by Jenna Moreci
Delphi offered Leila a knowing glance, which Leila returned with an eye roll. “I don’t care how he performs.”
Turning away, She fought to ignore both Her sister and the game, though She couldn’t help but watch Tobias out of the corner of Her eye. He stared at the tiles, his lips pursed in the most adorable manner. Hideous. His lips are hideous.
He placed his hand on a tile, revealing a painted eye.
“You’ve drawn a riddle,” Romulus said.
A riddle? Tobias was good at this game, could’ve passed his round easily. But the worry came and went. Tobias wasn’t Her concern anymore. No, She hadn’t a single care for him. As Romulus recited an inane riddle, Leila leaned back in Her seat, casual as ever.
“Grown in the darkness, this beauty shines bright with pale light,” Romulus read from a scroll. “Though it is not the light of The Savior, She keeps it close to Her heart, Her hair, Her dress.”
Pearls. They weren’t Leila’s favorite, but Cosima wore them often, even at that very moment. No doubt Tobias would breeze past such a silly task—not that it mattered to Her.
A snap echoed off the walls, followed by a throaty “Fuck!” Tobias’s hand was planted on a now broken tile, his fingers caught beneath a heavy mallet.
“He lost?” Leila spun toward Delphi. “How could he lose?”
Delphi cracked a smile. “Good boy.”
“What?”
“Nothing.”
Tobias cradled his broken fingers against his chest, sucking in shallow breaths through his teeth. Idiot. Groaning, Leila slapped Her palm to Her forehead.
“Artist, you are the first man to answer in error and the loser of this challenge. For that, you must be punished.” Romulus pointed a knobby finger at the portal. “Your penalty is solitude in the sanctuary. Go now, and spend your time contemplating the deep disappointment you’ve bestowed upon our Savior.”
Tobias left the room, shrunken and wounded, and Leila could’ve sworn She saw that puppy dog Delphi had described.
“Here’s what we have.”
Leila’s voice echoed through the viewing room, now vacant save for Her and Delphi. She dumped Phanes’s things onto the floor. “The missing funds.” She plucked up the empty coin purse. “Wembleton said Phanes was tasked to deliver payment. I assume that’s what this is for. But I can’t wrap My head around this…” She flipped the slip of parchment between Her fingers, “…and certainly not that.” She cocked Her head at the string of jewels.
Delphi swept up the necklace from the floor. “A wedding present?”
“Some present. These are the palest topaz I’ve ever seen.” She bit into a peach. “Maybe it’s some kind of message. Maybe the traitor is a woman.”
“Why would a woman send Brontes her jewels?”
“Let’s not worry about the necklace.” Leila snatched the jewelry from Delphi’s grasp, replacing it with the note. “Can you read Kovahrian?”
“Naturally. Can’t You?”
“Of course. Well, mostly. I’ve never seen these words. It’s like another language entirely. Maybe an ancient dialect?”
“We’re wasting time. We can’t answer these questions on our own.”
Leila ignored her, finishing off Her peach as She paced the viewing room floor. “Do you think the Kovahrians are aiding My assassination? I don’t understand. We’ve always been peaceful with them.”
“We’ll worry about this later. When we have the proper resources.”
“Enzo. He’s Kovahrian. Do you think he has ulterior motives? He’s certainly not here for The Savior. His tryst with Zander has made that clear.”
“I will visit the records. Search for a translation.” Delphi shoved Leila’s satchel into Her arms. “You need to go to the sanctuary.”
“Why are you rushing Me?”
“Tobias is waiting for You.”
Leila scoffed. “That man is none of My concern.”
“He spoke of You in the poetry challenge,” Delphi said. “You know it.”
“I also know Cosima has the most enviable breasts in the fortress.”
“Does Tobias strike You as the type to fall prey to breasts?”
“He strikes Me as a man. So, yes.”
“He confessed his feelings for You. In public. In front of Your father.”
“Cosima’s father.” The words stung Leila’s lips. “She’s The Savior, after all. I’m just Her sister.”
