17

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It's the fourth day since I moved in. The General hasn't slept a wink. Like he said, Masters can function well without much. The General hides it well with his stealth and icy stare, but I know he's tired. His body is made of stone, but he's not immortal.

He needs to sleep in his bed; the one I've been hogging for days.

When he went to work in the morning, I b-lined for my tent. I collected as many ratty blankets as I can, and carried them back.

I notice two Masters make a wide berth around me. I don't make eye-contact with them — I never do, even if their boss gave me permission, but I can see their powerful legs direct them away from me.

The General must have something to do with their aversion.

I place my blankets down. They're thin, so I have to borrow a few from The General to complete the makeshift bed. It's not luxury, but I will fit on it just fine. This way, The General will have his own bed.

The same Entertainers that bring my daily meals storm inside and slam my meal on the same table, spilling some broth. I clean up the mess, eat, and go back to sitting in boredom.

I miss working. Maybe under not the same abusive conditions, but I miss having a purpose around here. My hands are always busy with a brush, rag, or broom, but now all I do is read my book.

I miss Malik, too. He was becoming my friend, but now I'm not sure if I should keep seeing him since The General isn't a fan.

When the tent's flap is lifted, I look up and find The General. He's probably here to check in on me again.

"That look is still on your face," he grumbles.

"What do you mean?"

"You are unhappy."

I blink. Other than boredom, I don't think I've shown sadness.

"I'm a bit tired of being indoors. I've been using the medicine on my... um... you know. It doesn't ache anymore or burn when I pee. I'm ready to get back to work."

He frowns, but I don't think it's from disgust. He doesn't enjoy hearing the damage he inflicted on my body.

"You should have stopped me," he grunts.

"I know. I just thought it needed to happen so you could lose interest and my life could return to normal."

"Well, here we are," he says, disgruntled. He shows me the arm he had been keeping out of the tent, and I stumble off my chair when I see what's in his grasp.

"Yippy?!"

The General drops Yippy, and he hops over to me. His coat is dirty, and his little nose trembles as he sniffs vigorously.

"Why... how..." I'm speechless as I drop to my knees to pet my furry friend; the one I was always too busy to play with.

"You said you were lonely. I looked into it and was told you enjoy spending time with this furry beast, so I captured him for your entertainment. It is odd to have a rodent around, but I will allow the union it if it makes you happy."

I laugh at his assessment. Of course, The General thinks it's weird to keep a pet. The only thing he strokes all day are swords.

"Thank you. Did you try to pet Yippy? He's a sweetheart, and he's soft, although he's a little dirty."

"Why would I do this? It would not benefit me."

"Humor me." I extend my free hand, beckoning him closer.

He steps forward hesitantly.

"Yippy, this is... er, The General." I squint at The General. That's the only name I've ever known. I don't know if it would be rude to ask what his birth name is, but this man seems to be immune to my button-pressing.

"Can I ask a personal question? You don't have to answer."

He kneels beside me and glares at Yippy. "What is it?"

"What is... your birth name?"

He blinks once, twice.

"I'm sorry if I offended you by asking."

"It is not an offensive question." He scratches his face. "I just have not been asked this in many, many years. I have only been addressed as The General." He pauses to think. "My birth name is War."

"W— War?!"

He nods. "Yes. My parents knew I would be a Master, and War is what they prepared me for since birth."

Well, that explains a lot; like why this guy never chills. He's always working like a machine. His childhood doesn't sound the most colorful.

"That name is..." It's cold and empty.

"It is a powerful name."

"Yes, it is, but it neglects your kindness. You are not only destruction." I take his hand, and I bring it to Yippy's fur. Gently, I lead his hand up and down Yippy's back.

"See? Yippy is a nice little guy. You should befriend him."

I release his hand and wait for him to stroke Yippy on his own. When his hand doesn't move, I look up curiously.

He's gazing at me, and the hand he had on Yippy leaves his fur and touches my chin. He tips my head up slightly, and I'm so drained by his eyes that it feels like the oxygen I'm pulling from my nose isn't enough. I crack my lips and breathe through there, too.

He brings his face closer. I find no will to stop him.

He rubs our noses for a few moments, before bringing connecting our cheeks and doing the same.

I let him.

He smells like a moist forest, and he feels like a mountain against me.

My heart is at my throat. It's beating so fast I might have to return to The Healer sooner than expected.

He pulls away, but his hand keeps cupping my chin.

"War? No. I think the name Fool best fits me."

"Fool? You are The General of the army."

His hand drops. "You are a weapon, Joan. And you do not even know it." With a shake of his head, he asks, "Is there anything else that you need?"

Other than answers? No. I don't think so.

"No. I made myself a cot so you can rest tonight. I feel bad for taking over your bed."

"I won't have you sleeping on the ground."

"It's not on the ground. It's a platform."

"It is inadequate. You will remain in my bed. Nothing else will do."

But I can't let him keep roaming at night without rest.

"Fine, then. You will lie beside me tonight," I decide. "We will sleep together."

He laughs at me. "Trust me, Joan, if I lay beside you, it will not be to sleep."

I square my shoulders. "You don't intimidate me."

"You want to sleep beside me? Fine, little warrior. Let us see how far you get through the night."

"Fine."

I turn my proud shoulders to hide my intimidation and carry Yippy to the nearest bucket to give him a bath.


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