by L. Fergus
The group moved through the crowd with ease, the normally impermeable mass of people liquefied around them. Kita entered the dining room to find the rest of the family lined up and waiting. She ignored the icy stares from her father and Jeffrey. The duchess waited at the end of the line, tapping her foot impatiently. Kita stood next to Jeffrey, but her mother pointed her to the vacant spot next to her at the end of the line.
How come I feel six-years-old again? Having to stand on the opposite side of my mother after Jeffrey and I’ve been fighting. The duchess motioned to open the doors. Kita realized her father wasn’t going to move to the end of the line as usual. Tonight, she was the honoree.
The earls stood in front of the line as promised. They greeted everyone vigorously and moved to the dining room. The line moved steadily. After a short while, the butler tapped the duchess on the shoulder and excitedly whispered to her. The duchess looked over at the head table, laughed and whispered back to the butler who left, looking as if he were sucking on sour grapes.
Distracted, Kita nearly punched a withered old lady. Choosing to hold up the line, she turned, the earls were directing the servers to rearrange the tables and seating arrangements.
After what seemed like forever, the last guest passed. Kita shook out her sore hand and followed her parents to the main table in the dining room.
The earls had some fun rearranging the butler’s plans.
The two main tables, normally set long ways, had instead been rearranged into a T. The top faced the guests. The stem went toward the back wall. Kita found herself at the top of the T, the earls on either side of her, with her mother and Angus next to them. The duke and Jeffrey found themselves on opposite ends of the top of the T. Zidin didn’t have a spot and took up a standing position behind Kita.
Armstrong looked at Zidin. “Kita, how did you get a giant to hide in your shadow?”
Kita looked at Zidin puzzled. “Why are you not sitting, Zidin?”
“No seat.”
Kita laughed. “That doesn’t mean you have to stand and watch me eat. Go grab that one.” She pointed to a chair against the wall. Zidin brought it over, and Kita moved over to let him in. “It’s easy, Robert. You just have to ask him sweetly.”
“Is that so? She must have asked you very sweetly indeed, Zidin.”
Zidin looked down and gave Kita a disapproving glare. “In a matter of speaking, my lord, she is mine to serve and protect. Who is in whose shadow?”
Armstrong gave the giant a good-natured grin.
Let’s hope we don’t trip on each other’s shadow.
Kita finished chatting with Allison’s father. Why do I feel like I was felt up by a ball of slime? She found Jeffrey waiting for her. He’d changed from his parade armor to his subdued command armor and looked gray.
“What’s wrong?” Kita said, cocking her head. What do you want?
“Nothing. I came to say goodbye and to wish you luck,” he said begrudgingly. “Though, you don’t seem to need it.”
“That sounded heartfelt.”
“You took what was mine.” His face flushed, like the duke’s when he became angry.
“I think that was only in your and Father’s heads.”
Jeffrey scoffed. “You don’t deserve it. Wait until they figure out what you really are.”
“I think Angus knows and the Legion will give me a good outlet for it.”
“You can’t kill anytime or anyone you want in the military.”
“Angus said we fight monsters. That should be a challenge for a while.”
“You’re going to hang one day.”
Kita ran her tongue over her sharpened canine. “I’ve gotten away with it so far.”
“How many times has father paid to get you out of trouble?”
“Twice, both times for trespassing, and not for years. He’s not protecting me, just his reputation. He’d turn me in if he thought it would help him. Besides, Angus said he takes criminals. Maybe that’s why they wanted me. I am that good.”
“You’re a disgrace.”
“Yet, I’m the one commanding the Legion. I’m doing something right, unlike you, Commander Party Guest.”
Jeffrey bared his teeth.
“Don’t be such a sore loser. I talked to Earl Cauzul and dissuaded him from making you a permanent latrine cleaner. Now, you’ll just get a lecture from your commander for going AWOL.”
“I did not go AWOL,” Jeffrey hissed through clenched teeth.
“Did you tell anyone you were leaving?”