Undeterred, Delphi planted her hands on her hips. “Go to him. Please. Or are You going to let him compete tomorrow with broken fingers?”
Leila tried to appear unfazed, but the thought of Tobias’s mangled hand plucked at Her worries. Glaring at Delphi, She headed off through the portal.
The darkened tunnel opened up to the labyrinth, and with each step She took, Her stomach lurched. She fidgeted with Her cloak, Her dress—oh God, what am I wearing?—then scowled at the midnight blue fabric. She always looked pale in blue. Why had She chosen blue? She shook Herself. She had no need to impress Tobias.
Neil’s grave appeared with the sanctuary waiting behind it, and She stomped on the tiny crown marker, sending stepping stones floating up from the pit. She made Her way across, trying Her best not to look at Tobias, who sat cross-legged on the floor, staring a hole through Her. They were the only people there, yet somehow the air felt thick, even more so when She took a seat at his side, when She unfastened Her cloak, and when his gaze swept Her figure.
She smacked his arm.
Tobias recoiled. “What the—?”
“What is wrong with you?” She spat. “Has your brain turned to dust?”
“Leila—”
“You play that game every day. Every. Day. And here you are, the first man out. I can’t believe it!”
A smile crept across his lips. “I know. It was a poor move.”
“A stupid move.”
“Yes, stupid. Completely. The correct answer was clearly the pearls. And to think, it was just three tiles to the right.”
Leila straightened. “You knew the answer?”
“Naturally,” he said. “Or did you really think my brain had turned to dust?”
“Did you lose on purpose?”
“Perhaps.”
“Tobias!” She smacked his arm again. “Why?”
“Well, you didn’t seem too thrilled when I won the last challenge.”
“You lost for me?”
“What else was I to do? You wanted nothing to do with me after my time with Cosima.” He raised an eyebrow. “Tell me, are you still utterly repulsed by my presence?”
Cosima. The name on his tongue sent those horrid visions crashing through Leila’s mind. “It’s not that. It’s just…I know what happens during rewards. With Cosima.”
“Maybe you don’t.”
“We’re sisters. We talk. Frequently.”
“Did you talk about my time with Her?”
His lips on her neck, her breasts. Leila could see it all. “No.”
“Good,” he said. “Then you can hear it from me.”
“I don’t want to hear it.”
“Leila—”
“I don’t want to hear it.” She scowled. “You will respect my wishes.”
Tobias opened his mouth to speak, then stopped short, frowning. “Fine. But you’re making a mistake.”
Shooting him a glare, She plucked his hand from his lap. His first three fingers looked perfectly fine, while the two at the end were like crooked red sausages. “God, look at you. You’re an artist, and you broke your fingers. On your right hand, no less.”
“It’s a good thing I’m left-handed, then.”
A sly grin spread across his cheeks. He had planned this, and that single fact made Her heart beat faster. She wished it wouldn’t.
“Please don’t let my sacrifice be in vain,” he said.
“And what exactly do you expect from me in return for your sacrifice?”
“Just your company.”
Damn Her heartbeat; it wa
s pounding hard, certainly loud enough for Tobias to make out. “Here, let me take a look at your fingers.” She tossed him a rag. “And while I’m at it, wipe yourself down—with your good hand. You look like you belong in a damn brothel.”
His laughter rolled through Her in chills. Even covered in those perverse oils, he was handsome, his unruly brown waves like a wreath atop his head, his carved form only slightly blemished by tournament scars, his sable eyes large and kind.
He bedded Your sister. None of this was remotely fair.
While he de-oiled, She took his mangled hand. This has to be quick. She raised Her free hand overhead, snapping Her fingers. “Tobias.”
His gaze flitted Her way. “Hm?”
She popped his finger into place, the ugly crack of his bones reverberating through Her.
“Shit!”
“Apologies,” She said. “I know it hurts, but the pain will subside in a moment.” She snapped Her fingers again. “Over here.”
“What?”
Another crack, and his little finger was perfectly straight, though his face was contorted with pain.
“Goddammit—”
“All done. The worst is over.”
