My fingers catch on a couple of ridges, and upon further inspection, I realize these are built-in spots to hide my blades. What a thoughtful design…
Quickly, I tuck four different blades into my corset jacket and then bend over to pull on my boots. Breathing is impossible in this position, so I huff and puff all the way.
By the time I straighten my back and take a full breath in, I feel like I may faint.
“Not suitable for fighting, that’s for sure,” I mutter to myself, pulling on my favorite black leather gloves.
“General?”
Noire’s voice startles me. I whirl around to find him standing in the wide doorway leading back to my bedroom.
“You scared the shit out of me, Noire!”
He bows his head. “Apologies, General. I just wanted to check on you and see if you’re okay. You’re taking longer than usual.”
“I know, sorry.” I glance at the mountain of clothes behind me. “Couldn’t decide what to wear.”
Noire’s gaze sweeps over me and he gives me an approving smile. “You chose well, General.”
“Thanks,” I murmur. “Noire, what if my plan doesn’t work? What if Nobleman Juti doesn’t fall for the power play manipulation? Maybe I’m making a wrong assumption here.”
“As your second-in-command, I think your plan is excellent. You’re about to use his weakness against him to win his vote over,” he says calmly. “Worst-case scenario, that may not be enough to sway him and he asks for a favor.”
I press my lips together for a moment. “What sort of favor can I grant without causing a scandal?”
Noire chuckles. “Many things, General. I would advise against sleeping with him, but even that is not forbidden, just frowned upon.”
My jaw drops. “Noire! I would never!”
“I don’t mean to offend, General. Just wanted to lay out the customs we haven’t discussed yet.”
“Got it. Thank you.” I steal one more glance at myself in the mirror. My hair is woven in a neat braid that almost reaches the top of my ass. “I’m ready. Let’s go.”
The ridefrom the castle to Vera’s studio is quiet. Ezkai Emil and Ezkai Bjorn sit on the velvet bench across from me and Noire in the carriage.
I’m anxious and agitated. And Lorca lurking inside my mind only makes things worse.
Why are you lurking?I snap finally.
It was your choice to have me around, Lorca purrs.Not fond of your choice anymore? You can always settle it.
I can’t just go and murder a hundred people at once, I say.Well, not a hundred, but whatever is left.
I know exactly how many more souls I owe to the trickster god. Ninety-five. It turns out only lives lost at my own hand directly count towards this punishment.
That’s not what I mean, Lorca chuckles.
More agitated than before, I push the trickster god away, into the deepest corner of my mind, and scoff. I can’t deal with this right now.
Three pairs of eyes snap to me. I don’t offer an explanation. Instead, I stare through the tiny window until we finally arrive at Vera’s studio.
My guards are first out of the carriage, followed by Noire. Only then am I allowed to step outside into the night. I pause for a second. My Ezkai stand straight on each side, their faces hidden behind masks. Noire patiently waits farther away, his eyes calm.
Three years ago, I was an outcast. A girl who lost everything dear to her in a fire.
Two years ago, I was still an outcast. A fallen soldier, forced into life at sea with the pirates.
Not even a year ago, I was a lone human Decarios trying to claw my way through a military academy.
