“Get used to it,” Zander muttered. “This is just the start.”
The crowd was beginning to thin, whispers trailing behind Inderia like the train of her gown. She worked the field like it was a ballroom, not a battlefield, and for a moment, I forgot we’d come from ash and blood not hours ago.
Zander stood beside Tae, arms crossed as he watched her slink off toward another group of wide-eyed suitors. His jaw tensed, but his eyes never left her.
“She may have set her sights on you,” he said to Tae, his voice low and edged like a blade in the dark. “Be wary.”
Tae blinked, then snorted with such genuine offense it made Ferrula glance over.
“I’d rather masturbate with a rusty sword,” he muttered, deadpan.
Even Ferrula, who rarely smiled at anything that wasn’t a challenge or a fight, let out a bark of laughter. “Nowthat’scommitment.”
Naia choked on her own spit.
I didn’t bother hiding my grin.
Across the grounds, Inderia turned, maybe sensing she was being discussed, and shot Zander a look that could’ve blistered stone. If looks could kill, we’d all be ash.
Zander just smiled.
Bright. Bladed. Regal.
“It’s so nice,” he said lightly, “to see her desperate.”
It was hard not to laugh again, even if the laughter tasted bitter.
Because behind the silk and spectacle, we all knew?—
This wasn’t about marriage.
It was about power.
And Inderia was still playing the game like she thought she’d already won.
I felt my stomach rumble and made my way to the dining hall for a snack.
It was dim and quiet, most of the lanterns extinguished save for the muted golden glow near the hearth. The scent of roasted herbs and bread still lingered faintly in the air, clinging to the stone like memory.
I moved toward the sideboard where they always left out snacks for late-night stragglers and sleepless soldiers. My stomach growled like it had been waiting for this moment to betray me.
I reached for a biscuit, still warm under the cloth, and took a bite—crumbs falling as the buttery flavor melted on my tongue.
That was when I heard the door creak.
Remy entered with the same silent confidence he always carried, a shadow of a smirk tugging at his lips as he walked straight to the basket and grabbed a biscuit of his own.
“You aren’t eating enough,” he said as he took a bite, watching me carefully.
I shrugged, still chewing. “Things have been a little hectic lately.”
He leaned against the edge of the table, eyes narrowing slightly. “They always are. You still need to take care of yourself.”
“Sure. Just be ready when Zander and?—”
“You’re always protecting him,” Remy cut in, his voice hushed now. “But who protectsyou?”
I blinked, caught off guard by the intensity in his gaze.
