“An annulment. I told you, I won’t encourage a married woman to cheat on her husband, no matter who the husband is.”
My lips parted. “You mean if I sign this, I’m not married anymore?”
“Correct. As a vizier, I do have certain legal powers. I draft things like this all the time.”
“But I got married in a different country.”
“I know.” He slid the top paper to the side. “That’s taken care of on the second page. I have listed that you came here seeking asylum after your husband attempted to kill you, documented your injuries and stated that the abuse you endured and the attempt on your life is grounds for immediate divorce. Once you sign, you’ll be an unmarriedasylum seeker. You still won’t have the full rights as a legalized citizen, but you’ll be entitled to safety and protection under the Pyrenese government. I would have drafted more paperwork to have him arrested, but when he is under the jurisdiction of a different tzardom or kingdom, the rules become more nuanced. But granting asylum is easy.”
“I can get divorced without his knowledge or agreement?”
“If you were abused, then yes. Making an attempt on someone’s life would certainly qualify. If victims were required to secure permission from their abusers to leave, that would constitute a major flaw in the justice system.” He paused. “If he were here right now, I’d take great pleasure in prosecuting him.”
Without hesitation, I signed.
After blowing on my signature to dry it, Zafir rolled up the document and tied it with a short leather cord. “There. You’re free to go seduce whichever man you wish.”
“Thank you.” It was as though a heavy weight had been lifted off my shoulders. I looked at the scroll in Zafir’s hand and felt the constant knot in my stomach loosen. I was free.
“I did it for my own peace of mind. Gettingchained to a murderer’s wife who’s hunting down her ex-husband for revenge wasn’t in my plans for today.” The corner of his mouth flickered a tiny bit. “What? I thought you liked jokes.”
“I didn’t realize you were joking. Most people smile when they tell a joke, you know.” I smiled. “See? When people turn the corners of their mouths up like this, that means they are happy. You should try it.” I poked at Zafir’s lips and he twisted away.
“Watch it. You may have used up your daily quota ofinsults, but I still have plenty I could use. Besides, we need to talk about your strategy for Julian tonight.”
“How so?”
“Don’t throw yourself at him tonight or approach him first. He gets that all the time. Make lots of eye contact as if he’s distracting you, but always look away once he notices you looking. He’ll come up to you.”
“You seem to know him well.”
“I’ve seen his tricks with women more times than I can count. It’s a source of immense annoyance, to tell you the truth. With you looking like you do, I’m sure he’ll notice you. Every man will, and Julian will want to stake his claim right away.”
“What do I say when he comes up?”
“Let me do the talking. Tonight, our goal is just to get you inside his head. If you do that, he’ll come find you tomorrow.”
“That sounds easy enough.”
“Even for you, little viper?” Zafir said, the corner of his mouth twitching.
“Watch it. I could still bite you.”
His smirk broadened. “Be careful. I bite back.”
CHAPTER 12
The fire dance was nothing like folk festivals in Brisden. Here, blue flames licked the sky, set in braziers atop marble pillars throughout the village square. All around us, fire tattoos adorned everyone’s exposed right shoulder, varying from a few flames to large ones that covered a great deal of their arm.
“What do the tattoos symbolize?” I whispered to Zafir. “Are they all phoenix shifters?”
“No, only the royal line are shifters. The tattoos can symbolize several things. Age, accomplishments, status. Generally, the larger one’s tattoo is, the more well-respected they are. The Pyrenese are a proud people and like to flaunt their tattoos.”
“You don’t.” I eyed Zafir, the only one in the crowd with his arms covered. “Do you not have one?”
“I do, but my reputation speaks for itself.”
Women brushed past me, clad in long, flowing skirts covered in jingling discs that chimed merrily as they danced in circles, arms moving rhythmically in time with the music.
