Page 44 of Vicious Princess
But the mean comments I expect don’t come my way. Instead, the handsome Ezkai says, “That’s fascinating. We’re in dire need for more diverse faces in the Order.”
I look up at him.
He flashes me a charming smile. “You look at me as if I’m crazy.”
“No, not at all, sir.” I rush to get the words out. “I’m just surprised to hear you say that.”
His eyebrows hike higher. He looks amused. “And why’s that?”
I bite my tongue. These two Ezkai might appear to be friendlier than the rest. But both of them are fae. I doubt they want to hear the truth about their species and how unwelcoming to humans Ezkai and Ekions truly are.
The odd Ezkai senses my hesitation, because he says, “Well, don’t let us disturb your training, young lady. Good luck on your journey, and we hope to see you amongst the ranks of the Ezkai very soon.”
I dip my chin in respect once more, then run across the main path, towards the orchard. Before the trees block my view, I glance back over my shoulder. Both Ezkai remain in the same spot, eyes on me while they exchange a few words.
Increasing my speed, I dive into the depths of the orchard. I have a lot of anxiety to burn off.
Before the restof the cadets wake, I manage to get a quick quiet shower in and head into the dining hall for breakfast. Afterwards, I make my way to the lecture hall and find the right auditorium.
Roman’s already here.
“May I?” I jerk my chin at the seat next to him.
“Why, of course,” he says, pulling out a chair for me and patting it with his large palm. “But you better be good at this, because I hate history.”
I sit down and open my notebook. “I’m sorry to disappoint, but I hate history and politics even more than you do. That’s why I chose to be a damn soldier and not a scholar.”
Roman flashes me a crooked smile. “Then we’re both fucked.”
I shrug. “If we can survive Daegel’s class, we can survive this, too.”
Roman’s eyes flicker. “Oh, are you on a first-name basis withEzkaiDaegel?”
I blink at him.Oh, shit.I need to be more careful in how I talk about Daegel.
Scoffing, I roll my eyes. “Sure. If addressing me as ‘human’ with a healthy dose of disdain in his voice instead of my actual name can be considered that.”
“I’m sure he’s just trying to make you feel special.”
“I’d rather he didn’t.”
Roman relaxes in his chair and drops an arm over the back of mine. “I wouldn’t mind if he wanted to makemefeel special. He’s damn eye candy. When he took his leathers off last time during training, I got a boner. Did you see his Ezkai back tattoos?Hot.”
I roll my eyes.
“Don’t tell me it didn’t make your lady parts throb even a little bit, princess.”
I slap his chest. “Stop that.”
Roman wiggles his eyebrows, dark eyes full of mischief. “Not only is he good-looking, but also comes from a very good family. Long line of powerful Decarios, all high-ranking Ezkai,” Roman continues. “Not to mention that he’s only twenty-five and already an Ezkai Major.”
Also, an exceptional lover.But I can’t voice that thought. Roman would freak out.
Roman leans closer to me and opens his mouth. Before he can say whatever he intends, the door opens, and a group of trainees enters, chatting amongst themselves.
“I’ll tell you later,” Roman whispers.
I give him a nod. I hate to admit it, but I’m curious to hear what Roman has to say about Daegel that can’t be said in front of other people.
