“Thank you,” I say, rising to my feet.
Vera gives me a once-over. “You’re welcome. Hojo and Tanaka will help you into your gown. Once you’re done strapping your one hundred daggers onto you, we’ll head over to the Ezkai Castle.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
PHOENIX
For the Black Night, Ezkai Castle is turned into the most lavish estate I’ve ever seen. The lush gardens are illuminated with dim lights along the stone paths, and I feel like I’m in a fairy tale as we make our way inside.
Hundreds of people are here tonight, and the castle is crowded. Vera tries to introduce me to as many people as she can. Almost everyone here knows her, because as we make our way towards the main hall, people greet her one after another.
By the time we arrive at the grand hall, I’ve met half of the guests. I don’t remember any of the names, though, and my head is spinning. I’m overwhelmed with the never-ending chatter and the curious eyes.
“You’re doing very well so far,” Vera tells me.
“Everyone’s staring,” I say, trying very hard to keep the pleasant smile on my face.
“They better be. That dress was expensive.” She jerks her chin at a group of nobles wearing different-color tunics embroidered with gold. “You see that group there? They’re part of the hundred and thirty noble families in Ekios that makeup House Dzuni. I want you to meet this group because they were Kitajo’s most trusted Dzuni. We want their support. If they choose to get behind you, it’ll be advantageous for us because they can sway the rest of House Dzuni to our side.”
I nod my head, eyeing the group.
“I’ll go get us something to drink,” Vera says. “Stay here and don’t get into trouble.”
Before I can say anything, Vera disappears into the crowd. Many eyes are on me, which makes my skin prickle. I’m so out of practice with social events like these. It’s hard to believe I used to be a natural when it comes to socializing in the high society.
“You look stunning in that dress,” a familiar voice says from behind me. “I find it hard to keep my eyes off you.”
A shiver runs down my spine. My heart races as I turn to find Daegel standing there. A breath catches in my throat. He’s even more handsome than I remember in a tailored black suit and a crisp white shirt with the top two buttons loose.
“Thank you,” I say.
For a heartbeat, we stare at each other in silence. I have no idea where we stand. He was so angry with me last time we spoke. A hole the size of all three continents stretches between us.
Finally, Daegel leans a little closer. “I miss you, princess.”
The familiar scent of pine forest after rain tickles my nose. His voice alone does things to my body that unnerve me.
Hearing those words, full of warmth and affection, makes my knees weak. My shoulders sag with relief. “I miss you too,” I whisper.
He offers me his hand. I place mine into his and he brings it to his mouth. His lips gently brush the back of my palm. For a brief moment, I can’t rememberwhywe’re on the opposite sides of the fence.
It’s dangerous for us to be next to each other. To touch. It’s as if we’re back in the Ezkai Academy all over again, when I was a cadet and he was my instructor.
“You put us in a very complicated situation, Phoenix,” he says.
His tone has no accusation, but the words that spill out of his mouth ignite anger within me. He’s blaming this onme? I rip my hand away from him.
“You’re back to being a dick about it, I see,” I say.
All I can focus on is him in that moment. The sound of the crowd around us dims.
Daegel sighs and shakes his head. “Phoenix, you don’t need to be here. You don’t even care about Ekios or its future. All you seek is power to get your vengeance. Vengeance I can offer you even now, without being the General.”
“And you care about Ekios’s future?” I challenge. “If that were the true, you wouldn’t be the Caligos-chosen champion. Do you even want to be here, or is the collar around your neck so tight you don’t even know what you want and what your father wants for you?”
Anger flashes in his gaze.
It’s a low blow, I know. But if he’s going to play dirty, so am I.
