“Deal.” He kicked a rock on the ground through the empty building.
“The minute we get back to the castle, you better go see Loti for some cake,” I laughed.
“Cake will not save the world from its problems,” he answered.
“No, but it is delicious.”
“If it wasn’t far, far below me, I’d roll my eyes at you right now, Tolero.”
“Think of it this way, at least we have something to keep us busy. We haven’t gotten to do this in over a hundred years.”
“Don’t be so cheerful. It’s not like you.”
“I’m the King of the Flame Court. I can do whatever I want,” I teased.
“If only Efi were here to,” he paused mid-sentence. “I’m sorry, my king. I didn’t mean …”
His words trailed off, taking my smile with them. “Let’s just head back before anyone notices we are gone.”
Somedays I forgot that I wasn’t the only one who lost her—that she had bewitched the entire kingdom, and they also felt her gaping absence. Even now, years later.
* * *
As we sat together in the study later, I asked Brax, “So Attoc, then?”
“Honestly, I’m not sure I trust any of their approaches, but if I’m looking strictly at the fighters, Attoc has the better male.”
“What did you find wrong with their approach?”
“The fighters don’t seem to be committed to their lords.”
“What makes you think that?” Inok asked from beside me.
“Sir,” he said, turning toward Inok. “You’ve always taught the southerners that fighting with pride and purpose would make you a better fighter. I see it in the men’s faces every day as we train. But that fire is not there with any of those males.”
“Tell me, Brax. What do the Trials mean to you?” Inok asked.
“Well, a lot. I don’t much care for the pit fighting. Attoc and Muth train those males for years to fight for bets of blood and glory. The drac ceremony is fun to watch. I like the way they fight, like they can fly through the air without wings. I always try to watch the traditional Rites. The part where the prospective soldiers try to win a slot in the guard. That’s where the passion is, if you ask me. Someone fighting for something they want.”
“And you think the competitive fighters don’t want to win?” I asked.
“No, I think they do want to win. I just…” He paused, scratching the back of his head, and turned away. “I think something is going on down there. Both training fields I went to, the fae were just really apprehensive of me poking around.”
Inok and I shared a look. It was just another thing to add to the rapidly growing list of potential problems.
“I have a meeting tonight with both owners, and I have a proposition. I would ask another favor of you, Brax.”
“Anything, Your Grace.” He nodded eagerly.
A loud raucous in the hall pulled my attention away. I recognized the screaming voice, though it grated on every nerve I had. “Inok will meet with you later.” I stood as Umari charged into the vacant room.
“Was it you?” she seethed.
“You will bow before your king and watch your tone, or you will lose your head, Umari. Don’t mistake the liberties your king chooses to give you,” Inok intervened, stepping in front of me as he motioned for the guards to enter the room.
Umari looked around and slowly bowed, though she held her breath and reddened as she waited for my order.
“Rise,” I drawled.
