Chapter 17
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
PHOENIX
Istand for a long time in front of the wall covered in more clothing than one would need in a lifetime.
Three levels of racks full of clothes on hangers, yet I can’t choose what to wear to this party.
I purse my lips. Should I dress up, or go in my Ezkai leathers?
Lorca’s chuckle echoes somewhere in my mind. I ignore the presence that stirred a while back. The trickster god hasn’t said anything yet. But it’s been lurking. Waiting.
If I go in my Ezkai leathers, I will feel safe. It’s my comfort outfit. Armor that protects all the sensitive parts of me. I’m so used to hiding behind it.
But, if I wear something a little more elevated, it might let me accomplish my goal easier. Right?
I mean, Ezkai leathers are powerful, but a statement dress similar to those Vera picked for me during the trials would be even more powerful…
Vera…she’s good at this shit, unlike me.
Not only is she better at dressing the Ezkai General, but she’s also much better at manipulation and political games. I’m all brutal force. A lethal weapon. And she’s…well, the opposite. Pleasant smiles, warm whispers, seduction.
How am I to manipulate Nobleman Juti into submission all by myself? The plan I was so certain about is looking less and less smart the closer to the party we get.
Anxiety butterflies flutter in my stomach and I close my eyes. Vera’s not here, and there’s nothing I can change about that now.
“Fuck it,” I mutter and reach for the hanger with a two-piece black dress.
The skirt is long and flowy, made from some sort of thick silky material, and it has two slits for each leg. Thankfully the slits are not deep, only reaching right above the knee so I can wear my over-the-knee boots and no skin will show.
Once I slip on the dress, I pick up the second part, which is a heavy tailored leather jacket that fits snugly around my hips, waist, and chest. As I shrug it on and start to connect the metal hooks at the front, I realize it’s not leather, but very thin, hard, scale-like material.
It’s tailored to fit me perfectly, but there isn’t much room for movement, and once it’s fully buttoned, I can barely breathe.
“Fuck me,” I curse and run my hands over the smooth, hard material.
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 ride from 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.
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.
“General.” Bart bows at the waist. “May I escort you to your spot at the table? Now that you’re here, the evening can finally start.”