I nod. Daegel gestures for his father to follow him into the home library. When the double door closes behind them, leaving me standing in the middle of the large room alone, uneasiness settles in my bones.
And if he doesn’t get bored enough to leave you himself, his father will make sure he does. Did you really think you, an unknownyrathi, have any chance to live happily ever after with Talbot’s only heir?Leti’s words echo in my mind.
I don’t like his father already. It doesn’t look like he likes me either. I only hope it doesn’t come between us.
With a sigh, I plop onto an armchair closest to the burning fireplace. Daegel’s estate is quiet at this time of the night. The only sound around me is the crackling of the flame in the fireplace.
I rest the back of my head on the armchair and close my eyes.
The new General is chosen during the deadly trials.Fern’s words ring in my mind.
This feels like fate. An opportunity like none I could have ever dreamed of, just falling into my lap like this. I can’t ignore it.
When one door closes, look for another one that’s open. A house rarely ever has only one way in, Mom used to tell me and my triplet sisters.
I may have lost the General’s mentorship offer; that door is shut. Gaining the favor of the next General may be impossible; that door is not open yet. But I could become the General myself.
And if I did…
A number of scenarios run through my mind, of ways I could ruin King Francis if I were the Ezkai General. Starting with imposing tax on exported and imported goods. Offering exemptions to Emera, but not Wetra.
It would be a hit.
I could send my spies to sabotage his government from within. I could order the spies to seduce his wife, to convince her to betray her husband. Something tells me all she would need is a little push, a kind word whispered into her ear at the right time.
As an Ezkai General, I could quietly rip King Francis’s life into shreds. Brick by fucking brick, his kingdom would crumble, until he’s left with nothing and nobody at his side.
And when he’d be at my damn mercy, I would not grant him an easy death.No.That would be too kind. I’d leave him to rot in the ruins of his life until he draws his final breath.
I take a deep breath, excitement buzzing in my veins.
The only way to fulfill it is with a clean death of King Francis. Not sacrificing people of Wetra who have done nothing to you, nor your family, who just tried to survive the rule of a greedy, corrupt king.
I take another deep breath, this time around to steady myself.
General Kitajo was right. King Francis is the one who owes me a blood debt, not Wetrans. I must claim it myself, the right way. I need to remember that.
Becoming an Ezkai General would make me King Francis’s equal. I would have easy access to him. I sigh. But no way canI become the next General. I don’t even know what the trials entail.
The door opening brings me back to reality. My eyes snap open.
Daegel’s father’s face reveals nothing as he leaves the home library and heads for the door without even sparing me a glance. I’m pretty sure it’s safe to say I’m not his favorite person.
I push myself to my feet just as Daegel approaches me. I wrap my arms around his neck. He rests his palms on my hips, but despite his close presence, he’s far away from me in his thoughts.
“What was that about?” I run my fingers through his hair. His unfocused gaze shifts to meet mine. “You alright? You’ve been distant and preoccupied with your thoughts these past few days.”
“Yeah, I’m sorry,” he says. It doesn’t sound as sincere as I’d like, but I ignore the sting in my chest. “I have a lot on my mind. And my father just added even more.”
“You don’t have to carry the load of whatever weighs on you by yourself, you know,” I say. “I’m here for you. You can share whatever worries you have with me. I won’t run away.”
A corner of his mouth twitches. “I’d find you if you did. Humans are slower than fae.”
I chuckle. “Asshole.”
Amusement is gone from his eyes just as fast as it appeared. “The General’s death will change things, princess.”
“I understand. Fern and Bloom said the new one will be chosen during a series of trials?”
