“A fair deal.”
“You said that as an Ezkai General, I can challenge King Francis to a duel? I’ve never heard of such a thing.”
“That’s because you’re a foreigner,” she says. “Anyone who’s owed a blood debt—Ezkai, Dzuni, commoner, Caligos, or a foreigner—has the right to challenge whoever owes them to a duel to settle the matter. It’s the most honorable way, how it’s been done for centuries.”
I arch an eyebrow. “And if I, as an Ezkai General, challenge the king of Wetra, and slay him in the duel…wouldn’t there be war between three nations?”
She’s silent for a minute. Then she says, “Emera won’t go to war unless there’s something in it for the dwarven. Wetrans may be angry, but if everything we hear about the Greedy King is true, you’d be gifting them an opportunity to change their destiny. It may start a civil war in Wetra, but I doubt it would start the world war. We can work out all the political kinks onceyou’re the General. First, let’s focus on you winning. There are many things at play that you’re not aware of, I believe.”
My heart sinks.
“What things?”
Vera arches an eyebrow. “You want truth?”
“Absolutely.”
She chuckles. It’s a bitter sound. “Val’taz Ezkairinis a sacred event that’s supposed to be all about honor and true strength. But yourboyfriendand his allies are threatening to make a mockery out of it. Powerful Caligos families have united forces for these trials. First time ever. They have their chosen champion and enough insurance policies to make sure they win. That’s why one of my conditions is for you to cut your ties to Daegel Talbot.”
The idea of Caligos ruling makes me furious. Under their rule, Ekios would follow Wetra’s footsteps.
I understand it. It pains my heart, but I get it.
If only I could make Daegel hear me…
When I don’t answer, Vera says, “I have all the intentions of making you the next Ezkai General, Phoenix. Can you sacrifice what needs to be sacrificed?”
Keeping her gaze, I press my fist over my heart and bow my head. “I can. I’m honored to be your chosen champion.”
Vera carries herself with such confidence, as if she owns the world under her feet. I need her on my side, for the duration of the trials and beyond.
A pleased smile spreads across Vera’s gorgeous face. “Perfect. I was prepared to wrestle you into this decision. Glad to see it won’t come to that.”
I snort a laugh. I’d love to see that. “You don’t look like a fighter.”
“I’m not. I didn’t say it would bemewrestling you into this decision.”
I have no doubt about that.
“Who are you, Vera D’Argent?”
“You know very well. I’m a Caetra.”
“Do all Caetras in Ekios have so many resources, and influence?”
She smirks. “Only the lucky few.” Before I can ask any more questions, she says, “Now, we’d better find you a proper dress for the Black Night.This”—she waves a finger at my Ezkai leathers with pursed lips—“won’t work.”
I roll my eyes. “I’m a soldier, not a princess. I don’t need to be wrapped in fancy silks to win these trials.”
I feel most comfortable in my Ezkai leathers.
Vera walks over to one of the clothing racks and starts going through the clothing. “Let me give you your first lesson,soldier girl. Ezkai General is as much a cultural and social icon as they are a soldier and a protector. Once you win, you’ll need to attend events, gatherings, and parties. You’ll have to host your own. And for that, you’ll always have to dress the part. Your Ezkai leathers will be reserved for bloodshed. The sooner you learn how to be comfortable in every role you’ll have to play as the next General, the easier your life will be.”
She pulls out a black silk dress with firm shoulder pieces and hands it to me. It’s a simple silk dress with a high cut out on one leg, and a corset carefully encrusted with large black metal scales that shimmer when they catch light. The shoulder pads are also made from the same scales, which makes this dress look like regal armor.
It’s absolutely perfect.
Vera gets me.
