Page 91 of Mikoto and the Reaver Village
Yulin opened one of the huge ledgers on the table and beganpaging through. “Most young reavers these days are seeking anadvantageousmatch.”
“In recent years, there has been a trend toward career overfamily, but in another generation or two, love matches may be in vogue again.”Glint tried to turn the tables. “Do you want me to look to your future, Angel?”
“Probably not.” Lilya knew from her older sisters’experience that his offhand offer was beyond generous. “I’m only eleven.”
Glint waved that off. “Traditionally, the offers begin whena child turns twelve. And many parents and patrons begin discussing optionsearlier. Especially those hoping to improve their ranking, because those withexceptional pedigrees are usually swamped with offers.”
Lilya surveyed the table and felt a little sick. “Can Iavoid this?”
“Easily,” said Glint, who was kind enough not to doubt her abilityto bring in mountains of offers. “It happens all the time. Make lots of friends.Watch for someone with similar plans or interests. See if they want to contractwith you.”
That did sound easy. Except Lilya knew it wasn’t. Darya hadturned down hundreds of men.Hundreds. And Isla had it twice as badbecause she was as fussy as she was famous.
Glint was still talking, and one phrase jumped out to Lilya.“An early contract is the answer.”
“Why?”
Yulin beckoned to her, saying, “Properly filed contractswith matrimonial exclusivity clauses make it clear to everyone that no furtherproposals will be entertained.” At her puzzled expression, he simplified. “Thebidding stops.”
That sounded good to Lilya. Pick and be done.
Shuffling through one of his piles, Glint continued. “OnDichotomy Day, many of our oldest campers—those ranging from sixteen toeighteen—will formalize their intentions by filing contracts with Dimityblestscribes.”
Oh, she knew all about contracts and Dichotomy Day. Lilya wasn’tabout to mention that they toasted marshmallows over them.
Yulin’s finger traced lightly along a neat diagram. She wasused to reading genealogical charts, partly because Kyrie found themfascinating. Perhaps because his was sort of … lost. Nobody talked about hisbloodline, but every person born had one. This particular pedigree was easierto read than most because it was hers.
Beside her name, someone had added a neat notation in copperink—BEACON. And in pencil, someone else had scrawled a list of names. She wasconfused at first, until she realized that these people were probably meant aspossible husbands for her. More than half of the names were Amaranthine.
Yulin quietly said, “Glint does not always choose. He arrangesthe groups and the housing to ensure that compatible people will have the chanceto meet.”
Lilya read the list again. Mikoto was on it. So was UncleWaaseyaa. Lord Mossberne. Suuzu Farroost. And even Hisoka Twineshaft. Worst ofall was the last name. She really,reallywanted to talk to Ginkgo.
A hand on her shoulder brought her attention up to Yulin’sgentle expression. “What kind of future will you choose for yourself?”
Now, that was interesting. Because the wife of a member ofthe Amaranthine Council would have a very different life than the wife of atree-kin. And her choice could affect her lifespan. If she took an Amaranthinehusband, could she stay with Kyrie?
Yulin quietly closed the book.
Lilya carefully shifted into a grateful posture. “I don’tknow yet.”
“Plenty of time,” Glint murmured distractedly. “Might try apreservationist or an ephemerologist, should wee Rifflet refuse to be partedwith you. Or there’s a bloodline with close ties to dragons. One of ourinstructors carries on the tradition. He’s the settling sort. Good father.”
Did he mean Timur? Lilya glanced at Yulin. The scribe’slurking smile and slow wink confirmed it. Her own brother.
“You remind me of … him.” Glint’s head snapped up, and he goggledat her. “Of all things! It isyou, and here I have been …! Lilya?”
The jig was up. “Yes.”
“Did you know, Yulin? And where is my Radiance?”
Glint grumbled and sniffed and apologized and asked to startover. But it was too late. She didn’t want to go back to being a name and rankin Glint’s files.
No, she’d made up her mind. On the matter of husbands, shewouldchoose for herself. And the sooner the better. If she could secure an earlycontract—this summer—bids for the world’s newest beacon would end before theystarted.
THIRTY-FOUR
The Most Important Thing
