Princess of Lies and Legends (The Evolved Book 2) by Veronica Sommers

Author:Veronica Sommers [Sommers, Veronica]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2020-03-27T05:00:00+00:00

14

The next morning I wear a comfortable, breathable tank top and form-fitting pants with simple sandals, and I twist my curly black hair into a flyaway knot on top of my head, to keep it out of the way for the game. At the last second I dart into the closet and seize the red case that holds my aeroball boots and protective gear.

We pick up Safi, Alik, and Rak shortly before mid-morning. Alik swings lightly into the hover-pod, leaning over to kiss my cheek. He smells of liquor and cloves, like the ones our chef uses in spice cake.

"Last day you'll pick me up here, darling," he says, collapsing onto the seat beside me. "I'm moving to my new place tomorrow."

"Safi and I are throwing a party to celebrate," Rak says, sitting on my other side and skimming my shoulders with his arm. "After Alik leaves, of course." His scent envelops me, vanilla soap and a latent, spicy smokiness that sends tingles to some very personal places.

I've always noticed the way boys smell. Despite my Evolved nature, or maybe because of it, that particular sense of mine is completely primal.

Rak looks at me quizzically. "What?"

"You smell good," I say, resisting the impulse to bury my face in his chest.

"So do you," he answers, leaning closer.

"Oh, Death's Dark," Safi groans, lounging on the seat opposite us. "Spare me the nose-to-nose love chat. Maybe I should stay behind and work on the implant some more."

"No!" I sit up straight, pulling away from Rak. "You're coming with us, to have fun. And please, Alik, could you be on your best behavior today?"

"I'm offended," he says. "I'm always on my best behavior around you, Princess."

"Extra-best then. My friend Vissa doesn't like you— any of you." I glance apologetically at Rak. "And I'd like to change that."

"We'll be who we are, Zil." Safi's green eyes harden. "We're the people who were tough enough to get you safely here, and if that doesn't work for your soft Ceannan friends, it's their problem. Not ours."

"I disagree," says Alik. "I have yet to meet someone who didn't like me—someone I haven't stolen from, that is—and it's a matter of professional pride that I charm every person I meet."

"I don't like you," mumbles Safi.

In answer, he dives across the gap between the circular seats and slides in beside her, his blue eyes sparkling, and that grin— "Are you sure?"

And Safi, bold, self-sufficient Safi, actually giggles.

From the front of the pod, Tram speaks up. "Approaching the University campus entrance, Miss Zilara."

"Thank you. Take us to the ActivCourt, please. We're meeting everyone there."

"What about the food?" Alik says. Safi leans forward, and the avarice in her eyes pierces my heart. How many times did she go hungry in Ankerja? And even when she had food, it was nowhere near the quality or quantity that she'll see today. Suddenly the thought of the gross abundance in the University cafeteria sickens me.

How much food do those hawker stalls and buffets throw away at the end of every day?

"We'll go to the cafeteria after we play," I say slowly.

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