I am more than muscle. Daddy made sure of that much. Every hour spent on the training floor was matched by an hour doing memory exercises or logic training. He reprinted the last fifteen courses used in the Races and had me break them down and memorize every detail. After, he had them reprinted with slight changes and he made me find the flaws. Hopefully, the Ashlords will look at me and see only muscle. If they make the mistake of underestimating me, it might mean the difference between winning and losing.

The other riders move in and out of sight. Revel stands the closest. A pair of much older Ashlord women swirl their drinks, eyes glittering, as they hang on every word he says. Ashtaki stumbles past their table, already slurring his words. The siblings share a table in the corner. Capri’s posing for pictures with a few young fans. His half sister—Thyma, I think—catches me glancing their way and actually bares her teeth. How charming.

My gaze finally settles on Pippa.

As always, she’s surrounded. The flattering nobles drift apart long enough for me to get a full glimpse of her. I’ve been searching for weaknesses, but I haven’t found one. Her opening rebirth flashes confidence, and looking at her now, why shouldn’t she be confident?

The daughter of champions. It would be one thing if she were just a pretty face. The rider in me sees the truth. She has the perfect build for long distances. The slender frame, the coiled muscles, all of it. Nothing about the girl is wasted. I was half hoping I’d come to Furia and discover that all the rumors were nothing more than myth. She lets out a bright laugh, and it’s clear that she’s very, very real. The thought has me gritting my teeth. Our revolution starts with beating her at a game she was born to win. I force myself to look away.

The bright evening continues mercilessly on.

My eyes keep trailing back to the main entrance. I just want to get on with things. I know we’re waiting on the pleasure of the Brightness, the Ashlord king, a direct link to the gods. He’ll reveal the map himself. What an honor. I lift a forearm to wipe sweat away as someone finally slides free of the crowd. The man makes his way straight for my table, two drinks in hand, like both of us came here together or something.