Azul remained seated, her hands still folded in her lap, her mind racing, picking up the pieces of information thrown around her.
She understood now, the kind of fuckery everyone was involved in.
Somadina's eyes slid to her, and something vicious glinted in them."I trust you've had a pleasant reunion with your family, Akwaugo?I hope your father explained your situation."
"He did."Her curt reply followed.
"Good."Somadina stood behind Chidinma.His hand came to rest on the girl's shoulder."Then you understand time is of the essence.The Valthorne delegation will be here within the week to collect his bride."
Azul kept her eyes locked on her sister's as they sat on opposing sides.
Somadina continued."Should you marry that brute, your fate will be death in foreign lands.And as your father has instructed, there is a way out.Seduce him; make him malleable enough that I can use him.Then I guarantee he will die, and you will be free of this marriage alliance.But you must know, your insubordination cannot go unpunished."
Azul’s hands clenched into fists; her insubordination was her self-defence.
"If you were to beg me—properly, on your knees—I will take you as my consort once the warlord is dead.You can assist your sister in taking care of my household."
Chidinma's smug expression bloomed into a beautiful smile, beautiful enough to captivate the hearts of men.
Chukwuemeka said nothing, his jaw tight.
"No."Azul didn’t bother softening her speech or declining indirectly, nor did she want them to think she would play along with their game.
Her father’s expression darkened and she found her heart hammering against her ribs.
"You dare?"he asked.
She felt her body tremble and her back coated in cold sweat as if in preparation for what was to come.If her memories were correct, she would not leave this room unscathed.
Even then, to bend a knee to Somadina was something she could never allow herself to do.
"I dare many things, Chukwuemeka."
As soon as the words left her mouth, a backhanded slap hit her cheek.Pain shot through her jaw.Her back slammed against her chair, and a hand grabbed her face, forcing her to stand.
"It’s been merely a few days and you’ve already forgotten your training."
Chukwuemeka’s voice was laden with such vitriol that each word shook as he spoke.He tossed her to the floor, forcing her down before her sister and her fiancé.
"Your delusions of grandeur must end now.Pay respect to your elders.Kowtow and understand your place."
Azul savoured the taste of iron in her mouth; something warm dropped from the corner of her lips.Lifting her left hand, she wiped, red staining her fingers.
The room entered a state of stasis, anger wrapping around Azul’s throat as if to choke her.
Her vision tunnelled.
Every instinct screamed at her to grab the nearest pointed object and drive it through Somadina's throat.
Then her father's.
Then her sister's.
Paint the walls with their blood.
Make them understand who exactly they were using in their sick game of power.
She lifted her chin; strands ofhair loosened, framing her face.
