THE STADIUM IS FINISHED!!!!!!!!!!!
And the thing with Xio Voe's so-called "test." Dude, not a smooth move. But we got to see this, which was funny:
Extending the table, Kudorin invited the head belas: Jekari, Tepeni, Banok, Toloke, Hirome, Alila, and Bam. Bowing, they sat, Hirome nervously squeezing the hand that Rini extended to her under the table. Remin’s gaze went directly to Bam, focused, unwavering, as if he were discovering a fascinating sight he’d never truly appreciated before. Selorin, too, seemed distracted by Bam, his attention flickering like a candle in a draft.
This was likewise funny and shows that Xio Voe has some sense:
“More belas?” Rini asked, sitting forward.
“Wait,” Desin said. “You’re not going to choose them yourself, are you?”
“I intended to discuss the matter with the royal gift.”
“I,” Rini said, pressing his hand over his heart, “have misjudged you, my dear king.”
Ans this, oh my...
With the belas gone, Anikira sat forward, looking closely at Xio Voe. Selorin ran his hand through his hair, refocusing his attention, and Remin’s thoughts gradually returned to the present. “I won’t be dismissed that easily, Heir Voe,” Anikira said. “I won’t have you performing tests or experiments on myself or any member of this household, including palace servants. If you want to know if we’re smart enough or loyal enough or whatever it is you’re looking for, then ask us outright, or get to know us as individuals. Do you mean to question my hiring practices, or Princess Eleita’s? Do you dare to question Anorian loyalty to Anosukinom? I have had wealthy, healthy, privileged individuals on their knees begging me for a chance to work scrubbing pots in the royal kitchen, just for the chance to serve Anosukinom. Just for the opportunity to live under this roof. People with every opportunity, every advantage, the brightest of futures, absolutely heartbroken to be turned away. Devastated when I tell them no. This isn’t any palace, this isn’t any home, this is the home of Anosukinom in the land of Anosukinom. People don’t work here for the money or for lack of other opportunity. They work here because devoting their lives to Anosukinom is a joy. To test their loyalty is an insult, Heir Voe, a grievous insult to this country and to Anosukinom himself.”
Am I the only one who would totally switch teams for a shot at Anikira? Because I'm developing a massive girlcrush on her.
I loved the party for the stadium workers! And I adore the name. Unity Arena. How perfect.
I was wondering at this:
As soon as he could excuse himself, Selorin hurried to Vade’s quarters. Vade kept being placed in the same guest suite, with or without Tiko. It was one of Selorin’s favorite set of rooms in this wing of the palace, and it was odd, when Vade was away, to see other people stepping in and out.
Is it his favorite set of rooms because Vade is there or is Vade being put there because the gods know it's Selorin's favorite set of guest rooms?
I loved this, too:
Vade didn’t know what he’d been expecting. To be chided or shamed, maybe? To feel embarrassed, even humiliated. For Selorin to be disgusted, or scornful, or at the very least taunting.
But Selorin was encouraging. Cheerful, inviting. Approving.
Oh Vade, you were definitely away from Orina Anoris and Selorin for too long if you expected anything other than approval and interest from Selorin about bottoming for five Jacaceans. Also, I don't think Xaile will try to blackmail Vade, but I think Xaile will most certainly try to fuck him again. I don't think he'll be successful, though. Poor Vade is terrified of repercussions now.
