Page 131 of Vicious Princess
Gloria tsk-tsks, shaking her head. “Calia, Calia, Calia. We don’t like Ezkai snooping around, even cadets.”
“Must be part of their training or something. After they lost their trained soldiers last time, they probably sent in trainee spies instead,” Leti says.
“I’m not a spy,” I say firmly. “I’m not even a fucking cadet anymore at the academy. If you haven’t noticed, Ekiosh aren’t friendly to humans, let alone the Order of Ezkai. There’s no place for someone like me amongst the ranks of the Ezkai.”
It’s a bold lie, and the chances that they believe me are extremely low. But I can’t give up now, not when I’m so damn close.
If I die here, the identity of who runs this place dies with me.
Leti narrows her gaze again, as if she’s trying to drill a hole in my head and find the truth there. Thank fuck Decarios can’t read each other’s emotions. Otherwise, I’d be fucked right about now.
“Is that right?” Gloria says. “Then why lie about it?”
“I didn’t lie. I just didn’t mention it,” I say.
Before Gloria can reply, the door swings open. When my eyes land on Daegel, my heart leaps in my chest.
His attention is not on me, though.
There’s a storm raging in those dark eyes, and he pins Gloria with his gaze. “If you lay a single finger on her, we’ll have a serious problem, Gloria,” he says, voice full of threat.
Gloria picks up another cigarette and sighs. “You’re just as dramatic as your father, Daegel.”
CHAPTER FIFTY-ONE
Daegel stalks forwards until he’s face-to-face with the two bouncers flanking my sides.
“We’re just having a peaceful conversation,” Gloria says calmly. “I don’t see the need for theatrics or threats. Especially when I wasn’t expecting your visit, Daegel.”
Daegel’s gaze moves away from the bouncers to Gloria. “You forced my unannounced visit, Gloria. I was supposed to meet”—my heart stops for a moment as I wait for him to reveal my real name“—Caliahere tonight because she wanted to participate inAni-ki-ga. But when, after her stunning performance, I saw her being dragged away by your lackeys, I had no other choice but invite myself up here.”
Gloria waves her hand, and the bouncers retreat to their place by the left wall.
Daegel wastes no time—with confidence he strides forwards and takes a seat next to me. The way he leans back in the chair, and tosses one ankle over the knee screams arrogance.
He’s not worried.
I’m grateful he’s here, and my heart sings a happy song at his presence. But my mind is not on the same page.
I’m still furious.
“So, am I to believe Calia isn’t a spy in training?” Gloria doesn’t look a single ounce convinced. “Leti tells me she’s your mentee at the Ezkai Academy.”
“Shewasmy mentee while she attended the academy,” Daegel says with a nod. He’s exceptional at keeping up with the story without knowing any facts. “However, when the leadership found out about our secret relationship, she was kicked out. You know fairly well how strict Ezkai are about their laws. The General has no mercy.”
Gloria chuckles. To me she says, “He got you kicked out from Ezkai Academy, and yet you still stand by him?”
I shrug. “What can I say? I have a terrible taste in men. Though, with the deal you offered me, I think Daegel may have done me a favor.” Gloria arches an eyebrow. “If I hadn’t been kicked out, I wouldn’t have found my way here and wouldn’t have made a deal with you that’s about to make me a lot of money.”
Gloria hums and nods. Money is the language she speaks fluently and understands well. I just hope I’m a convincing actress.
“Nonsense,” Leti sneers. “I call bullshit.”
Daegel doesn’t bat an eye.
A corner of his mouth curls into a cruel smirk. “It’s so unfortunate to see someone as powerful and capable as you, Leti, let jealousy turn you bitter and pathetic, quite frankly.”
A muscle in Leti’s jaw ticks. She glares at Daegel with such fierce anger, I’m afraid he might erupt into flames at any moment.
