Page 24 of The Sea-Ogre's Eager Bride

The daughter continues to watch her father, creeping forward another step. She twists her hands in her apron. “A ceremony would make it feel real,” she says in a soft voice. “A ceremony in front of family.”

“I am not near mine.” A ceremony? Truly? The only weddings I have gone to have been lavish affairs between a sea lord and his bride, involving days of feasting and many sacrifices to Vor, and so many flotillas joined together that one could stepon turtlebacks for as far as the eye could see. That does not strike me as something that Vali would want.

Then again, I do not know Vali.

“A handfast is just your word,” she continues. “Words can be dismissed. A promise can be broken. But in front of family? That makes it real.”

Hm. Her words are wise. I imagine taking Vali to my flotilla and introducing her to my parents, my sister. They would insist upon a feast. They would fuss over my bride once they got over the strangeness of a human in their midst. And they would accept her.

Perhaps that is what I need to do, then. If I take Vali to my family and have her meet the flotilla, she will know that I am telling the truth. That she is my bride, that I will not abandon her. I grunt, oddly pleased. “Thanks.”

She smiles.

I pluck out a bracelet from the pile before Anellas can get his hands on it and shove it down the bar towards her. “For you. For your help.”

Anellas frowns, but the girl is fast. She snatches up the bracelet and runs away before he can complain. He shakes his head as she retreats, glancing back at me. “Women. She’s not wrong, though. Fuss over your female a bit and she’ll be eating out of your hand.”

Eat out of my hand? I imagine Vali slurping fish out of my grasp. Is this a human custom? I’d rather she eat out of her own, but I try not to let my repugnance show.

“Now, my friend.” Anellas rubs his hands together and gives me another too-big smile. “Let us trade. What can I get for you today? Willow bark tea, yes. What else?”

“Ribbons,” calls the girl from the back. “Ribbons for her hair!”

“Hush, girl,” Anellas yells back.

But I like the idea. “Ribbons,” I echo, thinking. “And ugly cloth.”

“Ugly cloth?”

I nod. “Functional. Not pretty. Cloth you can get dirty.”

Anellas nods. “I think I know just the thing. I have some in the back. It’s expensive, though.” His expression turns woeful. “Almost as expensive as the willow bark tea. You’ll want a cup for your lady to drink out of. Or do you have one?”

I flick a hand at him, indicating he should include a cup. If she needs this to drink tea, I will get it for her. Tea, a cup, ribbons, and ugly cloth she won’t be afraid to get stained. I cross one set of arms, thinking, while Anellas touches my gold with covetous fingers. Then, I know just the thing.

“Cooked food,” I blurt out.

“Cooked food? I can make you a fine meal?—”

I cut him off with a hiss. “Forher.”

“Ahhh. Is the lady near?” When I scowl, he elaborates. “Should the food be portable?”

I nod.

He waggles a finger in the air. “Let me get you hardtack and dried meat. And cheese. And some dried fruit. Does she like nuts?”

I have no idea. But I imagine she will like anything more than raw fish. “Give me some of all of it.”

Chapter

Twelve

VALI

Isit at the entrance of the tent, letting the breeze touch my overheated skin, and I try not to panic.

Ranan is gone.

---