Pippa’s the last to arrive. For the first time since meeting her, she looks disheveled. Nothing horrible, but her hair’s not perfect, and her eyes are a little bloodshot. Her mother and father stride beside her, unblinking as the cameras turn their way. I watch Pippa for a little longer, and it’s clear she’s not at the top of her game. That’s a good thing. Ideally, the eyes of every spectator will be drawn to an exciting, competitive race. Distractions will help me.

The Brightness doesn’t appear this time, but an official opens the carriage door. Her voice rings out over the gathered audience. “Bravos. Enter!”

The strapping rider raises a fist to the cheering crowd and ducks inside the carriage. Its frame shakes as he vanishes from sight. The official calls another name and I know mine will be called soon.

Ayala leans close and whispers, “I believe in you, Imelda. Show them what the Dividian can do.”

I don’t nod or whisper back. Instead, I stare at the gathered crowds and wonder what she means. What the Dividian can do? How will the world ever know what we can do? We’re made poor and her kind keep us poor. We’re supposed to do as much with half as the Ashlords do with double. I find the face of a young Dividian girl in the crowd. She’s standing with her father. He wears a finer suit than my father ever wore, but even these city-born Dividian observe the gathering of Ashlords with awe. The Races have always been a spectacle. One more chance to see the glory of the people we are made to worship. The Ashlords and their gods.

“Imelda Beru.”

I smile as I walk to the carriage. It is not forced or fake. I’m seeing the undeniable righteousness of my plan. I’m going to break their rules. I’m going to win their precious spectacle my own way. Maybe then they’ll see just what the Dividian can do.

Chapter 19: Silence

I find myself in another box, but this time I’m surrounded by enemies. They seat us in the tightest, most uncomfortable circle imaginable. Not a window in the place. It’s only worse once we’ve started moving, as everyone’s jostled into everyone else. The cabin is heat and hatred and little else. I sit there and smile as the Ashlords take turns staring at me. It’s good to know just how far under their skin I’ve managed to dig.