Ezkai Bjorn turns his bright blue eyes to me. “Taaslord Noire advised us not to wear the masks.”
I arch an eyebrow.
“It’s more personable,” Ezkai Emil says, and adjusts his leather gloves. “The Taaslord advised you’d feel more comfortable if we didn’t hide our faces.”
That’s exceptionally dangerous for them as Ezkai guarding the Ezkai General, to walk around with their faces revealed like that. What is Noire thinking?
Could they be Caligos?
No, a voice of reason immediately echoes in my mind.
Noire would never choose Ezkai he didn’t trust with his life to guard me.
I clear my throat. “I appreciate your service and Noire’s thoughtfulness. But please wear the masks when you’re in public. What good is having the two of you protect me if you’ll be dead by end of the week?”
They both blink at me.
A corner of Ezkai Emil’s mouth curves. “Yes, ma’am.”
Ezkai Bjorn only grunts and nods. He’s rough around the edges, but handsome. Both of them are. I never realized before. But this is the first time I’ve actually looked at my guards closely.
If they’re going to go with me everywhere, I may as well make peace with it and get to know them.
The carriage comes to a halt and both guards spring into action. But not before slipping their black Ezkai masks over their faces. I smirk, satisfied, and get out of the carriage after them once they signal it’s safe.
Bussek is lively, with music playing in the streets full of people. I pause as I step out of the carriage for a moment to take it all in.
I inhale deeply, filling my lungs with the familiar scent of life.
Nostalgia tugs at the corners of my heart. I was so focused on winning the trials when I lived with Vera that I scarcely paused to appreciate the art district.
What a missed opportunity.
I used to be so eager to escape. All the sneaking around behind Vera’s back to see Daegel…a man I thought loved me, but who truly only wanted to control me and keep me as a prized possession.
My heart still aches whenever my mind wanders to him.
My guards flank the doors to Vera’s studio as I approach and knock. We only have to wait a couple of seconds before the door swings open.
I meet Bart’s eyes and nod. “Good morning.”
Bart blinks, surprised to see me. But he recovers quickly. He presses a fist over his heart and bows at his waist, as is appropriate.
“May we come in?” I ask. “I’m sorry to drop in so abruptly, but we need to speak.”
“Of course, General,” the huge, tattooed fae says and invites us inside the studio. “It’s an honor.”
I don’t say anything to that.
As I enter the familiar space, it feels foreign. A quick sweep of my gaze over the living area tells me everything is the same. Yet, Vera’s not here, and her absence makes the space feel…empty.
“Please have a seat, General,” Bart says, eyeing my Ezkai, who take up their positions against the wall next to the entrance. “Can I offer you something to drink? Jasmine tea?”
Gods, Ekions with their flowery water.
“Thank you, Bart,” I say. “Tea sounds lovely.”
Bart disappears behind the door that leads to the kitchen and I make myself at home. As I walk through the space, passing the conversation pit with plush seating, my chest is tight.
