“There is a trap in your future.”
“You keep saying that, and the more you do, the less I believe you.” Aimilia stepped back and gestured to the entrance hall they were in. “We’re here for my grandfather’s funeral. In less than a week, I’m going to be competing to become the head of House Mitis.”
Nikias’ gaze darkened. He glanced around to see a few servants and Runai taking notice of them in the bustle. He pulled on her arm and they ducked down a random hallway and he lowered his voice. “You still mean to compete?”
Aimilia had spent the last stretch of their trip trying so hard not to think of the future, given Hypatia’s warning, that she hadn’t actually made a decision on any of the paths that lay before that had led her to Hypatia’s magic in the first place.
A trap could very easily refer to something in the trials.
Or was the trap choosing not to compete?
Hypatia said the future couldn’t be changed. Aimilia couldn’t avoid the trap.
If she didn’t compete, there was only one other path in front of her. Nikias would be her future. And what if that was the trap?
Aimilia needed more time.
“I do.”
Nikias shifted back, lifting his chin. His voice was frigid as he said, “I see.”
Aimilia couldn’t read what he was hiding behind his marble façade. “Did you think I wouldn’t?”
Nikias’ jaw flexed before he took a deep breath and said, “Do you think it’s wise? You’re a skilled commander, Aimilia, there is no doubt about that, but you are the youngest one competing.”
“An advantage.” Aimilia lifted her chin. “I’m in my prime.”
“You and I both know their years of experience give them the advantage.” Nikias tilted his head, but there was an earnestness in his voice. At least itseemedearnest. “Their physical condition is comparable to yours.”
“Then my superior skill in casting will ensure my victory.”
“Aimilia, have you not realized it yet?”
Her stomach dropped. What did he know? What was his plan? Was this the trap?
“What are you talking about?”
Nikias stepped closer. “Just like the graduation tournament or the entrance exams, there are judges, and not just your peers amongst the commanders. The royal family judges you too.”
His words knocked all the air out of her. Aimilia’s tongue was lead in her mouth. She hadn’t gotten that far. If her fate was in Nikias’ hands, or worse, his mother’s…
“Aimilia, you need to think about what happens if you lose.”
It meant she’d be under the new Head of House Mitis, and if it wasn’t her, it was probably going to be Cyprian. If he took over and she kept defying him…
A no-win scenario…
Aimilia lifted her chin. “Your advice is noted, but unnecessary. I will prove it beyond all doubt, that not even you or your mother’s deliberate sabotage will stop me. I will be second best to no one.”
Then she turned on her heel and headed for the stairs. She could feel his eyes on her, piercing in the silence. She wouldn’t let herself look back. She wouldn’t look back.
She looked back.
Chapter 46
AIMILIA
Aimilia didn’t care if Nikias got lost or not. She needed to get away from him before he asked her too many questions she couldn’t answer. She went straight to her room and dug out her mourning clothes before heading to the bathhouse to wash the dirt and dust of the road off herself.