“I’m the commander, I don’t have to.”
“Earl Cauzul seems to think otherwise. No need to get flustered. I smoothed over his ruffled feathers.”
“Why are you doing this to me?”
Kita licked her lips. “I’m doing this for you. You’re not totally useless. Someday I’ll need a favor.”
“Is this more of what you learned in your unsavory dealings?”
“I thought it was called politics, and I’m expected to be good at it. Don’t worry, I won’t waste it on something trivial.” She mimed folding up a piece of paper and sticking it between her breasts.
Jeffrey leaned in and whispered, “You’re an evil bitch, and I hope you burn.”
“Language, brother. This is a party, and you are the commander of it.”
Jeffrey clenched his fists. “I will destroy you.” He stormed off.
Kita turned to Zidin. “My brother, charming as always.”
The last of the guests moved to the door, taking cues from the staff. The earls found Kita.
“Thank you for the wonderful evening, Kita. I haven’t had this much fun in a long while,” Armstrong slurred while trying not to drop a plate stacked high with goodies.
“Yes, thank you, Kita,” said Cauzul. “It has been a most pleasurable evening and a pleasure to meet you. I hope to see you again soon.” Cauzul hadn’t had as much wine as Armstrong. He was covertly keeping Armstrong from swaying too much.
Kita bowed her head. “It was good to meet you both, my lords. I’m glad you could attend, and I look forward to working with you in the future. Are you staying here tonight?”
“Such a gracious girl, don’t you think, Merce?”
Cauzul rolled his eyes at Armstrong. “Pardon him, Kita, he’s been long overdue for a good night out. Unfortunately, no. We were on our way to New London when we diverted here. We’re expected there in a few days, and we’ll have to push through the night to make it.”
“Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t realize I was keeping you from important matters.”
Cauzul laughed. “No need to apologize. After we tell of the exploits of the newest Legion commander, it’ll be the talk of New London. We’ll be invited to parties every night.”
Armstrong laughed drunkenly. “Some of those bastards would have given their firstborn to have been here.”
“I think I should get him moving, Kita. Have a pleasant evening.” Cauzul took her hand and bowed.
Armstrong shoved the plate of food into Cauzul’s hands and gave Kita an enormous bear hug. Kita squeaked in surprise. Cauzul dropped the plate and tried to pry Armstrong free.
Kita wasn’t sure what to do. She looked down to find Armstrong crying into her chest, his right hand firmly grasping the curve of her breast armor. She was thankful it was hardened leather. She looked at Zidin for help.
Zidin joined Cauzul in prying Armstrong from Kita. Once she was free, Zidin, Cauzul, and a guard escorted Armstrong to his coach.
Kita tried to shake it off.
“You alright?” Zidin asked when he returned.
“Physically, I’m fine. I might have some emotional scarring. But, what’s a little more, right?”
A corner of Zidin’s mouth ticked up. “As long as you’re not fighting me, you can be as emotionally damaged as you like.”
“Is that what you want? To guard a twenty-three-year-old girl who is emotionally detached from her family, a professional paranoid, a brand-new Legion commander a
nd Rose, and has sexual and emotional issues because an old man wanted to get off on her?” Kita said with a sarcastic look.
“At this point, the more, the merrier.”
Kita stuck her tongue out at him. Wait until you get the full list.
“I would think somewhere in that list you would have learned some manners,” Angus said with a trace of a grin on his face.
“I didn’t think I needed to list the ways I’ve been tortured.”
“You’ve done well tonight. I’m proud. You’re proving my selection of you was a wise choice. You’ve learned more social grace than you care to admit, and gained two powerful allies because of it.”
Kita shrugged. “It wasn’t hard. All I did was talk to them.”
“You did more than talk. You put them at ease, you listened to them, and you didn’t offend them. It can take a long time to train someone to do that naturally. I hope all your friends and allies come as easily as the earls.”
Kita shuffled her feet. Angus, she was finding, had a subtle way of warning and correcting her. Yeah, me too.
