, even though he still spoke without looking at her. “You have my respect, Eira Landan. And I owe you a debt of gratitude on Arwin’s behalf.”
“No, you don’t. It was the right thing to do, maybe even because I’m so reckless. I owed them that much. Plus, it’s not entirely selfless. I still need the court to help me take him down.”
“Take my gratitude. I don’t give it to many people.” Ducot took a step ahead, going to rejoin his group. But he paused, adding, “I’ll be there, whenever you need me. I’m on your side.”
“What aboutthem?” Eira whispered, not saying “the court” or “Specters” aloud.
Ducot shrugged. “I make my own judgments. If they don’t like it, then they’ll let me know, and I’ll adjust accordingly.” He flashed her a lopsided grin and returned to his friends.
Eira hung back, falling into step between Noelle and Alyss.
“He’s an interesting one, isn’t he?” Noelle said with a soft, intent gaze.
“He’s a good one,” Eira emphasized. “Definitely a friend.”
“We need all the friends we can get these days,” Alyss murmured.
They reached the training grounds without incident. Each group of competitors went to their respective corners and promptly began to settle in, only to be interrupted by Jahran—Lumeria’s Quill and right hand. He stepped out onto the balcony that overlooked the grounds, summoning the attention of those gathered with his presence alone.
“Good day to you all!” He held out his hands, motioning to the gathered spectators in the stands as well as competitors. “While it has been delayed, we are most excited for the tournament’s official start with the ball tomorrow night.”
