“It’s a compliment.”
We don’t speak for a while. Hojo washes my hair, and Tanaka lathers my body with soap and uses a rough brush to exfoliate my skin. Once I’m clean, they help me out of the bath and massage rose-scented oil into every single inch of my naked skin.
I’m so uncomfortable standing naked, with every scar on my body uncovered, in front of them. I bite the inside of my cheek and patiently wait for them to finish. Once I’m wrapped in a satin robe, I relax.
“Thank you, girls. You can go,” Vera says.
Tanaka and Hojo leave, and Vera gestures for me to sit down at the vanity. Hesitantly, I do. She stands behind me and takes a brush in her hand.
She meets my gaze in the mirror. “We need to go through some basics with you. After tonight’s event, things will move fast. You need to be prepared, and informed.”
I nod. Gently, she starts to untangle my hair. The black diamond choker on her neck catches the light in the most majestic way.
“That’s a beautiful necklace.”
Her throat bobs. “Thank you. It was a gift. So,Val’taz Ezkairin. There will be three trials in total: Trial of Wisdom, Trial of Truth, and Trial of Strength. But before that, there will be three parts of trial preparation.”
“Three?What is there to prepare for that takes so long?”
“Ekions believe three is a sacred number. That’s why we have three pre-trial ceremonies and three trials.”
I nod.
“The Black Night ceremony tonight will be your introduction to the society as a contestant. It’s important to make a good impression, because this is where all the nobles and other influential people start picking their favorite champion to support.”
“Got it. How do I make them like me, then?”
“Certainly by keeping your temper in check.”
I roll my eyes.
“House Dzuni and Ekiosh people appreciate beauty. That’s in the nature of the fae. You have that going for you, so we’re in luck.”
“A weird way to say I’m beautiful, but okay.”
“You’re welcome.”
I scoff, but my lips twitch upwards.
“I’ll do most of the talking and charming. That’smyrole as your patron. But when you speak to House Dzuni, be polite. Nobles are simple creatures, all they care about is their vanity and comfort. As long as you, as the future General, can ensure that for them, they’ll be your supporters.” I nod. Nobles really are the same everywhere. Vera adds, “Oh, they also love a good show. And danger. Well, the thrill of the danger they get watching others risk their lives.”
“Obviously.”
Vera smirks. “Now, the second pre-trial preparation ceremony is the Cleansing. It’s a ritual of cleansing your mind, body, and soul that’s supposed to help channel your power in preparation for a fight. Last, there will be a huge celebration held the night before the first trial starts where we pay respects to the spirits of the gods so they bless the participants and grant them luck, the Starless Night.”
“That’s a lot of traditions,” I murmur.
Vera’s fingers work swiftly to braid my long, thick hair. She weaves the hair on each side of my head before connecting it into one track at the back.
“You’re right. It’s a lot. The whole process is taxing on the body, mind, and soul. That’s why so few Decarios dare to enterVal’taz Ezkairinwhen the opportunity presents itself. Most participants have dedicated their lives to training for this moment even though you never know when, or ratherif, you’ll ever get a chance.”
I swallow. Oh dear. What if I’m way in over my head here?
When Vera is done with the braid, she takes tiny black gleaming pearl pins and decorates my elaborate braid with them. I watch her in the mirror. She’s mesmerizing even when she’s concentrating on a task at hand.
Vera starts applying paints to my face. She adds cherry color to my lips, which accentuates their round shape. A little bit of black kohl liner makes my eyes pop, and the deep blush on my cheeks helps me look a little more alive.
By the time Vera is done with me, I look like royalty.
