I hated this.
Hated the jagged spikes of tension separating us. One move and they’d puncture an organ. Anything to make us bleed out all those tainted words we each kept cradled away from the other.
“What’s this?” I asked, eyeing the tray, tiptoeing over those spikes. The smell of hibiscus rose to me. He’d found my favorite tea, and those looked like the lemon biscuits I loved.
“I assumed you’d take breakfast in here today if you’re in pain.” He busied himself striding to the sideboard, organizing the assortment of daggers we’d collected into an orderly line. Including the one he’d taken off his father’s body, onyx Engrossian gems and all. He wouldn’t tell me why he kept it, but I figured it was his way of grieving, so I didn’t prod too much.
His hand hovered over the last weapon—the one I’d carried since Cyph had given it to me for my birthday, the one I’d used on his father—before he shifted that, too, laying it beside the others.
“That’s very kind of you,” I said, voice small. Timid like I’d never been with him. Afraid of pushing whatever was happening in his mind that I didn’t understand. “But it’s unnecessary. I won’t hide in here all day.”
Never mind the fact that my back still hurt and I was utterly exhausted. I wouldn’t let the warriors I sought alliances with think meweak or incapable due to my gender. If anything, I’d use this as another strength against them. Show them what I was capable of even while in pain.
“Are you certain?” Malakai asked, giving me every opportunity to change my mind. A sign of support.
“Positive.” I sprang to my feet and strode around the table, grabbing a lemon biscuit as I went. “I will take these, though.”
“If you insist.” Malakai met my eyes over his shoulder for the first time since our fight, the slight lift of his lips at the corners a balm to the bruises between us.
A Starsearcher,a Soulguider, and a Bodymelder. One from each of the three minor clans met us in the palace’s training yard for the usual morning circuit, prepared to take up temporary residence with us. Train with us. Dine with us.Know us.
“Good morning,” Tolek cheered, his voice bouncing off the high stone walls as he descended the staircase from the palace into the sunken dirt arena. Sun coated the space, warm and welcoming. It highlighted the Mystique sigil carved periodically along the facade, as it was throughout the palace and city. An oval with a sword slashing diagonally across it and an outline of three mountains along the bottom.
“He’s in a cheerful mood today,” Cyph said, eyeing his friend from just over his shoulder.
“And why wouldn’t I be, CK? We have guests.” Tolek looked over the newcomers, then back to Cyph. “And I’m finally going to beat you in our gamble this morning.”
Jezebel barked a laugh. Turning to the delegates, she explained, “Every morning those three”—she pointed to Malakai, Tolek, and Cypherion—“create an obstacle course after training, and every morning Cypherion walks away with his pockets heavier.”
“And that isn’t about to change today.” Cyph walked around the edge of the group, toward the looming armory doorway. The brown leathers covering him neck to boot flexed with each movement, scythe on his back and sword at his hip. “Let’s find weapons for you three.”
The delegates and Jezebel followed Cypherion, and I observed them. First was Erista, Meridat’s apprentice with the wild curls. Shehad volunteered to stay and represent the Soulguiders over her twin sister. I recognized Titus’s apprentice, Vale, too. The quiet Starsearcher with the demure stare. The Bodymelder, though, I’d only just met. Esmond had a broad frame and tall stature that instantly demanded attention, but his demeanor countered it. He remained aloof on the outskirts with keen gazes around our group and arena.
Each delegate brought the weapon of preference of their clan, but as this was to be a show of cooperation, we would also be sharing our specialties with them.
Tol’s eyes met mine when he stood with Rina, Malakai, and me.
His blink asked,How are you?and my worries eased with the nod I gave him in return.
“It’s a shame none of the Seawatchers are here,” he pointed out, satisfied that I was okay.
“What is the fascination, anyway?” Rina strapped the dagger I’d given her from my twin set to her thigh.
“He only cares for their weapons,” I teased, pressing a hand into a cramp in my lower back.
“Are you all right?” Tolek asked.
“My cycle came,” I responded dully.
“Do you need anything?”
“I’m fine.” It was a bit more of a snap than I intended.
“That you are.” He smirked. “If that’s the case, I want to spar with you today.”
“Get in line.” Malakai swung an arm around my shoulders, pulling me closer.
Tolek eyed his friend, frustrations from our conversation yesterday playing out behind his stare. His need to protect me against any more hurt.
