Page 108 of The Warlord's Princess
“If it is making you lazy—it is!”
“I am not being lazy. I am simply not doing what you wish me to do.”
A shout from outside draws Grixis’s attention.
“I must go, but you have three days to continue to dishonor yourself before I come by again.”
He leaves, and Harold comes out, squeaking.
“If all goes as planned, tonight we will have strong Asha back.”
I can hardly work as my anxiety roils my gut, and I end up pacing back and forth in my small hut, speaking to Harold as though he were a man of Tempest.
A knock sounds on the door, and I open it to find Kairi.
“I have what you asked for, though it’s not as good as what Asha could make.” She holds out a small bundle of cloth.
Looking in the bundle, I breathe out a sigh of relief. “I was worried you would not have it finished.”
“I said I would get it to you on time. Now, could you tell me why you’d want this?”
“That is for me to know,” I say firmly.
She bites her lip, looking anxious. “When will you fulfill your side of the deal?”
“Give me a few days, and I will sing your praise most highly to Orvell so that he has no reason to doubt your skills.”
“I want tears.”
“I cannot?—”
She snatches the bundle back.
“That is?—”
“Tears!” she snaps. “Or this goes in the campfire tonight.”
With no other choice, I grow out, “Fine—there will be tears and shouts and much thanks from me.”
“And he’ll never know,” she says pointedly.
“On my honor, never.”
“Good.”
She leaves, and a short time later, Elena arrives.
“Nori said you wanted to see me?”
“Yes, come on in.”
She stands nervously near my door, looking at the weave-covered object on the table. “I’m busy with festival, so make it quick.”
I suck in a long breath. “I was told that it is custom in Penticar to ask a father for his daughter’s hand in marriage. Since Asha has no father, I must ask you.”
Elena blinks, looking at a loss for words.
“May I have Asha’s hand? If you say no, it will not deter me, but I would most like your blessing.”
