Page 34 of Sands of Atonement

I laughed out loud, unbelieving. I knew the venom was taking its precious time to disappear, but I couldn’t help it.

Casimir threw a glance my way, no doubt in shock from the laugh rumbling through my body. The venom was causing me to hear things because it was impossible that this girl in front of me was Eshe.

The girl from eight years ago who refused me for a marriage between our families, but wanted my brother instead. The girl who was said to have died, yet her body was never recovered in the explosion that killed her family.

My body swayed. Impossible.

Casimir redirected his gaze to the girl. “Though I would recognize you through life and death, love.”

Her eyes went wild.

God, it was her.

My stomach churned. All lustful sensations completely dissipated, turning into disgust.

She lifted the thin veil and removed it.

I swallowed.

Her lips curved to the side as she took Casimir in, and the regard I felt turned to something like hatred. She took a step toward him, and I matched it.

Her eyes darted to mine.

Eshe’s hips turned toward me and began a sequence of steps around me. Better me than Casimir. It wasn’t that Casimir couldn’t defend himself. It was just that I could do it better. He was more of a peaceful fighter. I just got the job done.

My mind tried to grapple with what the fuck she was planning.

I matched her steps.

Eshe flipped her pathetic little knife in her hand and stepped forward⁠—

“Not so fast, Eshe.” Casimir walked between us, stopping her in her tracks. “I know he can be quite a handful, but let’s just take a breath. We haven’t seen you in eight years, and all of a sudden, you’re dancing with Priestels in Urnaz, in our home. Something doesn’t add up, does it?”

“Don’t call me that.”

“What? Your name? Would you prefer my love?” Casimir smirked.

Eshe remained quiet. My eyes narrowed on her face. She was calculating! I knew that look, especially among my men who couldn’t stop plotting their next move.

I wouldn’t have this woman under my roof scheming anything.

I brushed past my brother. “Why are you here?” She remained quiet for a moment too long. “If you don’t answer within five seconds”—I raised a hand—“I’ll give you a repeat of last week. You deserve nothing less.”

Eshe flushed red from my empty threat, and her nose flared. “I’m really getting bored with your lame countdowns, Ezra. Threaten me with something better.”

“I’m sorry, what did you do to Eshe?” Casimir turned to me.

My fists clenched, and I imagined, for a moment, her lithe neck in them. Blood rushed through my body again.

“Easier to show you.” I took a step forward, but my brother put his hand on my chest.

I knew that I could take down Casimir for what he did, but his intention was to calm me. Help me make a clearer decision.

He was right. Eshe was getting under my skin.

“Stop it, both of you! Seriously, Eshe, what is going on? Why are you even here? Why are you dressed like this?” Casimir waved a hand down her barely covered body.

“Don’t treat me like I’m a child, Casimir! I’m not so innocent in the politics of war.”