Page 62 of Vicious Princess
I think I’ve had enough training for one morning. Without a word, I nod and turn to go.
“Wait,” he calls. When I turn back around, he’s rubbing his jaw and chin. “I— There’s something I need to tell you.”
My heart drops. “What?”
Daegel takes a step closer, but then halts, remembering himself. It’s clear we can’t control ourselves when we’re in proximity.
“The piece of information I’m about to give… You can’t tell this to anyone. Not even Roman,” he says. Only when I nod does he continue. “Soon—I’m not sure when exactly—your skills and what you’ve learned so far will be tested. All the cadets will be pulled into a mission. A real mission for the Order.”
“But we aren’t ready,” I say, baffled. “We haven’t graduated yet!”
“That’s the point. This is the mid-road challenge that’s supposed to weed out some of the cadets. Ones who aren’t meant to be Ezkai. It’s also a chance for the strongest cadets to show that they’re fit to be Ezkai.Everyunit will be watching.”
I can’t believe this.
“What kind of mission are we talking about here?”
Daegel shakes his head. “I don’t know the specifics. That’s all I can tell you. I’m already breaking a rule by even mentioning it to you.” He pauses. Swallows. “As your mentor, I wanted to warn you so that you know it’s coming. You need to be prepared for it to happen at any moment.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
Next morning, Daegel doesn’t show up for our morning training session. Can’t say I’m surprised after how it ended yesterday.
It’s for the better that we stop this before it escalates and someone gets hurt or in trouble. I’m aware.
Yet the sinking feeling in my stomach is still there. The disappointment that fills my chest is hard to swallow.
I kick a pebble with my boot and turn to leave the training hall when a white piece of paper on the bench catches my eye. Slowly, I approach the bench and pick it up. Inside, is a simple note:
Time to switch up your training so you don’t grow lazy, cadet.
Meet me at sundown by the eastern gate.
There’s no signature, but I know it’s from Daegel. It’s written neutrally enough that if someone reads it, they won’t suspect anything. Just a thoughtful mentor communicating to their mentee.
I pocket the note and head back to the barracks. A morning run before breakfast should help me clear my head.
I have no clue what Daegel has in mind and what the day ahead of me holds. But as I charge down the usual path, wind whipping at my cheeks and my hair, my skin buzzes with excitement to find out.
I findthe east gate right as the last rays of sun disappear behind the horizon. The castle grounds are quiet. I haven’t met a single soul on my way here. Nobody at the barracks questioned where I’m going, most of the cadets busy playing dice or cards or reading to pass the time.
Daegel leans back against the wall next to the narrow gate, one ankle hooked over the other. His muscular arms are crossed over his chest, his Ezkai leathers accentuating every damn line.
I can’t stand the fact that he’s so attractive. Why couldn’t Ezkai Gavriel be my physical training instructor? Or someone else less hot, preferably someone I haven’t slept with.
“I’m not sure if you’re aware, but Ekiosh folks greatly value being on time,” Daegel says. “Being timely is one of the best ways to show you respect someone.”
I cross my arms. “I’m not late. You said at sundown.” I point my thumb behind me. “The sun just went down.”
“I see. I should have been more explicit with my instructions. In Ekios, when we say at sundown, we mean while the sun still sets. Not after.”
I press my lips into a thin line. “You should have specified that, then. I’ll keep it in mind for future.” I look around us. “What are we doing here?”
Daegel pushes off the wall. “Tonight, we’re heading out to Jaakii.”
He heads over to the gate, but I remain rooted in place. When he notices that I’m not following, he glances at me over his shoulder.
“No. We aren’t.”
