The bread and cheese on the dirty floor of the carriage don’t look appealing. But the sharp talons of hunger graze my insides not so kindly. It’s been awfully long since I last had a meal. I have no clue how long it will be until I get another serving of food.
Swallowing my pride, I pick up the bread and the cheese from the floor. It’s not much, and it’s definitely not as good as a home-cooked meal. But I force myself to chew and swallow.
It’s been so long since I had tosurvive. After Sagara took me under her wing at fourteen and made me her apprentice, I didn’t think I would ever have to do it again.
Not after building the reputation, network, and connections over the years, brick by brick. Not after I surrounded myself with my most loyal—or who I believed to be loyal—people.
Not after I found my way into the inner circles of House Dzuni and the Order of Ezkai and became irreplaceable to them. One whose approval and company they craved, and paid generously for.
Not after I caught the eye and attention of the most powerful Ezkai General to date, and eventually captured his heart…
I thought I was safe.
I scoff to myself. What good will all of that do for me now?
The most powerful Ezkai General to date is gone, and my heart’s gone with him.
I try veryhard to keep my eyes open, even though the gentle rocking of the carriage lulls me to sleep, my mind eager to surrender to the seduction of dreams.
At the very edge of the fields, the sun awakens. It stretches its rays lazily, painting the sky in the distance the most vibrant shade of pink and orange.
Sunrise always reminds me of him.
Kitajo was an early bird; it was his prime time of the day. Those nights I spent with him I’d rise with the sun just as he did. I loved watching him meditate in front of the window with his eyes closed. Those were the few rare moments where he looked truly at peace, with himself and the world.
I was fascinated by his powerful body, and I’d watch him do his essential drills from his bed only in his underpants. Every muscle under his beige skin shifting with each pull-up, push-up, and squat.
Oh, how I enjoyed early-morning lovemaking in his larger-than-life-itself bed. How little I appreciated those tender moments because I thought they’d last forever.
One day, Vera dearest, one day. I have patience.
Kitajo believed we’d have a forever, too.
I brush a finger over my throat, an old habit. The naked skin, void of the black diamond choker he gifted me, serves as another reminder that nothing lasts forever.
I haven’t traveled mucharound Ekios. I was born and bred in the sewers of Jaakii and climbed my way into the streets before making it all the way into Ezkai Castle.
I have no clue where I am.
From the location of the sun in the sky, I can tell it’s around midday. We haven’t stopped since the last meal, and from the vast nothingness that stretches all around us, it’s clear we’re not any closer to our destination.
Wherever that might be.
One thing I do know, though. We’re definitely heading south of Jaakii, because there are no mountains in sight that cover the whole north part of Ekios.
Who could be there in the south? Who would want me there in the south?
The unknown makes my stomach uneasy. Its claws hold my insides in an iron-clad grip.
I hope at least Phoenix is safe. I hope Noire made sure she behaved during the inauguration ceremony. Despite her shortcomings, she’ll be a great Ezkai General. I’m certain of it.
The carriage comes to a sudden halt and I fly forward, catching myself just in time. Just as I settle back in my seat, the door opens and the Giant waves for me to step outside.
My heart beats like a drum in my chest. But I lift my chin high and manage to get out with grace this time around. The moment I do, the Giant tosses a muslin bag over my head.
“Wear this, little whore,” he says. He pulls on the string, tightening it around my neck. “We’re almost there.”
I can’t see anything. With this bag over my head, I can barely breathe. The Giant grabs me by the shoulders and pushes me back inside before slamming the door shut so hard the whole carriage rattles.
