Page 8 of Vicious Princess (The Trials of Death and Honor #1)
CHAPTER SIX
J aakii is very different from Valercia. The capital of Wetra is made of bricks and rough stone, the sinister stench of sweat, smoke, and filth lingering in the heavy air at all times. That’s why I’m grateful I grew up in the countryside.
Jaakii reminds me of home, even though it’s a city. It’s vibrant and full of life. The earthen buildings are close to the ground, which only makes the mountains surrounding the city walls stand out more.
As I walk the stone-paved streets surrounded by neatly clustered buildings, I still feel the connection to nature.
I can smell it in the air. The buildings are overgrown with lush greenery, and no matter which way I turn, there’s at least one colorful tree with its heavy branches hanging above the sharp red roofs.
I refer to the map V gave me as I navigate the city. I know better than to venture into Kozem, where I was attacked by that damn group of thugs. Instead, I choose to explore the colorful area of Bussek until I reach the grand wall that surrounds the Ezkai Castle grounds.
Following the perimeter of the wall, I venture into Casteeg, which is clearly the most prestigious neighborhood in the city. I can tell from the way fae here dress and the way they carry themselves—all tall and mighty.
Once I reach Saigec, I notice another shift in the crowd.
Here, fae are much younger and more relaxed.
More laughter and carefree chatter echo in the streets.
After I notice a third group of fae pass with leather satchels hanging from their shoulders, it hits me that this must be where the universities are.
The buildings are taller here, grander, though nowhere near close to the grand and moody Ezkai Castle that stands in the middle of the city on a tall hill. Even from where I am now, I can see the stone towers of the castle stretching high towards the blue sky.
A deafening roar rumbles in the distance. Soon after, a terrible screech follows. Covering my ears, I duck lower and look around, trying to figure out what’s going on.
I’ve never heard sounds like these booming in the city before. Nobody around me seems to mind it, though.
Movement in the sky catches my eye. My head whips to it, and my chest heaves. No fucking way.
Two long serpentlike dragons are flying over the city. The scales that cover their lean, strong bodies glimmer like diamonds when it catches the rays of sunlight. The bat-like wings flap loudly as they soar through the sky, right towards the Castle.
Dragons… I have never seen a dragon in real life!
They’re extinct in Wetra, have been for thousands of years. Thanks to the royal family.
My stomach flutters as I take in the sight. That castle where the dragons land is where my future lies.
Still baffled by the sight of dragons—actual damn magical creatures—I wander the streets until I come across a crowded bar. It’s not the first bar I pass, but what draws me into this one is the crowd.
Outside, a dozen Ezkai soldiers occupy the heavy wooden tables lined with benches on both sides. None pay me any attention as I pass the tables, so I don’t bother with the official greeting.
I’m welcomed by loud chatter and heavy alcohol-infused air as I step inside. Not all the fae here are Ezkai, but there are even more soldiers inside. They gather in groups around various tables littered with heavy jugs overflowing with some sort of beverage.
I find an empty spot at the bar and settle comfortably. This is perfect. I can people watch and see Ezkai in the wild. When a cute bartender approaches me, I order a whiskey, neat.
The amber liquid burns its way through my throat and down. When it starts to warm up, I realize it might not be the best idea to drink on an empty stomach.
I watch the liquid swish inside the glass like a stormy sea as I roll it between my fingers.
Whiskey was Dad’s favorite drink. The beautiful carved oak bar in our home had a collection of whiskey from all over the world.
Fancy crystal bottles with gold-plated labels, beautiful handmade clay bottles, and rare onyx bottles lined the shelves, displayed proudly.
Whenever we had guests, those who knew Dad well would bring a bottle to add to the collection, and those who didn’t know about his passion would get to learn about it during an after-dinner whiskey tasting.
That’s one of the things I loved about Dad. His generosity. He was more than happy to share his love for prestigious drinks with everyone else instead of keeping them for himself or “special occasions.”
My eyes burn. I close them and inhale a deep breath. It’s been three years. Three years since that damn fire took my family away from me. Yet it hurts as if it happened yesterday.
When will the pain go away?
The answer comes to me immediately:
Once I get my revenge.
A loud burst of laughter on my left draws my attention. A group of Ezkai crowds a round table, playing dice. They’re so focused on the game and each other, it’s as if the rest of the world doesn’t exist.
Every fae at that table looks like they belong.