She coated Her hand in Her favorite perfumes and rubbed his swollen fingers. Mend the breaks. Ease the pain. Once Her light subdued, She bandaged his injury, mentally cursing Herself for treating him with such care.
“So tell me, Tobias…” She eyed him sidelong, “…why are you here?”
“That’s a silly question. I’m here because I lost the challenge.”
“No, I mean, why are you here—in this tournament? You’re obviously not here to be the Champion. If you were, you’d be with Cosima right now, and your fingers wouldn’t be pointing in opposite directions.”
Tobias looked away. She thought back to the conversations they’d shared—stories of his life. His family.
“Your sister.”
“Her care is expensive,” he said.
The fight in the arena entered Her mind, particularly the men in the mirrors. “And what of your parents?”
“My father’s dead,” he confirmed. “Killed in the accident that crippled my sister. My mother cares for her all day. I started laboring, trying to support them both.” He stared down at his lap. “It’s not enough. She is wrought with challenges. With suffering.”
“What’s her name?”
“Naomi.”
“Is she older or younger?”
The shame in his face lifted, revealing a smile. “We’re twins.”
“Twins?” She cocked Her head. “Do you look alike?”
“Identical. My female equivalent.”
“And what else? Is she an artist like you?”
He laughed. “God no. She’s terrible. Her efforts, like a child’s scribbles. No, she was to be a metalsmith.”
“A metalsmith? Really?”
“I know. It’s a bit unprecedented, but she does what she pleases.” His smile widened. “I think you’d like her.”
“I bet you’re right,” Leila said. “She’s clearly an individual, not unlike yourself. I’m sure it’s one of the many traits that bind you two together. And one of the countless reasons why you’d sacrifice yourself just for her.”
His gaze drifted, climbing the walls. “You think I’m a fraud. That I dishonor The Savior. Play a part for personal gain.”
“Actually, I think you just might be the only man here for valid purpose. You’re here for the sake of love, aren’t you? It’s just not the love of The Savior.”
“Well, don’t tell that to Flynn. He certainly thinks he’s here for love.”
“God, Flynn, what an ass.” Leila leaned back on Her hands. “He doesn’t love The Savior. You can’t love a person you don’t know. He’s infatuated with Her—or the idea of Her, at least. But love? Definitely not.”
Chuckling, Tobias nudged Her shoulder. “It’s your turn. You heard of my sister. Tell me about yours.”
“But you’ve met them.”
“Still, I’m curious to hear your take on them.”
Delight prickled beneath Her skin. “Well, I’m closest with Delphi. True sisters, not just in title, but in heart. I’m sure you’ve gathered that already. Pippa—she’s darling, isn’t she? My little duckling, following me wherever I go. And Cosima…”
Her gut wound tight. She had forgotten.
“What of Cosima?” Tobias said.
Leila clenched Her jaw. “She drifts away from me. Every day, She’s a bit further. And I don’t know how to fix it.”
“I imagine I’m not helping the matter.”
His lips on Cosima’s, his hands on her body. The visions were a self-inflicted torture, one Leila had the power to end, if only She’d muster the words.
“I suppose you can tell me about it,” She said. “Your reward. With Cosima.”
“Are you certain?”
“You’d have me change my mind?”
He cleared his throat. “Well, I’ll have you know, it wasn’t eventful. She called me Artist the entire time, as if She couldn’t be bothered to learn my name.”
“I know how that feels,” Leila grumbled.
“We discussed the tournament at some length—or rather She did, and I listened. And then She talked about Her divine light. Did the most uncomfortable thing: She put Her hand on my chest and asked if I could feel Her light.”
Leila’s jaw went slack. “She did not.”
“Oh, but She did.”
Obscenities filled Her mouth, but She swallowed them down. First grand speeches, now this?
“Then after all that mess…” Tobias continued, “…She offered me a kiss.”
His words hit Her with force. Perhaps She should’ve felt relieved. After all, it was just a kiss. But that did little to stop the sinking of Her stomach.
