Page 91 of A Kingdom of Fire and Fury
Ben didn’t disagree. “My hometown is really old fashioned. Because of its terrain, we’re pretty closed off from the rest of the country. They don’t even approve of female riders. And, well, my father’s a dick to anyone he considers a woman.” He scowled. “He’s terrible to Gareth.”
As if I needed another reason to hate Taro Markos. “If you want me to punch him, I don’t mind getting thrown into the dungeon for it.” It’d be worth it.
Ben smiled faintly. “A few years ago, I got thrown in there when my brother spouted some shit. It turned into a whole brawl. Gareth was so pissed. He didn’t talk to me for a week.”
I blinked. “Why?”
“He said people who believe in that nonsense aren’t worth his time and entertaining them is almost as bad.”
I frowned. “But I was looking forward to punching him.” And surely, the punishment would only be a slap on the wrist.
Ben sighed. “I know. I was too. But it’s what he wants.”
“Fine.” I looked up at Ben. For as long as I’d known him, he’d been all smiles and flirty remarks. But he was different from the rumors about House Markos nobles. He respected the men and women he slept with. Not only that, but he was kind. “Thanks for warning me.”
Ben rubbed the back of his neck. “It’s nothing. I wish I wasn’t connected to them.”
“It’s a good thing.” At his surprised look, I smiled. “Like Gareth says, you can change your legacy. Show them the Markos name isn’t so bad.”
Ben smiled. “You’re right. I’m not sure how, but I’d like to do that.”
I clasped my hand on his shoulder. “We have time to figure it out.” Especially now that I knew I wasn’tgoing to take off in the dead of night with Clara in tow.
The ride back was horrible. Umara completely shut me out and ignored me. Really, I was surprised she even let me ride her. As soon as we arrived at the capital, she parted from the others to land in the courtyard and then immediately took off once I dismounted. I watched her fly away with a knot in my belly.
After that, I sought out Nimue and dragged her into my room. “Have you ever had a problem getting Thaleia to listen to you?”
Nimue was very obviously trying not to frighten me, because she took a moment to choose her words. “Not for me. Umara is more... headstrong. She doesn't like to be told what to do.” Her lips twitched. “Almost like someone else I know.”
I groaned and slumped into my sheets. “I need her to be a little less like me. Do you have any tips?”
Nimue hummed in thought. “Talk to her from the heart. It sounds cliche, but our bonds rely on it.”
“I’ll try tomorrow.” Right now, we both needed space, or we very well might just try to kill each other. I heaved a sigh. If I didn’t get it together, I’d be shooting myself in the foot. It was more than a little stressful. “How awful is the festival going to be? I always skipped out on them.”
“I only did one officially. It’s a lot of politics. We’re there to show our strength and let the nobles feelgood. None of us are looking forward tothat.”
“If you need a buffer, I’m here for you.”
Nimue smiled. “Thanks. They’re not terrible, but whenever I look at any of my family, I feel so bitter. My brothers were all too happy to screw me over. I can’t play happy family after that.” She exhaled. “Aurelia and I are in agreement. The next generation we’re going to make sure female heirs are prioritized.”
“I can get behind that.” I bumped my shoulder against her. “They don’t deserve you.”
“Damn right they don’t.” She smiled. “We can be buffers for each other. A lot of the nobles are going to come up and talk to you. They’ll want you to promise them things. Be as vague as possible. If you’re unsure on what to say, talk up Luther. You can never go wrong praising the king. And I really hate to say this, it seriously hurts my soul, but if you can, just smile and nod.”
We’re setting women’s rights back fifty years.I figured now was as good as any to attempt it. I forced a closed smile and nodded.
Nimue burst out laughing. “You look like someone just peed in your oatmeal. Don’t smile like that at the festival.”
I snorted. “You’reawesomeat cheering me up. Really, great work.”
She flicked my arm. “Don’t I know it.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
The next two days were even more of a disaster. Umara refused to come when I called her. Not just for the dance. Even when I tried to go on a flight. My cheeks burned each time the others watched me fail. Even when Luther threatened me, even when Aurelia sneered, nothing changed. Umara refused to come.
Was she rejecting me?
