And now…I’m the Ezkai General.
What would my life look like right now if I’d given in to Daegel’s manipulations? If I’d dropped out and stood by him as he climbed his way to the top instead of me?
The memory of his eyes widening with hope at the very last moment, right before I slit his throat, is like a sharp blade buried deep in my chest.
“Don’t ask if you can kill. As soldiers, we’re born for it,” Dad said once,“but before you do, ask why you should.”
I was thirteen, blood on my tunic after sparring too hard. The other boy’s arm had broken with a snap that still echoed in my head.
“And if the reason’s strong enough?” I’d asked.
“Then don’t hesitate.” He tapped the middle of my chest. “But you better be certain your reason aligns with your inner compass. Because every life you take stays with you until the end of yours.”
Daegel’s life will stay with me until the end of mine.
I roll my shoulders, crack my neck, and stride forward. When Ezkai Emil knocks and Bart opens the door, I’m engulfed in luxury like nothing I’ve ever seen.
Sure, I’ve been to a couple of parties Vera hosted. But none were as pompous as this one, and her studio never looked the way it does tonight.
For a moment, I’m robbed of breath.
The place is dimly lit with hundreds of candles scattered around the main area, where around thirty nobles and Caetras all turn to look at me. Surprise shines in some of their eyes. Not everyone received an invitation from the Ezkai General.
My nostrils fill with the delicious scent of vanilla and deep, rich chocolate. I sense notes of black cherries, too. It’s decadent. The conversation pit is full, Hojo kneeling obediently on the edge of the table as she deals cards.
Instead of frade, there are rubies and diamonds scattered on the table.
Next to the fireplace lie large, deep red, velvet cushions, a couple of noble faces occupying them already with Caetras at their sides. These faintly familiar nobles are all young. The new generation Bart mentioned.
Not far from them stand four Caetras, their naked bodies painted with gold and silver paints, the most lavish diamond body jewelry draping from their elegant shoulders, necks, and waists. In their hands are musical instruments, which they’re playing. One of them also sings. The sound that comes from her parted cherry lips could wake the gods from deep slumber.
A shiver runs down my spine. I understand now, the true power in what Caetras do. Being here, even I forget myself for a moment. Until I lock eyes with the reason for all this trouble.
Nobleman Juti stands farther away by the dining table, with two more young nobles at his sides. Hel was right. He’s handsome, unfairly so.
Bold eyebrows, strong nose, and square, chiseled jaw. Lips the color of rose petals, just as soft-looking deep blue eyes that glitter with mischief and greed in the candlelight. A few dark curls fall messily over his forehead, giving him that look of a wild lover who just rolled out of bed.
I keep his gaze for a moment, unwavering.
I want him to feel seen by me.
Finally, he slightly dips his chin in a greeting. Instead of returning it, I avert my gaze.
“General,” Noblewoman Genji coos as she approaches me. Nobleman Uringi trails after her. “How wonderful to have you join us tonight.”
While she looks delighted to see me, the same thing can’t be said about Nobleman Uringi. His face is sour as a lemon.
“Noblewoman Genji, good to see you too,” I say and award her with a smile. Then I turn to Uringi. “You too, Nobleman.”
“Pleasure is all mine, General,” Nobleman Uringi mutters.
The fact that he dislikes me and has the hardest time hiding it while still trying to be pleasant and obedient because I’m his General is hilarious. My smile grows wider. I can’t help it.
Noblewoman Genji is in a mood to chat. I smile and nod, offering polite remarks when it’s necessary. Damn, maybe Vera rubbed off on me more than I knew.
I’m saved by Bart fairly soon. A fine white silk shirt hangs loosely from his wide, muscular shoulders. Matching loose white pants that sit low on his hips leave very little to the imagination.
He definitely knows what he’s doing. All the noblewomen in the room of all ages are mesmerized by him.
