Drawing my spine straight, I inhaled and made my declaration to Kuiti. “I refuse your offer.” I snapped my fingers at the negotiator. “Apologies for your wasted trip. You can tell my father I’m not for sale.”
Spinning on my heel, I attempted to walk away, but Kuiti’s personal guard blocked my route along the path. He’d drawn a small dagger and kept it in his left hand. “The deal is done,” he said, keeping his voice low. “Don’t waste your resistance.”
Bliss jabbed me in the spine, compounding my despair. “Silence, Estefania,” she hissed. “For once, do as you’re told!”
The personal guard’s uniform smelled of sweat and engine grease. The combined scent nauseated me. He wore a different rank to the others, the brown ribbons on his chest clashing with the black of his armour. The others defe
