Page 107 of The Warlord's Princess
“Are you sure this is what Asha would want?” I ask Nori.
Nori shrugs. “It’s hard to say, but it would be considered proper in Penticar.”
Proper in Penticar…
Not Tempest.
For long years, I valued my honor above all, doing everything I could to redeem it when I felt it lost.
Now, I seek honor in places I thought it would not be. I care not for Princess Kasmina, even if she is to come to Melgrim.
But worries of Tempest must be saved for another day.
Nori looks down at the courtship gift on my table with interest.
“Do you think Asha will like it?” I ask.
“I think she will, but I’m the last person you should ask, as I’m not like the others.”
It is true that smart Nori is different, but that does not make her less.
“I am most glad for your help.”
“Don’t thank me yet.”
My brow narrows. “What does that mean? Do you dare to trick me?”
“No, not at all. Just know that my advice comes with risk.”
“You are the most trusted of the Penticari, with more sense than the rest combined.”
She smiles. “Would you like me to send her to you?”
“Yes, it is time.”
I pull the weave back over my courtship gift for Asha and prepare for tonight, when both tribes will meet to celebrate what is to be called the Come Together Festival.
It was Elena’s suggestion that we ‘come together’ at every cycle of the moon to feast and be merry. The idea caught on with both tribes, and for the last several days, the women have been preparing as the men look on in wonder.
“Why are you not out hunting?” Grixis growls from my doorway.
“Because I have decided not to hunt.”
“It is your job.”
“Do you think I do not know that?”
“Seeing as how you have gone seven days since you last brought back game, yes.”
“I assure you, I will hunt again.”
“Yes, you will—this very day. We have festival tonight, and it would be good for you to contribute instead of acting so sullen.”
I look at my chieftain crossly. “I will hunt when I hunt, and until then, I suggest you turn your efforts elsewhere.”
“What has gotten into you? If it were a woman, I would understand, but—” His eyes scan the room, landing on my table. “What is that?” He goes to yank the weave off, but I grab his wrist.
“It is of no interest to you.”
