I choose another arrow from the quiver. This bow is nothing compared to my old precious bow, or my new one made from a sea monster’s spine. But it’s good enough to make my heart beat faster while I hold it.
Draw the string.
Breathe in.
Breathe out.
Let go.
It lands right in the middle of the tiger melon and cracks it in two. The crowd cheers and laughs when red juices pour down the young man’s face.
“That’s a juicy one! Give it to the kids,” the game master shouts.
He gestures for the next target. A green grapefruit, a tad smaller. I shoot. Then there goes a blood orange. An apple. A black mandarin. Last, they bring out a fire-honey fig. It’s so small I bet most people can’t see it well, this late into the evening.
When my arrow lands right in the middle of it, pinning it to the wall, right in between the red bricks, the crowd roars. I smile from ear to ear when I turn to Vera and Jax. It’s been so long since I felt this alive.
Jax is clapping his hands and cheering with the crowd. Vera awards me with a small smile and a nod of approval.
“Ezkai Phoenix, everyone!” the game master bellows over the crowd. “The future Ezkai General, whose arrow never misses!”
The crowd cheers for me as I join Vera and Jax, and their enthusiasm is contagious. I want to throw my head back and howl with laughter. Instead, I smile and nod, and murmur my thanks to the people as we walk away from the game area.
“That is what I’m talking about! A badass fucking archer you are,” Jax says, beaming.
This time around, his praise doesn’t irritate me. I even smile a little.
“That, Phoenix, wastheperfect show,” Vera says, proudly. “You participated in the games like your people do, so they feel like you’re one of them while still showing them the reason why you should be the next ruler. Excellent. Our attendance tonight will reap great rewards.”
“Thank you,” I say, surprised at such high praise coming from Vera.
Vera doesn’t say anything else, but the way her eyes smile for the first time since we met tells me more than her words ever could.
We wander the streets for a few more hours. The tension that usually lingers in the air between us transforms into something different. We tease each other, and we crack jokes. We share a laugh, and I find myself falling deeper into this warm feeling of a real friendship.
I miss it dearly. It reminds me of Roman. I miss him, too.
Eventually, Jax is pulled away by a group of Ri’s girls. It’s only me and Vera. For a while, we walk in silence. It’s comfortable, and there is no need to disturb it. But I’m curious.
“So,” I say, glancing at her. “You and the late Ezkai General were…a couple?”
“Not technically a couple. Traditionally, Ezkai Generals are not allowed to form close romantic relationships.”
Her voice and face are neutral. She doesn’t meet my gaze though.
“Not allowed to be in a relationship? But they’re allowed to take lovers?” I frown. “So, love is forbidden? How can it be expected of us?”
That is something I have not even thought about. What am I to be—a ruler, and a priest? Nonsense. Does Daegel know about it? He said if he were to be the Ezkai General, I’d be his Taaslord and we would be together. How exactly would that work if, as Ezkai General, he can’t be in a relationship?
Vera sighs. “You’re like fire, so quick to bust into flames. You’ll get burned and burn everyone close to you in the end, mark my words. Yes, the Ezkai General is allowed to take lovers, and not only for the pleasure of the body, but for their heart too. There are many forms of love, and each offers something special. However, as a General, you’re committed to the country. That is the only commitment you’re allowed to make.”
I’m so bewildered by what she says that I completely forget why I wanted to know about her and the late Ezkai General.
“I just remembered I need to go speak with Ri,” Vera says. She stops and turns to me. “Are you going to be okay if I leave you alone for ten minutes?”
“Sure, no problem. I know my way around Jaakii.”
Vera nods and walks away.
