Total pages in book: 146
Estimated words: 144277 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 721(@200wpm)___ 577(@250wpm)___ 481(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 144277 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 721(@200wpm)___ 577(@250wpm)___ 481(@300wpm)
And I don’t care, anyway.
I’ve lost this battle. It’s very clear that I’ve lost. But there will be others. Live to fight another day or… something like that.
That’s what a good little Rebel would do.
This isn’t giving in, it’s strategy.
Because I am nothing if not a good little Rebel.
We descend the stairs, walking side by side. Me clutching Finn’s arm as he and the god Xi discuss all manner of things as if I am not here. In their defense, I’m deliberately staying out of the conversation. I’ve decided that the less I say right now, the better it will be later.
Also—reluctantly—I do have to admit that I am exhausted, and this long walk down the stairs only highlights that.
Instead of going outside, Xi takes us down to an underground level, where we end up in a tunnel.
“This is nicer,” Xi says, talking to me now. “It’s such a mess outside. But this tunnel takes us over to the Maiden District. You’re familiar with that tower. And you’ve already tried out the beds.”
Oh my god. He saw us. This thing was watching Finn and me. Watching us have sex. What a creep.
“Don’t worry,” I catch Xi telling Finn. “She won’t be staying in the dorm. I have a nice room for the two of you.”
By this time, we’ve reached the end of the tunnel and are ascending a flight of stairs. They open up to the back of the Maiden Tower lobby, which is furnished with all the luxury the Maidens in Tau City are known for.
Finally, we end up at yet another staircase, and upon realizing there will be another climb, I sigh.
“Wanna piggyback ride?”
I look up at Finn, smiling. Was it years ago that we were joking about him carrying me? Or this morning? I can’t tell. “I’ll be OK.”
“It’s just one flight,” Xi offers. His smile warm, his eyes sympathetic to my plight.
I hate him.
“I’ve got a suite ready for you just up here.” He points up the staircase to the first balcony. Marlowe Hughes’s floor—Spark Maiden number two.
I smile politely. Just like I was taught in all those Pledge etiquette lessons. “Thank you.” It comes out demure and soft. Something I am not known for, and this god knows it, but while his smile does tighten in response, he doesn’t dare break the tenuous truce we come to. But instead just leads the way up the stairs.
Once on the second floor, he directs us down the hallway to a set of double doors, opening them dramatically, as if to show off what lies beyond.
Which is a spectacular view looking out on the canal as it curves and stretches in all its cyan-blue glory, all the way down-city.
“What is this?” Finn asks. “That’s not what the city looks like outside.”
“No,” Xi admits. “It’s a projection. The windows are screens.” Clearly, he knows that Finn and I don’t understand what he’s saying, so he waves a hand. “It’s like me, light.”
“A lie, you mean?” I ask.
His smile is tight, like he’s lost patience with me, but is forcing himself into restraint. When he speaks, he’s calm. His voice soothing. “Would you rather look at the decaying factory, Jasina Bell? Because I can arrange that.”
With a snap of his fingers, the beautiful view outside disappears and the ugly one is back.
“If you prefer to look at filth and failure, be my guest.”
“No.” Finn answers for me. “Put the other one back.” Xi snaps his fingers again, and it reappears. But Finn has turned to me, and he’s whispering. “Jasina, please give me one day. One. I need to get some answers. And this is a nice room. You are tired. You know you are. It’s been a long day, and it’s only half over.”
“I don’t like this,” I whisper back.
He places a hand on my cheek. “I know. And I promise, no decisions will be made without you. Now, will you stay here and rest?”
I let out a sigh, because admittingly, I am tired. Exhausted, actually. I need to rest. “Fine,” I say, putting my hand over his on my cheek. “I’ll rest.”
“Good.” He smiles. “It’s a nice room. It’s the Maiden Tower. Better than the dorm. And I’ll be back in a little bit.”
I nod, feeling like there’s nothing left to say, and Finn takes that as permission to turn away from me and back towards Xi.
I look at the god as well and find him smiling, smugly. “You’ve got a private suite over there,” Xi says. “The bed is big, and soft, and trust me when I say this, you will sleep like the baby in your tummy!”
He pauses to chuckle at his quip.
I want to gag.
“There’s a hot tub,” Xi continues, “a steam shower, and a massage chair. Over here, you’ve got a dining room. And a kitchen here. I’ll have it stocked with essentials, but there’s a checklist on the counter. Just let us know what you need and place it in the box on the outside of the door. Requests are picked up—well, not at all right now because the two of you are the only visitors. But I can spare some workers for your comfort, Jasina. I’ll make sure they check your list three times daily.”