“I heard the general left you in charge of babysitting,” I quip, leaping into the ring.
She snorts a laugh. “If that’s the case, then I think I envy the male his task.”
Awri balks at the female. “You’d rather be raiding an inn full of Drakai than spending the day with us?” she says, throwing a hand against her heart dramatically.
“Yes,” the lieutenant and I say in unison, and I can’t help but crack a grin.
“No offense,” I add when Awri glares at me.
Riah starts her warm-ups with Awri while I watch from the top railof the fence.
“Did Riesh tell you how long they will be gone?” I ask.
“At least two days,” Awri says, heaving a deep breath around her words.
Two days locked up in the palace will feel like an eternity. It’s also far too long to be alone with my thoughts, considering the way I’d left things with the general. I pinch the bridge of my nose. The things Riah explained to me are frightening enough. He promised me everything, and I hardly understand what that means.
No amount of sparring takes me from my thoughts today. Judging by the expression on my friend’s face she’s suffering a similar fate.
“Are you worried about Kishek?” I ask when we break for lunch.
“No. I mean, yes. But I’m also worried about Xey,” Awri admits.
I suppress a shiver, goosebumps springing up along my arms when I ask, “Why would you be worried about him?”
Despite all my trepidation this morning, there is no question that the general of A’kori should be able to handle himself. Or at least be smart enough to know when to walk away.
She chews on her bottom lip and shakes her head, then bites into her sandwich. Chews. Swallows. Bites again.
“Awri, tell me,” I demand.
“He’s strong,” she says, “and I know he’ll be fine. I just don’t like the idea of him going in there when his gift…”
I think I’m going to be sick, and I set down the cured meat I’d been eagerly indulging in when I ask pointedly, “What about his gift?”
I’ve never pressed any of them about their gifts, though, naturally, I’ve become more and more curious as to what exactly the general is capable of. It only makes sense that a male leading an army will have an incredibly powerful offensive gift. It is what I told myself upon his departure, to soothe the worry still lingering deep in my belly.
“You remember Niya?” she asks.
I only nod. I’m not sure how the female thinks there is any chance in haliel I could forget about the naiad who almost drowned me.
“She asked for a small part of his power in exchange for your life.” She gnaws her lower lip when she says it and I wonder if the general wouldapprove of her sharing the knowledge.
My jaw goes slack as her words set in, and I suppress every concern attempting to infiltrate my mind. I’m not sure if I’m more worried or annoyed at the male for being so rash in making the deal with the fea.
“How small?” I ask.
“Does it matter?” she says.
“No,” I admit. “Will she return it?”
“Of course not.” She looks confused that I’ve even asked.
“There must be a way to get it back,” I insist, wondering if it would be wrong to suggest killing the naiad. Probably.
“Niya won’t give up that kind of power, and it was a fair bargain so there really isn’t anything that can be done,” Awri says.
“But she could choose to give it up?” I press.
