Page 48 of Scars of His Wrath
Prillu said nothing for a long moment. "You are a prisoner here," she said finally, her voice cool. "If I have come across to you friendly in the past, that was simply my training. There are no diplomatic agreements that can be made between our cultures. That isn't what's happening here. I am not your ally or your friend or your way to find out about this land so you can betray us later.”
"I cannot betray you if I was never allied with you," Naya shot back. "I have made an agreement with your… zmola, and although I’ve had difficulty adjusting to my new position as your reluctant informant, I intend to protect my people as much as I can, and as long as I can."
Prillu inclined her head. "I'm glad to hear that. That still does not mean that we are on friendly terms."
"What has changed that?" Naya asked, her own voice becoming cooler. "Have you suddenly realized I’m not a pretty little princess but an actual warrior who can disarm a man?"
Prillu bristled instantly but said nothing.
Naya eyed her. "Surely that's not the first time you’ve seen him disarmed?"
Prillu inhaled sharply, her chest expanding as she shot Naya a dark look. "At the end of lur ennen, I will return for you.” She turned and stalked away.
Naya watched her go. Interesting. It couldn’t be possible they’d never seen Akoro disarmed. He was a good fighter, but no one experienced in battle hadn’t had their weapon fly out of their hand a few times. It had something to do with her being the one to do it.
One of the guards reached for the door and pulled it in, the lock activating as soon as it closed. Naya sighed and wandered into the room to find another tray of food left for her.
The tmae from this morning was still there and still cool, so she tipped it up and finished the liquid inside it. A portion of grilled meat had been served with a stew of onions and a type of legume. It smelled good, but Naya didn't have an appetite.
She sat by the lattice window under the balcony watching the city. As the hour passed, it slowed to a stop. Nothing moved in the streets, so there was nothing for her to look at. The heat in her room intensified—it was bearable, but definitely noticeable. If her room was generally cool, she couldn't imagine how hot it must be outside. Drowsiness seeped into her body and muddled her thoughts. She lay down on the bed to rest for a moment, only to find Meiro shaking her awake.
Meiro straightened her clothing, tutting at how wrinkled they’d become, and then handed her a small cup of the potent-smelling, gold liquid. By the time she stepped outside the door to meet Prillu, she felt refreshed.
CHAPTER TWENTY
When she entered the strategy room after lunch, Prillu walked in with her and positioned herself behind the table.
Akoro stood further down the table on the right-hand side. Prillu gestured to the chair opposite her at the table. There was no one else in the room this time, just a wooden tablet and sheets of parchment on the table.
"Explain your titles," Prillu said as Naya sat down.
Naya blinked. "My titles?"
"Yes." Prillu her large eyes watching every movement Naya made. "You have a very impressive set of titles. Explain them."
"All right, but I think they are self-explanatory."
"Maybe to you.”
"I am Princess Nayara Andaus?—"
“Your family name is Andaus?"
"Yes."
"Continue," Prillu said.
“First daughter of Drocco and Cailyn Andaus.” Naya paused, her mouth pursed. "I think that is self-explanatory.”
"But you are also the firstborn, are you not?"
“Yes. Heir to the Lox Empire?—"
"Are you the heir because you are the firstborn?" Prillu asked.
"Yes."
"Is there any instance in your culture where the heir is not the firstborn?"