Page 78 of Vicious Princess
The canvas hanging over the back of the carriage lifts. The Ezkai outside nods and holds it open for us so we can get out. The General leads the way.
We parked just around the corner of the tall stone fence surrounding Yal’s estate. Quickly, we make our way towards the main gate, where four large fae stand guard.
I open my senses, but no emotions are present.Decarios.
The General lifts his hand, and we halt. Over his shoulder he glances at me and gestures for me to approach. With a thrashing heart, I do.
His voice is a whisper. “Can you take them out from here?”
Oh, fuckity fuck.
I glance behind me at our group. No other archers. Gripping my bow harder in my hand, I dip my chin in a curt nod. I lift my bow, draw an arrow, and pray.
Please, please, please behave.
The bow doesn’t fight me. At least not right now.
I inhale.
Exhale.
Let go.
Before the first arrow even lands in the middle of the first bouncer’s chest, I aim at the second guard.
Inhale.
Exhale.
Let go.
The arrow lands true the second time around. Bodies fall to the ground with a heavythunk. The other two fae guards rouse, looking around for the threat.
I shoot the third arrow, then the fourth.
All land right where I intend them to.
I could kiss my bow from gratitude.Thank you, thank you, thank you, I chant in my mind.
The approval in the General’s eyes makes me high. He says nothing, though. Simply gestures for our group to follow him forwards. “Let’s move!”
That wasn’t hard now, was it? I can do the same with Kata, too.
Adrenaline courses through my veins as I quickly make my way through the gate and down the long gravel pathway leading towards the estate. No other guards are present, so nobody stopsus from breaking through the front door into the swing of a party.
Nobody could have prepared me for the chaos that erupts.
The General barks orders, while the guests scream. Ezkai are lethal as they slice their way through the crowd.
So much blood. So much violence.
Every fae with visible tattoos is slain by the Ezkai. Cadets hesitate only for a heartbeat before following suit.
I secure my bow on my back and draw two blades sheathed in my boots. I parry a blow that comes from my left, thrown by a fae with braided hair.
She’s so small yet vicious.
Baring her sharp teeth, she swings her long dagger at me, and I deflect once more. Before she can pull away, I grab the wrist of the hand holding the knife and whip her around until I hear the gentle crack in her shoulder.
