Page 12 of A Liar's Twisted Tongue

“They’re holding out their hope that we’ll learn by example,” I mutter.

We walk side by side, the only sound from the students around us. Then she whispers, “Do you think they love us? I mean… you know what I mean.”

There is no easy answer. “Power tends to corrupt,” I say and reach for her hand, squeezing it. “So hold onto your heart.” That’s what Azaire would say.

“I’m trying,” she mumbles, and I know that she knows those are Azaire’s words too.

I easily make it through the rest of my day in a state more akin to numb than alert. Psychology and Combat Training don’t need my cunning. Yuki, Eleanora, and Jermoine follow me when the day is done.

“I’ve taken it into my hands to spread the word,” Yuki says.

“Everyone knows,” Eleanora adds, twirling her curly brown hair. “It’s gonna be like the biggest party of the year so far.”

“There are bets that you and Kai are gonna have a showdown,” Jermoine adds.

“Err on the side of no,” I tell them all. I already know that the showdown will be happening tonight.

“Hey, guys,” Fleur says, holding her books in her hands. She glances me up and down, and Eleanora takes a very audible breath. “Lucian.”

“Fleur.”

“So, a party?” She moves in next to me and we walk side by side. “We should probably pregame… three days early,” she says as if she’s unsure, but the smile she wears is certain.

“Like right now?” Eleanora asks.

“Who’s got the booze?” Yuki shouts.

Breck squeezes between Yuki and me, draping his arm around our shoulders. “I have booze, but you should consider being quiet.”

“Eh,” Yuki scoffs, “I’m advisor to a king.”

“Not yet,” Jermoine says.

“A soon-to-be king,” Yuki corrects himself.

I spot Azaire walking across the hall and say, “Hang on a moment,” before I join him. “Want to join us?” I ask, looking at the group.

“You’re drinking again?” Azaire says.

“Yes, though no one will push you to drink. They all want more for themselves.”

“Are you sure you should be?” He shrugs. “You got droozed last night too.”

“And the night before.” I smile though I see his point.

“Yeah, that’s the point, Luc. You kind of take things a little too far sometimes.”

“I don’t mind if you don’t.”

“I’m always gonna be here,” he looks at the group as they wait for me, “but I don’t wanna be a part of this.”

“We’ve been friends with them for years, Zaire.”

“It’s different now. You know it is, with all this pressure. The throne and these positions you’re all taking used to be elusive. Now the engagements are making it pretty hard to turn away from.”

I smile and clasp his shoulder like Mr. Ickehart did to me. “That’s precisely why we need a drink.”

“I’ll see you after,” he says. “But have good fun. You deserve it. I have a suspicion that Kai won’t be up for festivities when you see him next.” Azaire smiles a little.

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