Bart smirks. “He’s one of those young-generation nobles who just came into their wealth. After his mother passed away, he became the head of the family and the House Dzuni representative.”
“Ah, one of those,” I murmur with a nod. “Does he have any vices? Something he truly desires?”
“He’s got a peculiar taste for power play,” Hel says in hushed tones, leaning forward. “This is very unprofessional of us to reveal, but you’re the Ezkai General, and Vera loved you.”
“Power play, you say? As in, he likes to control whoever he’s with?”
That’s not very useful for me.
A mischievous smile splits Hel’s unusually pale face. “Quite the opposite, General. Nobleman Juti loves to be dominated.Hard.”
I purse my lips and think for a minute. Not sure how that helps me win his vote…
Wait.A thought pops into my head.
“I need your help hosting a party for me,” I say, finally. “I want a small circle of nobles invited. Nobleman Juti and his closest circle, plus a few of your favorites. Keep it small,exclusive. I want Nobleman Juti to think he’s special to be invited byme.”
Bart nods. “Not a problem. Preferred date?”
“As soon as possible,” I say and tap a finger on the wooden table. “Spare no expense for this. I want Nobleman Juti to feel as if he’d died and gone to the place of his wildest dreams.”
“You got it, General,” Bart says with a dark smirk.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
PHOENIX
Istand for a long time in front of the wall covered in more clothing than one would need in a lifetime.
Three levels of racks full of clothes on hangers, yet I can’t choose what to wear to this party.
I purse my lips. Should I dress up, or go in my Ezkai leathers?
Lorca’s chuckle echoes somewhere in my mind. I ignore the presence that stirred a while back. The trickster god hasn’t said anything yet. But it’s been lurking. Waiting.
If I go in my Ezkai leathers, I will feel safe. It’s my comfort outfit. Armor that protects all the sensitive parts of me. I’m so used to hiding behind it.
But, if I wear something a little more elevated, it might let me accomplish my goal easier. Right?
I mean, Ezkai leathers are powerful, but a statement dress similar to those Vera picked for me during the trials would be even more powerful…
Vera…she’s good at this shit, unlike me.
Not only is she better at dressing the Ezkai General, but she’s also much better at manipulation and political games. I’m all brutal force. A lethal weapon. And she’s…well, the opposite. Pleasant smiles, warm whispers, seduction.
How am I to manipulate Nobleman Juti into submission all by myself? The plan I was so certain about is looking less and less smart the closer to the party we get.
Anxiety butterflies flutter in my stomach and I close my eyes. Vera’s not here, and there’s nothing I can change about that now.
“Fuck it,” I mutter and reach for the hanger with a two-piece black dress.
The skirt is long and flowy, made from some sort of thick silky material, and it has two slits for each leg. Thankfully the slits are not deep, only reaching right above the knee so I can wear my over-the-knee boots and no skin will show.
Once I slip on the dress, I pick up the second part, which is a heavy tailored leather jacket that fits snugly around my hips, waist, and chest. As I shrug it on and start to connect the metal hooks at the front, I realize it’s not leather, but very thin, hard, scale-like material.
It’s tailored to fit me perfectly, but there isn’t much room for movement, and once it’s fully buttoned, I can barely breathe.
“Fuck me,” I curse and run my hands over the smooth, hard material.
