He flashes me one of his most dazzling smiles. Even through the cell bars, it makes my stomach flutter.
“Contraband from the General herself? Scandalous.”
“Oh, for the love of the gods, take it and shut the fuck up.” I hand him the blade and he toys with it expertly. “Stay fucking safe until I figure out a way to get you out, okay?”
“Your wish is my command.”
I sigh and turn to leave. Just as I’m walking away, he adds quietly, “Once in a while, when you have the time, come visit me, will you?”
My chest tightens. I look over at him and nod. “Of course. You still have to tell me how such a fancy thug learned to fight like a true soldier.”
The warmth of the smile that blooms on his face could melt the most stubborn ice from the top of the highest mountains in the north.
CHAPTER EIGHTY-FIVE
PHOENIX
My inauguration ceremony is one giant bore. I’m counting seconds until Vera finally joins me and takes me out of my misery. First, I must stand in front of the monks and swear a thousand and one oaths as the new Ezkai General.
I swear, it takes me an hour to get through every oath and get the blessing from the monks. No wonder this part of the ceremony is private. Who would want to sit through that and watch me do it? I bet in ancient times it used to be a form of torture.
However, as I sit on the throne forged from the smoothest onyxian bronze in the middle of a dais at the end of a massive ballroom, I’m not sure the second part of the ceremony is any better.
The line of people in front of me, all ready to introduce themselves and show their respect, is endless. Every single noble family comes to bow in front of me, leaving me gifts as they pledge their service to my reign.
I forget their names the moment their faces disappear into the crowd of people. It’s too much to remember, all the familieswith their names, responsibilities, histories, and tunic colors. My head spins at the amount of information that’s thrown at me.
But at least I don’t have time to be with my own thoughts and feelings.
Noire approaches and takes a place on the right side of my throne. He’s tall, but the throne is set on a platform with three steps, so when he stands next to me, his head is where my shoulder is. I’m not allowed to touch the hundreds of gifts gracing the dais in front of me. My Ezkai will handle them all. I’m only allowed to express gratitude and accept the pledges by word.
I shift in my seat, itching to get my dress off and get away from the crowd. A dull headache pounds in my left temple. With so many people in one space, all of their attention and feelings directed at me, I have to deflect a lot of strong emotions.
Not all of them are pleasant.
People have opinions about a human ruling the land of fae.
Oh, so many opinions.
I turn to Noire. “Where’s Vera? I haven’t seen her yet.”
“Not sure, General. The Ezkai tell me she hasn’t arrived yet,” Noire says, his eyes scanning the crowd.
I sigh. Where on earth is she? I could really use a friend right about now.
“General, that was the last gift,” Noire says after a moment. “You may now rise and go mingle in the crowd.”
He winks at me as he says the last words. I reward him with one of my broody glances, but rise to my feet.
“I hope you’ll be here with me, Noire?”
He offers me his hand and I take it as I climb down from the throne.
“Absolutely, General,” Noire says.
I loop my arm through his and allow him to lead me through the crowd.
“I’m not sure which of our outfits tonight is more extravagant,” I say quietly to Noire as we pass people and I nod and smile politely.
