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I nodded. “I am. I have been a jeweler since I was thirteen.”

“Wow. No wonder your name is so well known throughout the colony. I’ve seen some of your work. It’s remarkable. On the Isles, we have to contract our pieces since we don’t have a master jeweler or mastersmith. I wouldn’t be surprised if I don’t already own some of your work.”

I smiled. “That’s good to know.”

“So, tell me, how does a fine jeweler like you get hooked up with a king like Khol?”

I swallowed and straightened in the chair. “I’ve been contracted to make him a crown.” That wasn’t all, but she didn’t need to know that.

“Let’s be honest here. We’re both women. And that’s not what I was talking about. You’ve been fucking him.”

“As you said, we’re both women, and that’s none of your business.” With the contents of my plate untouched, I rose from the table.

“Oh, wait, please, no, don’t go,” she said. “I’m so sorry. I tend to say what I’m thinking. We got off on the wrong foot.”

“We did. And I think it’s best we end this dinner.”

“Visla, right? Don’t leave. I’d like to be friends. I think we’ll be spending a lot of time in the castle together in the future. In fact, I’d love to wear some of your precious pieces. Something custom. You see, I’m expected to mate soon. I’m sure Khol told you all about it…” She paused and pulled her bottom lip between her teeth momentarily and then continued, “It would be nice if I had an arm band to mark my mating.”

I swallowed. “I don’t think I can make what you need.”

“Please, as I said, I admire your work. You’re no slave obviously.” She pulled off one of her wristlets and handed it to me across the table. “Look. I’ve had this piece for a while. The gems are literally falling out. I have a feeling you can make one much better.”

I looked down at the bracelet, inspecting the workmanship. She was right. The gems were coming loose, but it wasn’t because of the workmanship. “I’m busy at the moment. I have other pieces to make,” I said.

“Oh, I can wait.” She smiled. “Or I can pay a hefty sum if you’d consider this a priority. After all, it is a priority. Once the people of this colony learn about this mating, they will think so too.”

“I’ll let you know tomorrow if I have some time on my schedule,” I said, excusing myself.

“Of course. If you agree, come back with some of your bracelets and I’ll have a second look.”

She jumped up from the table and ran over to hug me. She made a show in front of the waiting maids by kissing both of my cheeks and then leading me to the double doors herself.

“We’ll talk again soon, Visla.” She smiled and picked up a lock of my hair before curling it around her finger. “Oh, but you are lovely. No wonder Khol is into you.”

I turned and walked nervously back to my hut.

I had one word for Sanjit.

Weird.