Noire chuckles. “Kitajo usually appreciated having me be the best-dressed one in the room. He always said people need something pleasant to look at while he does business.”
“I see the logic behind that sentiment, and I must say I don’t disagree. A carefully crafted distraction is always useful,” I say, scanning the crowd. Where is Vera, for fuck’s sake? “I’m more of a leather-pants-and-combat-boots type of girl, so you’ll still have your moments to shine.”
“You flatter me. But I doubt anyone will look at me now that you’re the General,” Noire says with a smirk.
I don’t need to look to know that’s true. Every single pair of eyes in the room is on me. As if I were the most prized artifact in a museum.
I’m very grateful for Noire’s company as we make rounds around the hall and socialize. He handles the majority of the conversations and keeping people entertained. I only need to do the bare minimum, and for that I’m eternally grateful. All I have to do is look powerful and assuring. Even if I’m crumbling to pieces inside.
An Ezkai approaches us and whispers something into Noire’s ear. Noire nods and then turns to me. I’m hoping he will tell me that Vera’s finally here, but my hopes are quickly squashed.
“General, the ruling parties from Wetra and Emera have arrived,” Noire says and my heart sinks. “You must meet them and accept their congratulations on your win. It’s a regular part of the change of the Ezkai General. Due to the treaty all three countries have, the other leaders must pay a visit when another country chooses a new leader.” When Noire sees my face, he adds, “Nothing to worry about. We won’t be discussing any politics or new deals today. It’s just part of the ceremony.”
What Noire doesn’t know is that I’m not worried. Oh, far from it.
Rage surges through my veins. I have to focus all my strength to calm myself and not allow it to bubble to the surface.
Last time I was in the room with King Francis, I almost lost it and killed him. If not for Daegel?—
Painful claws seize my lungs so hard I can’t breathe for a heartbeat. But I manage to get my emotions under control somehow.
I’m above it now.
I have learned, and I know better.
I have control.
It takes everything in me to not explode when the familiar voice says, “Ezkai General Phoenix Wildarrow, please accept our congratulations.”
Inhale.
Exhale.
I don’t think.
I don’t feel.
I simply am, a steady mountain.
I dig my fingers into Noire’s forearm and we turn to face Francis Blackwell, the king of Wetra. The man my parents loyally served for decades. The man who ruthlessly betrayed them and sent them to their deaths. The man who took everything away from me.
“King Francis, thank you. We’re delighted to have you here with us tonight,” I say, my voice sweet as honey.
“The pleasure is all ours, General,” King Francis says and smiles. “I was beyond excited to hear that you, our precious Wetran gem, have successfully won the trials.”
I struggle to breathe through the fury inside my chest.
“We are lucky to have Phoenix Wildarrow be one of us now,” Noire says. “I hope your visit to Ekios is pleasant.”
“Thank you, Taaslord. My family and I will enjoy the few days we have here. The trip was much more pleasant this time around.”
“Glad to hear it,” Noire says with a smile.
I want to draw the dagger strapped to one of my thighs and plunge it right in the middle of his throat so I can watch him bleed out on this floor, under my feet. It would break the peace treaty between the countries, and definitely would start a war.
But oh, how much satisfaction it would bring.
My thirst for vengeance, thirst forhisblood, sings in my veins.
