“Vera mentioned once that as the General I’ll have a right to challenge King Francis to a duel that would settle the blood debt. Is that right?”
Noire nods.
“I assume there’s more to it? Timing needs to be right. Do I need House Dzuni or Order of Ezkai backing?”
It’s my turn. I pick up the card from the deck and place it next to the Nine of Dragons. Three of Cups. Things are really looking up for me. I can’t believe it.
“Blood debt is yours to claim, you don’t need anyone’s permission. But it would be politically smart to ask House Dzuni to vote. It gives them a sense of agency and makes them feel respected and included. Which is always good for you in the long run.”
I hate it, but I suppose he has a point.
“And what if they vote against it?”
“They won’t. As you already noticed, Ekions respect ancient traditions deeply. Besides, fae love a good bloodshed.”
I snort.
Noire pulls the next card. Twelve of Bones.Interesting.Two more cards. Only two more cards. I steal a glance at him. There’s nothing. Not a single sign of what Noire thinks about his cards.
He’s good.
“King Francis will not duel me himself. He’s not a Decarios, and while he’s a vile man, he’s not stupid,” I say. After a pause, I add, “He’ll probably ask his Royal Commander, Axel Dukas, to duel me instead of him as per Wetran duel laws.”
“I would expect nothing less from King Francis. Are you worried about dueling Dukas?”
Truth be told, I am.
I may have won the trials. I may be a powerful Decarios. But he has years on me.
He was one of the first people to train me when I was little.
“I would prefer to be stronger when I face him,” I finally say to Noire.
He nods, eyes trained on his cards.
It’s my turn. I pick a card and set it next to the other three. It’s a Five of Cups. My heart picks up the pace. One more card.
“Might be worth paying Master Oka Oya a visit. I’m sure she’ll be happy to see you again so soon.”
I snort-laugh. Noire smirks.
I jerk my chin at Noire. “Your turn. Last draw.”
Noire slowly reaches for the deck. Picks up the one on top. Turns it over and puts it face up. Five of Cups.
I can barely control my excitement as I put my cards facing upwards on the desk in front of me.
There is only one combination more powerful than what I have. And it’s almost impossible to be that lucky. Noire smirks, and one by one lines up his cards for me to see. He has three Twelve of Bones and two Nine of Dragons.
My smile drops.No fucking way.
Gaping, I look up at him. “How the fuck?!”
Noire shrugs. “Spirits of the gods must be on my side today.”
With a laugh, I sink back in my seat. “And here I thought all this time I would win the hand.”
Swooping the cards off the desk and into his hand, Noire chuckles. “There’s an old Ekion saying that those cursed in cards are blessed in love.”
