Page 295 of Of Sins and Sacrifice

I squeeze my eyes shut in defeat just as the kitchen door opens and someone steps inside.

“Mother.”

FORTY-TWO

My back hitsthe plush mattress before I can even think it through. Panic takes over and instead of facing Mine’s mother as I should have, I’m hiding in his room.

But I have a good reason for doing so!

How could I meet his mother for the first time while looking and smelling like a sewer rat?

It’s his mother. I need to make a good impression on her. Based on how he’s been speaking about her, it’s clear Mine loves her dearly and as such, he would also be partial to her opinions.

Not that I think she would convince him to leave me. Mine wouldnever.

But she could try.

She could think I’m some homeless bum who’s trying to get with him for his status. He is a rather decorated airman, and a recent POW, too. Add to that the fact that his family is wealthy—only someone very influential would be able to ensure our border crossing so smoothly. His father’s name was the only thing necessary for us to be allowed to cross even when we looked rather…suspicious.

He’s rich. They are rich. She’ll think I’m trying to get his money. It’s not like he can tell her about my real identity andthe fact that I am a princess in my own right—his money does not faze me. Though certainly, money seems to make life easier here in Anthropa and since we will be living here from now on, I suppose I am quite lucky that he is rich.

That isnotto say I’m with him for his money. Him first, money second.

Now how do I make a good impression, though? First, I have to get clean, of course.

Remembering which door Mine had said was the bathroom, I go inside. Of course it would be enormous, with the biggest tub I’ve ever seen in the middle of the room.

Shedding my clothes, I throw them into a basket that I assume is for dirty laundry before I go straight for the bathtub. I don’t even care for the water temperature. It can be freezing cold for all I care as long as it washes the grime off my body so I can look semi-decent for that meeting.

Yet as I start furiously scrubbing my skin, I can’t help but tune in my hearing to what’s going on downstairs.

“What a surprise to find you here, dear!” His mother’s voice is soft and melodic. There is some shuffling as she walks closer to him and what I assume to be a hug.

I force myself to disregard the fact that another female is touching him.

She’s his mother, Minerva. Stop being so outrageous.

“I did not realize today was Saturday,” Mine mumbles awkwardly.

“That’s right. Last I heard, you were in that awful camp. How was it, by the way?”

“Awful as you can expect. Though the males there were all valiant and resilient.”

“And you had enough food?”

“Of course. You know those camps. There’s always food.”

“Good, good. I know why this had to happen, but I hate it for you nonetheless.”

“We just got here, actually,” Mine cuts her off.

“We?”

“Yes. Minnie is with me. Though I don’t know where she’s off to at the moment.”

“I’m going to meet her? Finally? That is such good news, dear. I am so excited about it. I should let your father know too so he can come. Maybe organize a feast. There should be food in the fridge, but perhaps she’d like something else. I can?—”

“Mom,” Mine says affectionately. “Why don’t you meet her first before bringing Father along? I think she’s rather…anxious about meeting you.”

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