Clearly, he’s keen on protecting his true identity. Ghost doesn’t want me to know anything about him when he knows everything there is to know about me.
Ghost takes the envelope out of the inner pocket of his tailored back tunic. He places it on the table and slides it over to me.
“In this envelope you’ll findJin, a flower found in the fields of southern Ekios. It’s a beautiful flower, and it only blooms one month out of the year. But what’s even more beautiful about it isthat if you dry it and grind it into a fine powder, it’s an effective poison that will stop even the heart of a sea serpent.”
“Good to know,” I say, tracing a finger over the envelope. “At least I don’t have to stab someone. Just poison them. Who?”
“You’ll need to grind the dried flower just before you poison the target as the powder has a short time when it’s active,” Ghost explains. “Three days from today, in the evening, you’ll be working as a bartender in one of the most prominent lounges in Jaakii called the Golden Dragon. A very important meeting will take place there, and a lot of prominent people from the House Dzuni and Order of Ezkai will be present. Your target is one of those important people, and you’ll have to poison him during the evening without getting caught. Can you do that, Mr. Kregger?”
“Yes. As easy as slicing a pie.”
It’s not.
“If you do get caught, I trust you not to reveal my identify to the authorities.”
“Of course. I’m as loyal and trustworthy as a criminal can be.”
Ghost smiles, but it doesn’t reach his dark eyes.
“So, how important is my target? Which one of the nobles will it be? I’m not familiar with all the families, but I’m a fast learner,” I say, desperate for more details.
Truth be told, I want to knowexactlyhow much trouble I am getting myself into here. After all, what is my freedom worth if I don’t have my head on my shoulders to enjoy it?
Finally, Ghost says, “Your target is the Ezkai General, Kitajo Hiromasa, Mr. Kregger.”
Well, spirits of the gods be damned.
CHAPTER NINE
PHOENIX
He doesn’t know I’m alive, does he?
It doesn’t matter. He won’t remember my face. I was young when he last saw me in the flesh. But once he learns my name, he’ll know.
I bet he already does. No way his Royal Commander, Axel Dukas, doesn’t know that I survived, escaped, and joined the Order.
The General may think me being in this meeting will aid the cause. But it may as well make things for him even worse.
I push those thoughts away, flex my hands at my sides, and with an exhale, push the door to the war room open. Daegel is already sitting at the table. Next to him is Ezkai Xander. Two more Ezkai sit next to him, but I don’t know their identities.
I’m surprised to see two noblefolk at the table, too. It’s not often I cross paths with House Dzuni.
The General stands at the end of the table,TaaslordNoire next to him. They both turn their heads as I enter and pause their conversation.
“Welcome, Ezkai Phoenix,” the General says with a smile. He gestures at an empty seat next to Daegel. “Please take a seat. We’re just waiting for the king and his entourage to arrive.”
I dip my chin and stride forward. Once I’m sat, I’m less queasy. At least I have Daegel at my side.
He brushes my thigh with his under the table. Immediately, my body awakens. I always crave his touches.
A couple of minutes pass before the door opens. Two Ezkai with serious faces enter first. They hold the door open.
First enter the two Royal Guard soldiers, dressed in the tailored burgundy uniforms. Their eyes scan the room for threats. After them comes the man responsible for ruining my life.
The moment King Francis steps into the war room, his luxurious heavy robes rustling, my sight turns red. I grip the arms of my chair so hard my knuckles turn white.
It takes everything in me not to lose my shit. I struggle to get a breath in before Axel Dukas even enters the space. He prowls after his king, a mocking smirk edged at the corner of his mouth at all times.
