I look from one noble to the other, trying to find one who may be willing to change their mind.
What happens if it’s a tie?
One hand rises then. Angelic face, blond curls. Nobleman Yoni. The Caligos bastard who fought me on passing Vera’s law.
“Aye,” he says with a soft smile.
Surprised, I blink at him.
Apparently, I’m not the only one thrown off by his decision. A few heads whip his way, but he ignores the stares.
“Under one condition, General,” he adds.
My heart sinks.
It takes everything in me to control my voice. “Speak your mind, Nobleman.”
“If Jax Kregger of Emera is to bind his life to yours as his punishment, it must happen here and now. So the spirits of the gods, the Order of Ezkai, and House Dzuni bear witness to justice being served,” Nobleman Yoni says.
That’s…oddly harmless. Right? Unless I’m missing something.
Noire glances at me and nods. That puts me at ease.
“Acceptable terms,” Noire says. “Sixty-six votes in favor.”
Hushed conversation passes amongst some of the nobles. I’m tense as a bowstring, so it takes me a moment to register that the vote has passed and we have won.
Noire’s looking at me. Waiting.
I clear my throat. “Bring the monks. We’ll serve the punishment now.”
Nobleman Yoni’s lips curl into a satisfied smirk.
I feel like I’m missing something.
Why would a Caligos supporter vote inmyfavor?
But there’s no time.
The door swings open again and four monks dressed in red robes enter.
CHAPTER TWENTY
JAX
The noise in the auditorium is muted. My heart pounds in my chest and ears.
The sight of silk-clad nobles blurs. I sway on my feet, my face aching.
I swallow, my throat dry.
It’s painful as fuck.
Those damn Caligos dogs really did a number on me yesterday.
If I wasn’t so distracted by the thrill of winning the card game, I would have noticed my Ezkai guards missing…
A lovely nap would be welcome right about now.
