I opened my mouth to argue then closed it again.I was not willing to argue that wouldn’t happen at this point.In his place, after all that had happened today, I would believe the same.“Three then,” I said.“Gaz, Nize, Finnrey, and I have fought together.We know how to kill Hollows.That’s four Zulenii and four of us.Equal.It gives us a chance.”A slim chance.
Taio opened his mouth, but Omira said something.He glanced at her and nodded.The four of them moved away, across the room, to speak in low whispers.I glanced at Old Ceba.He held out a hand.“You make your father proud,” he said, his voice slow and raspy.
I took his hand.The skin felt paper thin.I held his hand gently, half afraid I would crush his bones.“I’m only trying to survive,” I said.
“You made him listen to you.You would have made a formidable queen.”
I looked at Old Ceba, and he nodded slowly.He must have also known I was to be the heir apparent.
“I knew the Zulenii would choose you.I hoped you would not lose to him, but the gods have ordained it.Your father is heartbroken for himself and the kingdom.”
“I’ll come back,” I said.“And with the knowledge I’ve gained, I’ll make us stronger.”I’d spoken in haste, but the idea had some merit.“Perhaps losing in the arena was an opportunity.There is so much outside of our kingdom we know nothing about.I can learn as much as possible about Zulen and bring new expertise back to Earsleh.”
Old Ceba smiled sadly at me and shook his head.“You won’t return.See, you justify leaving already.”
“But Idon’twant to leave!”I protested.
“Grandfather,” the historian-in-training said now.I had forgotten he was there, but now he knelt at his great-grandfather’s knee.“Earlier you said Lady Mara would have made a formidable queen.Are you implying she was the king’s choice to succeed him?”
Old Ceba looked at him and said nothing.The silence was confirmation enough.
Across the room, the Zulenii’s voices had risen.
“What do they say?”Old Ceba asked his great-grandson.“I cannot hear.”
“Something about liars and cheats.I do not comprehend their language as well as you, Grandfather.”
“They are right not to trust us,” I said.“We showed no honor today.”
Old Ceba patted my hand.“You are young, so very young.You have no idea what honor is yet.”
“I know tricking Taio into fighting Cameed isn’t honorable.Ambushing him and slitting his throat if he won isn’t honorable.”
“And sacrificing yourself is honorable?Your king and kingdom needed you, Lady Mara.You betray one for the other.Is that honor?”
I blew out a breath, unsure how to answer.Old Ceba had a way of making what should be simple matters far more complicated than they need be.He was confusing me, as usual.
The Zuleniis had quieted.Taio stepped forward.“We accept your proposal.The three warriors may depart in the morning with us.”