“We’ve had a productive day. Tomorrow, we leave for Razor’s Pass to join our army. You should both get some sleep. We will meet at the stable tomorrow morning.”
Kita and Zidin nodded.
“Where are you staying?” said Kita.
“I’ll be in the east tower if you need me for any reason.” He gave her a sharp nod and headed out the main doors.
Guess that ends it for tonight. Thank the bloody moons, I’m exhausted.
Kita led Zidin the opposite way down the hallway toward the family sleeping quarters. As they walked, the pain from her wounds increased as the elders’ balm wore off. I wonder if I can get some more? She turned down the hallway toward her bedroom. The thought of bed was incredibly enticing.
A few steps from the sleeping quarters, a servant caught them.
“Kita,” he said.
Kita blew out her breath in annoyance. “What?” She was too tired for niceties.
“The duke wishes your immediate presence in the library.”
Kita swore under her breath. She’d hoped to avoid this after the scene earlier.
“Is there a message you would like me to send to his lordship?” said the servant.
Yes, tell him to go hang himself. But more than that, Kita was annoyed that the servant hadn’t addressed her with her proper title. The first time she thought the lack of honorific was merely a lapse on the servant’s part due to fatigue. Twice in a row was meant as an insult. “Tell him that the commander is on her way.”
The servant hurried off.
She looked at Zidin and smiled. “Let’s go find out what the old man wants. Hopefully, he’s kicking us out.”
Zidin’s face gave the slightest hint of amusement. “I’d like to see him try.”
Kita laughed until they reached the library. They found two guards posted at the door.
Odd. Why would he post guards? I’m too tired for this. Kita motioned Zidin to her and whispered, “Something funny is going on.”
The two guards crossed their axes when she went to open the door.
“What’s wrong?” her tone was sharp as a razor.
The senior guard’s eyes betrayed his lack of courage. “You’re to wait here until the duke calls for you. Your exotic is to remain with us.”
“I have a better idea, how about you get out of our way.”
The guard’s eyes shifted back and forth, his voice wavering, “I-I can’t do that.”
Kita grabbed him by his breastplate collar and pulled him face-to-face. “Now, I’ve had a bitch of a day. I’m tired of playing other people’s games. So, this is your last chance to get out of my way under your own power.” Kita threw him back hard enough he bounced off the wall.
Kita held up three fingers. The guards held their ground. She dropped a finger. The guards shifted their feet and held their axes closer. Her second finger fell. She looked at Zidin. He gave her an upturned corner of his mouth as a reply and stepped up next to her. The senior guard fled. Kita closed her fist, looked at the lone guard, and shook her head. The flat of Zidin’s sword crashed into the side of his helmet. He slumped against the door. Zidin picked him up and heaved him to one side.
“Can’t fault him for bravery,” said Zidin.
“I suppose not, but at what point does bravery become stupidity?” Kita mused.
“That is in the eye of the beholder.”
“The brave one knew when to run, and the stupid one is on the floor.”
Zidin raising his eyebrow.
Kita opened the wooden door into a room filled with books from floor to ceiling and wall to wall. The fireplace in the back of the room and the door in which they stood broke the bookshelves. The duke stood behind a reading podium, a goblet near his hand, and looked up as they entered.
“I take it you’re through thrashing my guards?” the duke said with arrogant superiority and a small smile.
Were the guards some stupid game? All of that was just about getting a reaction? Manipulative bastard. You’re lucky I don’t come over there and wipe that smile off your face. “What in the bloody moons is this about?”
The duke crossed his arms and gave her a disapproving look. “Easy, dear girl, language. You must remember your etiquette and manners now that you’re a diplomat. Is that anyway to greet your father?”
“At this moment it’s very appropriate. I don’t see my father, only an arrogant prick,” she said with a dirty look.
