Even I have to admit, as we continue to walk on the outskirts of the training field, that I’m impressed. Not even Kyan oversees a facility as tightly run as this, leaving it to Bastien to keep an entire battalion of men ready for war at a moment’s notice.
“This way.” I turn to follow Bastien as he leaves the field and heads toward one of the buildings that I assume to be lodging for the soldiers. There is nothing flashy about it. No paint on the weathered walls. Only the base essentials. Back to the basics.
I pause at the door to look back and realize, if not for Niyah’s presence, I would like it here.
“I’ll show you to your room.” I blink, surprised to realize it is Niyah who spoke instead of Bastien. “I’m sure a delicate thing like yourself would like to get some rest after such a long hike.”
I bristle, ready with a comeback, but Bastien beats me to it. “Illyria has had plenty of time spent on the battlefield, Niyah. I would advise that you do not underestimate her abilities.”
Cool green eyes drift over me as Niyah’s lips peel back into a smile that is anything but genuine. “No. I don’t think I will.”
The sound of my boot steps along the floor echoes in the narrow hall. Doors line either side. Most of them are closed, but from time to time I peer through a doorway to find a room occupied. The space is small and square with hardly enough room to walk between two rows of beds, stacked on top of each other. I nearly stop and go back when I see the first set of beds, curious as to how such a construction is possible.
Near the middle of the dimly lit hall, we approach a set of stairs. I follow behind Niyah, trying not to notice how perfectly small her waist is or how her hips flare out. You never used to care about your looks, I think blandly as I keep my eyes fixed at my feet instead.
“So you’re Eamon’s girl, huh?”
I nearly trip over the last step as I look up to find her watching me from the doorway of the second floor. Her smile is smug, her eyes bright and knowing. I grit my teeth as I nod, knowing she wouldn’t have been quite so brave if Bastien were still with us. Surely she knows this name is one he would rather never hear again.
“Yes.” I nod, wishing I had one of those pretty swords from the training field to shove into her abdomen. “I’m with Eamon.”
“I thought so. Everyone around here is so excited to meet the prophecy girl. You’ll be quite the celebrity. I hope Eamon has a lot of trust in you because I’m sure there are plenty of guys here that would like to get to know you on a more personal level.”
I just bet she would enjoy that too. Distracting me while she sinks her claws into Bastien. I ache to challenge her out loud but know I’ll regret it if I do. Not because of any guilt over angering her. I could care less about her. It’s me. Saying the words aloud would make all of this real, and I much prefer to imagine I’m still tucked up in bed, back home, fuming over being locked away by Kyan. Why did I ever complain about that before?
“I’ve heard rumors about you,” she says, seeming unfazed by the fact that I continue to teeter on the final step. She doesn’t move away to give me space.
“Oh yeah? Anything I should know about?” I can hear the ice layering my words, and I grin. Two can play this game.
“Just that you seem to have a bit of a temper problem.”
“Yeah.” I nod as I shove past her, knocking her into the door. “That I do.”
She lets the door swing closed behind her. I turn around when I realize she isn’t following. “My room?”
Her flawless olive-toned skin darkens as she thrusts her hand toward the left-hand hallway. “All the way at the end. The door is unlocked.”
“I’d say it’s been a pleasure.” I pause as I lean in close to her. “But I think we both know it hasn’t.”
Her eyes flash with anger, but she nods. “Likewise.”
She turns on her heel and marches back toward the door.
“One more thing,” I call.
Niyah flips her hair over her shoulder as she turns to look at me. I can see she is seething.
“If you ever hurt him, I promise your death will be slow and very painful.”
She blanches for a second and then rapidly shifts into a deep crimson. I wiggle my fingers at her in a wave and then turn and walk away, grinning from ear to ear.
“I know all about you,” she calls, and I stop mid-step.
I turn around slowly and force myself to lean casually against the wall. Might as well get this showdown over with now. “You know nothing about me.”
Her smile returns, broad and haughty. “I know the only thing that matters. Bastien left you.”