Page 49
“You negotiated the provision.”
“I did not expect acknowledgment.”
“You should avoid confusing authority with dishonesty.”
“And you should avoid confusing acceptance with trust.”
Sarveth’s gaze moves between us.
“When do I sign?” Fiona asks.
“After the contract is read before an Arbiter witness.”
“Today?”
“Tomorrow morning.”
“Why wait?”
“You arrived during a storm after leaving your home. Even Khuzuth law permits a contracted bride one night to recover before the rite.”
“How compassionate.”
“It is procedural.”
“That sounds more believable.”
She reads the opening page without moving it. Her pale eyes follow each line.
“Where does it say I may return to Lowtown?”
“It grants you the right to petition for travel.”
“That means I may ask.”
“Yes.”
“And you may refuse.”
“Yes.”
“If there is an outbreak, people could die while I wait for permission.”
“Then make the urgency clear.”
“I should not need to explain why dying patients create urgency.”
“You will not leave this stronghold without protection.”
“I walked Lowtown alone for years.”
“You were not Lady Morwen’thir.”
“I am not yet.”
“You will be tomorrow.”
Her hands flatten against the table. The calluses along her palms are darker than the surrounding skin.
