I open my mouth to argue. Then, close it.
She’s…right.
I watched Daegel keep her in the dark, clueless about what was truly happening. I saw how damaging that was for her.
I won’t do it to her.
I can’t.
“Fine,” I say. “But you’ll follow my lead and do as I say. We need to get in and out quick and unnoticed. You may be the big bad Decarios with super powers, but this ismyexpertise.”
She tilts her chin up. “Great. I know how to follow orders.”
I give her a look.
She scoffs. “I was raised a soldier, remember?”
Before I think better of it, I close the distance between us and place my hand at the back of her neck. A surprised breath escapes her when her back meets the carriage, and I gently fist the hair at the back of her neck and angle her face to mine.
“Sure, and yet you’re terrible at it,” I whisper over her lips. “Nothing we can’t work on improving, though.”
Watching her body melt against mine in real time at my words gives me satisfaction like nothing else.
Unfortunately we don’t have time to indulge.
So, I let go and step away to give her some breathing space.
“Whenever you’re ready, General.”
She blinks. Clears her throat and gives me a sharp nod. “I’ll tell Noire to surround the building. Then we go.”
CHAPTER FIFTY-FIVE
VERA
For days, Reizei keeps me locked in my room. My golden cage.
I’ve got everything one may need, all the comforts I desire. Nothing to hurt myself with, of course. And I’m never alone. Mathilde constantly lounges in my room, keeping an eye on me while she knits one scarf after another. And Maya guards my door like a hawk.
I get no reprieve from my new reality. Not a moment of peace.
At least in my dark cell, I was alone in my misery.
After dinner with Reizei, I crawl into the big bed and stay in it. What’s the point of waking up every morning anyway? Of eating the meals they prepare and bring me? At the end, it only delays the inevitable.
I must die. Otherwise, I’ll be forced to serve.
Someone clears their throat. Slowly, I pull the duvet off my head. Just enough so I can see.
Mathilde stands at the foot of my bed, with her hands folded over her stomach. Flanking her on both sides are two large-as-mountains Caligos. Their tattoos are intricate, heavy.
“Starving yourself isn’t an original idea, miss,” Mathilde says, as if she’s dealing with a toddler. “Lunch is served. You must eat by yourself or these two men will help you.”
Great. Reizei sent his henchmen to force-feed me.
“I’d like to see you try,” I croak and pull the duvet over my head again.
My vocal cords are raw from lack of use these days.