“Well, I suppose it was inevitable,” She said. “You’re quite handsome, plus you delivered that beautiful poem. It’s only natural She’d want to kiss you. And in your position, how could you possibly refuse?”
“I didn’t kiss Her.”
Leila flinched. “What?”
“I didn’t kiss Her. Just blabbered some nonsense about being shy. I don’t know, I don’t even remember. It was all so uncomfortable.”
“You jilted Cosima.”
He shrugged. “I suppose I did.”
“Why?”
“I think you know why.”
Nothing. She had no response, just quiet disbelief. Finally, She found Her voice. “That…was incredibly stupid.”
“Yes, well, I’m incredibly stupid.” Laughing, Tobias raised his bandaged hand. “I think that’s been made quite obvious by my decisions as of late.”
“You really didn’t kiss Her?”
“I didn’t kiss Her.” He leaned in closer, his gaze penetrating. “Leila…have my intentions not been clear?”
Her gut caved in on itself. “I suppose I owe you an apology.”
“Nonsense. I’d just prefer that, in the future, you come to me with your worries instead of stewing by yourself.”
“I’m not very good at this.”
“I wouldn’t be so sure,” he said. “I did break my fingers for you. Seems as though you’re doing something right.”
A disarming smile swept his face, and Her burdens lifted. She scooted closer to him, hugging Her knees tight. “Tell me a story.”
“A story?”
“Yes. A good one.” Her eyes widened. “Tell me of your first love.”
“I’ve never been in love.”
“Well then, tell me of another first. Your first kiss.”
He scoffed. “Oh God, so you’re looking for a horror story.”
“It was that bad?”
“Worse.”
“Who was she?”
“Stheno.” His nostrils flared. “Milo’s sister.”
“You kissed your best friend’s sister?”
“Don’t judge me so quickly, she started it. Was fond of me for years,
and let me tell you, the feeling was not mutual.”
“You didn’t care for her.”
“She’s a cock!” he said. “Mean-spirited. A bully, really. But I always caught her staring at me in that lecherous way. Made my stomach turn, to be frank. Then one day… God, I was, I don’t know, maybe ten at the time? She was thirteen—turning into a woman already, and not a decent one. Anyway, I was on my way to see Milo, and Stheno—she grabbed me from behind, pinned me to the wall, and bam. She kissed me. With tongue and everything.” He grimaced. “It was disgusting.”
“The miscreant!” Leila gasped. “She pinned you to the wall?”
“She was very large for her age. Quite muscular too. Sometimes I wondered if Milo envied that about her.”
“I don’t think I like her. Not at all.”
Tobias eyed Leila over. “Your turn. What of your first love?”
Shit. She hadn’t thought this through. Sighing, She flopped onto the floor, staring at the bricks overhead. “I’ve never loved a man. Not romantically, at least. It’s not as though there are many options in the fortress. Plenty of beautiful young women and dirty old men, but suitable bachelors? Those are a rare breed. Just guards, maybe the occasional page, but nothing more.”
“And what of these guards? They never caught your attention?”
“It wouldn’t matter if they did. No man looks my way. Not like that, at least.”
A snort-laugh sounded above Her. Leila lifted Her head. “What’s so funny?”
“You’re lying to me.” He raised an eyebrow. “Have you not seen yourself?”
Heat rose up Her neck. “Yes, well, I’ve been told I can be intimidating.”
Tobias lay down beside Her, flustering Her nerves. “Intimidating? Well, I suppose I can see it. You’re confident, intelligent, not to mention very beautiful. It’s a formidable combination. It’s certainly easier on the ego to pursue a lesser woman.”
“If that’s true, why are you here?”
“I don’t care about my ego, and I don’t want a lesser woman.”
“Does that mean I don’t intimidate you?” She said.
“Well, now that I’m thinking about it, I suppose you do. But that’s a good thing, yes? The best pursuits in life are challenging. That’s how you know they’re worth it.”
Everything within Her was vibrant, beaming. She traced Her fingers down his arm, taking a daring peek inside. Fuchsia connected with Her touch, floating from his flesh, and She drew shapes across his forearm, turning his passion into art.