I blinked and focused on Gaz’s mahogany eyes.“I-I care for you too.”
“We’re friends, yes?”
I nodded.
“When this is over, I’d like us to be more than friends.”His thumb circled the inside of my palm, making me shiver.“Would you like that?”
I took a shaky breath, the stroke of his thumb sending heat up my arm.“Yes.”
“You’re so beautiful.”He tugged me closer.“So strong.”Our bodies touched.“So smart.”He dipped his head.“I want you.”His lips crushed mine in a possessive kiss that took me by surprise.I’d been expecting something soft and sweet like last night.I tried to kiss him back, but he drew away.“You’re mine,” he said.“That Zulenii will not touch you.”
Outside, my mother tapped on the door and Gaz released me.“I’ll see you in the arena, Mara.Look for me.”
“I will.”
And then he was gone.I pressed two fingers to my lips, which stung from the force of his kiss.I just wanted this day over.Then Gaz and I could take our time exploring whatever was developing between us.I’d wanted him for so long that it was difficult to believe he finally felt the same way for me.
“Mara!”my mother called.
“Coming!”I forced down a few bites of bread and tea then pulled the face protector and joined my mother.The streets were filled with people now, everyone heading west.On the east side of the castle, bordered by the sea, lay the training fields.On the west side of the castle, also bordered by the ocean, lay the arena.It seated perhaps five hundred, but I imagined there would be a couple thousand there today, especially if word had spread to the outerlands.
As we neared the arena, my mother shuttled me away from one of the public entrances and through a side door.Upon stepping inside, I realized we were underneath the seats and inside the structure itself.The low lamps showed a curved stone corridor that looked like it ran the length of the arena itself.I heard the rhythmic sound of footsteps above us and the muffled rumble of voices.I looked right and left before my mother grabbed my shoulders and turned me to face her.Her expression in the flickering lamplight was sober.“I cannot go any further with you.Only the guards and princesses are allowed beyond this point.”
“But I don’t know—”
“Mara, please.Listen to me.Do as Cameed and Broga tell you.Do not argue.Do not question.”
“Broga?Don’t tell me—”
“Mara.”She shook me slightly.“Please.For me.Remember how valuable you are to the kingdom.Nothing else matters.Listen to Cameed.Will you promise me?”
I nodded.The truth was, the look in my mother’s tawny eyes was scaring me a little.She really did fear losing me, and it made the prospect of leaving everything and everyone I had ever known far too real.But this was not just about my comfort.My father needed me to prepare to lead his kingdom one day.“I promise,” I said.
“Good.”She pointed toward the right.“Follow the passageway and a guard will be waiting to take you to your sisters.”
She leaned forward and kissed my cheek.She smelled like tea and the light floral fragrance she always wore.And then she was gone.
I took a deep breath and began to walk.