“Well, you better get used to it. There are lots of us in the world.” The duke chuckled. His voice dropped and filled with angry malice. “It seems you no longer need a father to take care of you since you’re moving up in the world. You’ve made new friends, have a new destiny, and are determined to leave your mother and me in ruin. How can I show my face in my lords’ courts as the duke whose daughter commands an army?”
“Don’t blame me for your failures or inability to capitalize on the opportunities afforded you,” Kita snarled. “Our own earl is pleased with what happened! Earl Armstrong is a powerful person in the king’s court. What more allies do you want? And the king is a non-traditionalist. How in the bloody moons could I have ruined you tonight?”
The duke paced back and forth. “Oh, can I list the ways! You’ve insulted two of the most prominent earls in the kingdom with your behavior and etiquette, and demonstrated that you practice a criminal profession. That display of wholesale brutality and butchery insulted our guests. We will forever be known as the house with a butcher for a daughter—”
Zidin grunted. Kita shot him a dirty look over her shoulder.
“—You’ve publicly embraced being an exotic and sworn allegiance to another nation. That is treason, and you’ve brought your mother down with you. It will be all I can do to save her—”
Zidin took a step forward, Kita sidestepped to block him.
“—You insulted and embarrassed your poor brother and me in front of the earls. You’ve ruined your brother’s military career. You were even able to make tonight’s banquet into a disgrace by rearranging the tables and seating for your own amusement. That’s only what you’ve done tonight!”
Oh, for the love of everything unholy! What world is he in? I thought I was paranoid. He sees gremlins in every shadow. Kita maintained her cool. Having both of them lose their heads would not end well. “Father, you realize every guest was happy and jovial when they left, including the earls?”
The duke’s grim laughed echoed the look on his face. “Who’s going to make comments to a bitch monkey with a sword? I was the one getting cold loathsome stares all night. You know nothing. I couldn’t care less what they think. It’s the nobility in New London I must worry about. They are the ones who can take it all away. And did you do your part to help this family? NO! You gallivant around the countryside leaving messes for me to clean up. Do you know how much I have spent getting you out of trouble? It’s bad enough you collude with those thieves in L
eedings, and now you are to lead an army like you are some man. Know your place, girl. Be like your mother. Get rid of that ridiculous face marking. You’re Yorqian not a blazing Arconian exotic. Do you know how embarrassing it is for me to have that in my house? It will be all I can do to convince the king it was your mother’s fault. I’ll be lucky if I’m not driven from court.” The duke had moved closer to Kita, yelling louder, until he was face-to-face with her. “But that’s what you want isn’t it—”
Kita could taste the wine on his breath.
“—You ungrateful little bitch.” He shoved Kita backward.
She bounced against Zidin, who caught her. She patted his arm in thanks and stepped forward.
Maybe I should let this raging lunatic sober up. But that’s never worked before. Perhaps it’s time for a new approach. She gave him a roundhouse kick to the side of the head, sending him sprawling to the floor, then picked him up by his shirt and shoved him hard into the bookcase. Holding him by the throat, she drew Dusk. Kita held the tip to his eye.
“Now that I have your attention, Father, it’s my turn to speak. You’ve hated me from the day I picked up a sword.” She waved Dusk in front of his eye. “I could live with your disapproval because it’s my life, not yours. What I’ll never forgive you for is what happened seven years ago. You abandoned me in favor of the very person who raped me.
“All I wanted is to get out of here, to leave you to your political and social games. I’d even have been gracious enough to never come back. Let you pretend you never had a daughter. I’ve been waiting years for my chance, and now I have it. You think I’d jeopardize it with some petty revenge against you? Don’t flatter yourself. I’m very happy with what’s happened tonight. I found I have another place to call home, which makes it even easier to forget about you. I’ve been chosen to be the next commander of one of the greatest armies on The Mass. I’d have thought you’d be spinning ways to use that to your advantage. Instead, you’re pissing and moaning about how Jeffrey wasn’t chosen.”
The duke struggled in her grasp. “You were always jealous of him,” he choked out as the side of his face turned red.