Page 171 of The Forbidden Dragon King
“Shouldn’t I get a medal for that?”
Caligo’s hands tighten on the front of my uniform, wrinkling it. “You’dexpectme to kill you. Nobody would know. Have you any idea how much power I hold behind these walls? But actually, Tiberius was always a lazy, careless fucker. If he allowed a prisoner to beat him in a three to one fight, then he deserved to be exiled. He brought shame on my family. No, I’m going to make your life hell because I fucking hate fae.”
“Why? I’m charming, once you get to know me.” I flash a smile.
Caligo grabs me by the back of the neck and drags me close enough to whisper into my ear to make sure that no one else can hear, “I was there, you know, at the sack of the Winter Court. I watched your parentsburn.” I try to wrench free of his hold, but he only drags me closer. My heart is hammering in my chest. My hands clench at my sides. “Settle, cadet. You don’t want me to punish your Omega, hmm? Behave,KingDaire. Are you eager to fight me like you fought my brother? You’ll find that I’m not out of shape and easy prey like those guards were. Plus, Maximinus, my old friend, told me over a few drinks of mead how he’s controlling you with iron poisoning. Just like he poisoned your Winter Court. What, struggling again? Does it hurt to remember? You should never have survived the First Fae War. I’ll make sure that you fly to reunite with your parents soon, don’t worry. How weakened are you? I’ve never fought a blind fae before. Shall we see who wins?”
He shoves me back roughly.
My breathing is ragged. Rage and distress swirl around me like my fluttering shadows.
I bare my canines.
Freya is staring at me worriedly but also, her brows are furrowed with confusion.
She didn’t hear. Thank the Shadow Gods.
Caligo believes that my vision is more impaired than it is. If I can convince him that I’m less powerful than I am, then that gives me the advantage.
Freya is still watching me, concerned.
I can’t explain my plan but I tap on the snowflake. Immediately, she becomes more alert.
All the cadets are watching now, even if they still haven’t moved a muscle.
Time to put on a show.
Caligo prowls into the middle of the parade ground in front of the whipping post.
He beckons to me. “Walk toward my voice, fae. I assume you have enough enhanced senses to still fight me.”
He means to humiliate me.
I need to play this just right.
My wings stretch behind me, as I stalk toward Caligo. “Any time.”
“Feel free to call me sir.”
“I can kick your arse any time,sir.”
Freya laughs.
Caligo circles me. I crouch into a fighting stance.
When he jabs for me, faster than I’m expecting, I weave to avoid the blow.
He tries to catch me with a hook, but I twirl out of the way like it’s a dance. Frustrated, he swings at me repeatedly.
Jab, cross, lead hook, and rear hook.
I’d forgotten how fun sparring was.
But he’s too predictable. His patterns are obvious. He’s spent too long in the academy and off the battlefield.
I may be a bandit but I’ve spent the last decade fighting for survival. I could destroy this arrogant bastard in moments if I chose to.
I catch Caligo with my wing, and he sprawls backwards.