A knot forms in my chest, and I turn back to my drink. I can’t believe Kazh thinks I would choose becoming an underground criminal over being an Ezkai.
But what bothers me more is Vasquez and his reason for sending me to Kazh. I should have known he had ulterior motives other than helping me find shelter. Is having me be part of Kazh’s criminal gang his way of trying to keep me?
I would punch that bastard if he were here with me right now.
I sigh and gulp down the last of my drink. It burns my throat and stomach, but I welcome the pain.
“Having a bad day?” The bartender approaches me, taking the empty glass away.
“More like three bad fucking years,” I say. “I’ll have one more, please.”
The bartender refills my glass and smiles. “Three bad years don’t equal a bad life. Even if it doesn’t feel like it right now.”
He winks, and before I can say anything, he moves away to serve other guests. I guess he’s not wrong. I’m here, finally in Ekios, ready to start my journey of becoming an Ezkai in a few days.
That’s what I’ve been working on all this time.
I cup the glass and stare at the whiskey. The color reminds me of that stranger I met in Ezkai Castle and his eyes.
I wouldn’t mind a sexy distraction right about now. Lucky for me, I’m in a bar full of attractive soldiers.
Slowly, I look around the place, eyeing the Ezkai. All are fit, with broad shoulders and powerful arms. Many are tall. Handsome.
It’s not only because most of them are ungodly stunning fae. Many blessings come with being born a Decarios, the chosen of the gods.
I’m not one to sleep around. I get too emotionally involved. Just like with Vasquez. So I tend to avoid that.
But I’m about to start a new season in my life. Maybe it’s time to learn how to approach relationships without falling in love. Attachments never bring anything good anyway.
The moment our gazes lock from across the room, I recognize him.
Those two deep amber eyes, that square jaw that’s as sharp as the blade strapped to my belt, and those sensual lips that hold a promise of wicked things.
I know he recognizes me too when he arches an eyebrow. Something low in my stomach curls at the way he looks at me. Concealing my giddy smile with the glass, I turn away.
Just as I hope, not even a couple of minutes later, the stranger approaches me.
“Our paths cross again.” His deep, husky voice reverberates through me. He leans sideways against the bar on my left. I don’t turn to him fully, not yet. I only quirk my chin to the side. “Fate must be on our side.”
I snort and bring my glass to my lips. “I didn’t know fae are superstitious in Ekios.”
The stranger’s gaze slides down to my throat, and he watches it intently while I swallow the sip of whiskey. When it flicks back up to my face, he wets his bottom lip. “Only in moments like these.”
The silence stretches between us, charged with tension.
He leans a little closer. “If I remember correctly, you promised me a name if we met again.”
The scent of a pine forest after rain tickles my nose. His voice alone does things to my body that unnerve me.
I lift my chin, trying to remain cool about the fact that he’s so close to me, our mouths inches away. “Indeed. Today is your lucky day.” His deep eyes glimmer. “I’m Phoenix.”
“Just Phoenix? No family name?”
My answer is a brief shake of the head.
The stranger offers me his hand. I place mine into his, and he brings it to his mouth. His lips gently brush the back of my palm.
“Phoenix, pleasure to meet you,” he says and lets go of my hand. The skin where his lips were moment ago still tingles. “I’m Daegel Talbot.”
I’m not sure if he gives me his family name expecting me to be impressed or recognize it. But it means nothing to me.
Yet I’m curious to know more about him. I know he’s an Ezkai. He doesn’t look much older than me, but he’s a fae and a Decarios. Even with human Decarios, it’s hard to tell our age once we’re past twenty-five.
I crush that desire for curiosity, fast and ruthless. That’s how things get complicated. All I want is a night of fun, no strings attached.
Daegel gestures to the bartender, then turns his attention back to me. “What brings you to Dragon’s Den tonight?”
The bartender brings him a glass of plum blossom wine a moment later.
“I’m looking to blow off some steam after a long week,” I say, turning in my seat to face him fully. His eyes slide down my body and up again. “How about you, handsome?”
I can tell he’s entertained and equally curious about me. He takes a sip of his drink and tips his head to the side. After a heartbeat of silence, he says, “I think I can help you with that.”
I bat my eyelashes at him. “I was hoping you’d say that.”
A slow grin spreads on his face. He offers me his hand. I don’t hesitate.
My heart races as we make our way deeper into the building through the crowded space.