“When would it have happened?”
Turpis tilted his head. “Do you think the cerberus could have done it? If she was fine before the trial, when else could it have occurred?”
“But cerberuses aren’t poisonous by nature. Otherwise I would have been poisoned, and any of the other commanders who were injured.”
“So no matter what, this would have been deliberate.”
Aimilia nodded. “And if so?—”
“You could be next, especially after that showing. Commander Eleni was the third favorite amongst the betting.”
“Which one of us is the favorite?”
Turpis winked. “You’re my favorite. You have the potential to make me a very rich man.”
“Is that why you’re helping me?” His hand was on her knee, and it certainly wasn’t eliciting the same feeling as Nikias’, but it wasn’t unpleasant.
“You become Head of House Mitis and maybe then I tell you why I’m helping you get there.”
Aimilia opened her mouth and started to move to push his hand away, but a knock on the door interrupted, and it was opening again before she could do anything.
“Aimilia, I?—”
Nikias stood in the doorway, cutting himself off when his eyes landed on Turpis’ hand on Aimilia’s knee.
“You know you’re supposed to wait until the person on the other side says to come in, right?” Aimilia said, rising from her seat and dislodging Turpis’ hand with the motion. Turpis also rose to his feet, eyes narrowing.
“Apologies, I just wanted to check on you after I saw you this morning.” But Nikias wasn’t even looking at her; he was just glaring at Turpis.
Turpis grinned. “As you can see, she’s perfectly fine, Your Highness. Wasn’t your mother looking for you earlier?”
Aimilia’s breath caught in her throat as Nikias’ jaw clenched.
His wrists and arms were clean of bruises, but if he’d been coming to see her after his mother, Aimilia was certain it was just a mirage.
“I believe Commander Prisca was looking for you, Lieutenant.” Nikias stepped to the side and gestured to the door. “You wouldn’t want to keep her waiting, or make her think you’re shirking your duties. There is a tournament to run, after all.”
Turpis looked back at her.
She took a deep breath. “Thank you, Lieutenant, for checking on me.”
Turpis nodded and bowed. “Of course, Commander. Sleep well.”
As he passed by Nikias, he murmured something Aimilia couldn’t make out, but then he was gone. Nikias’ only response was to glare at the door as he shut it behind him. “What was he doing here?”
Aimilia huffed. “None of that is any of your business.”
“It isn’t?” Nikias scoffed. “Anything involving you is my business.”
Was it? The necklace sat heavy in her pocket. Did he think because he’d given that to her he had some claim on her?
“Is that what you think?” Aimilia glared at him.
Why was he so upset by Turpis checking on her? Was it jealousy?
Or fear she would slip out of his spell?
Nikias blanched and crossed his arms. “Aimilia, you’re competing in a tournament that could kill you. Of course anything involving you is my business. I am trying to keep you safe.”
