No. Fucking. Way.
When I look up and meet Ezkai Cassandra’s gaze, there must be a question shining in my eyes because she says, “Opposites attract, they say.”
Dumbfounded, I nod. Vera exchanges a few pleasantries with my instructors and then they walk off.
I don’t get a moment of reprieve before Vera’s hand is on my elbow and she’s leading me through the crowd towards the group of nobles she pointed out before.
“Noblewoman Genji,” Vera says to the fae with salt-and-pepper hair in a lilac silk tunic. She then turns to a fae man next to her in a matching tunic, but his is a deep forest green. “Nobleman Uringi. It’s wonderful to see you both tonight.”
“Vera D’Argent,” Noblewoman Genji says. She places a hand over her heart, and her gaze softens. “My sincerest condolences, my dearest.”
Vera’s throat bobs, the only indication of distress. She nods. “Thank you, noblewoman. Appreciate it.”
Nobleman Uringi stares at me as if my presence alone offends him.
“I wanted to personally introduce Ezkai Lieutenant Phoenix Wildarrow to you,” Vera says. I bow my head in respect to bothnobles. “She’s my chosen champion, as you’ve probably heard by now.”
Noblewoman Genji’s face is open, gaze curious when she observes me. “Well, if Vera supports you, Ezkai Phoenix, then you must be special. We trust Vera’s judgment, don’t we Nobleman Uringi?”
The man looks me up and down with pursed lips. He has a rather unpleasant face and dark, unsettling eyes.
“What choice do we have,” he says dismissively.
What a fucking asshole.
“It’s an honor to meet you both,” I say, swallowing the attitude. “A support from noble families like yours that are so respected and powerful duringVal’taz Ezkairinwould mean a lot. I greatly appreciate your words, Noblewoman Genji.”
“I don’t know about them, but you definitely have support of my unit,” a voice says.
A tall fae woman with mesmerizing blond hair approaches us. She’s stunning, and even through her Ezkai leathers, I can see every sculpted muscle in her strong body.
The towering Ezkai smiles at me and dips her chin in a greeting. “Ezkai Phoenix, it’s a pleasure to finally meet you in flesh. I’m Ezkai Major Seraphina Kult, the Protector Unit. Our paths never crossed in the Order, but I’ve heard good things about you from Ezkai Cassandra. I was bummed when my unit lost you to the Executioner Unit.”
Her smile is easy, ocean-blue eyes sparkling.
“Nice to finally meet you, Ezkai Seraphina.” I bow my head lightly in return. “And thank you for your support. I’m so grateful to have Ezkai Cassandra train me during my time at the Ezkai Academy. Don’t tell it to Ezkai Gavriel, but she was my favorite instructor.”
The joke lands well—the nobles, Vera, and Ezkai Seraphina laugh.
“Your secret is safe with me,” Ezkai Seraphina says with a wink. Then she eyes Vera. There is a certain longing in Seraphina’s gaze. Another of Vera’s admirers. Can’t say I’m surprised. I bet there’s a whole army somewhere in love with Vera. “Vera. Pleasure to see you. It’s been a while.”
“Yes, Ezkai Seraphina, it has been a while. It’s good to see you, too,” Vera says. “I’m flattered that your unit chooses to support my chosen champion.”
Ezkai Seraphina chuckles. “How could we not? She’s like a breath of fresh air. Other candidates…they’re kind of boring. Same old. It would be a huge step back after having Kitajo Hiromasa for so many years as the Ezkai General.”
Noblewoman Genji dramatically waves her hand full of jewels. “Oh, it’s as if you’re reading my mind, Ezkai Seraphina. There is nothing worse than boring in this life.”
“Let’s just hope we don’t regret out decision,” Nobleman Uringi says, his face sour. “Talbot’s heir is beloved by the crowd.”
His words are like a punch in the gut. It’s a miracle my pleasant smile doesn’t waver.
Have I made a mistake by entering the trials myself?
“Don’t worry, Nobleman Uringi,” Vera says sweetly, without even missing a beat. “Ezkai Phoenix is going to be the youngest Decarios and the first human to ever win the trials. And then she’ll be the best Ezkai General Ekios has ever seen. All who doubted her will be devoured by the shame of their choice to support a Talbot heir.”
The man purses his lips and hums. I’m flattered by Vera’s confidence and her words, if she truly means them. I can only hope I can live up to the expectations she’s setting.
“Forgive me, I’m so curious, Ezkai Phoenix. Does your Decarios training back in Wetra really include all those torturous things, like getting sliced up by your own will?” Noblewoman Genji asks.
