Page 45 of Lies That Bind
“Room for a few more?” Jace’s voice came from behind me, and I stiffened.
I turned, seeing his best friend, Tucker, beside him, both holding their duffle bags.
Of course they would be here. His own father was. After what he’d said about me not “putting out,” I didn’t want him here, but I didn’t want to act petty.
Tetra stood at the same time as Kohen.
“Table’s full,” she growled. There were easily four more spots. It was a huge mess hall table.
Oh, thank the stars for sassy best friends who do your dirty work for you.
Jace rolled his eyes. “Oh come on, Tetra. We’re going to be working and training together. At some point we need to move past this.”
“The table isfull.” Kohen echoed Tetra’s words, but there was a warning in his tone.
Jace glanced at me, pleading in his gaze. How had I ever loved him? He was such a vapid jerk.
“Get lost, Jace. Make new friends,” I spat.
His head reeled back like he’d been slapped. Maybe that’s what he needed—for me to finally lay down the law. He’d said Kohen shouldn’t waste time on me because I didn’t put out, and he’d cheated on me. In what world did he think I would ever tolerate his presence more than I had to?
“And you’re still here. Wow, this is pathetic,” Anika said.
Tucker pulled Jace’s arm, and he snapped out of his shock, anger marring his features. They turned and walked away.
An awkward silence descended on the table.
“Remember that time those thugs on the south hill kept messing with us?” Meera asked.
Dev, Kian, Kohen, and Anika all looked at Meera then, who wore a maniacal grin. “I have the herbs for it in my pack.”
“For what?” I asked.
Kohen peered at me. “If we tell you, then you’re complicit in the act.”
I raised one eyebrow. “What act?”
He shrugged. “Just a little something to humble, Jace.”
Tetra was smiling too, now. “Oh, I like this. Tell me.”
Kohen peered at me one last time as if giving me a chance to leave so I wouldn’t overhear.
“I’m empress. I’m pretty sure I can get away with murder, though I hope you’re not planning that. Heisthe commander’s son.”
Meera leaned in. “Gratonis bulgarisroot. Even in small quantities, it hasquitethe laxative effect.”
We all burst out laughing, drawing the gazes of some near us. I hadn’t expected that. It was so innocent, and yet perfect for Jace.
“Oh yes please,” I agreed with their plan.
Meera simply nodded. “Consider it done by breakfast.”
I peered around the table at our little alliance and smiled. Never in a million years did I think I’d become close, trusting friends of nearly half a dozen Imbrians. There was just one person missing: Alek. I glanced at Roc, and he gave me a small smile as if reading my mind.
Was he really tired or had he said that because things were weird between us?
“Speaking of herbs…” Anika lowered her voice and glanced at me. “Any way we could get leave for a few days to head back to Imbria and get… the stuff I need?”
