“Thanks.”
As I go to break my fast, I see that many of the other maidens who’d previously avoided me are now smiling in my direction.
As I sit, Arwin jabs my ribs and casts me a sly smile.
“Why is everyone being so nice to me?”
“Last night, at the longhouse, Amber tried stirring drama, as she does, and we’d finally had enough. Everyone said their piece, and by the end of it, she was bawling, huddled in a corner, crying to be left alone.”
“What does that have to do with me?”
“People saw you, how angry you were, how you stood up for yourself, and figured if you could do it, so could they.”
I snort out a laugh. “Yeah, if weak Asha can do it…” I roll my eyes.
“I guess that sounded wrong.”
“No, it sounded exactly how it should have.” I shrug. “I’m not mad about it.”
As I eat, others ask me about my weaves, telling me how the ones I’ve already finished are making their beds more comfortable.
Inwardly, I bloom at the praise, because it’s not often anyone thinks I’m of use for anything.
When we’re done, and the others break away to start work, I see Elena waddling towards her tent and jog to catch up with her.
“Elena?” I call, jogging over to her.
She turns, her brow lifted in question.
“I was hoping we could talk for a minute.”
“Is this about your weaves?”
“Well, it wasn’t, but we need to talk about those, too.”
“What’s on your mind?”
I look around, making sure no one is listening. “It’s Ramsey…I don’t know what to make of what’s going on between us.”
Leaning toward me, she whispers, “Have you done more?”
I nod. “Not everything, but more.”
“Has he given you a gift or stated his intentions to you?”
“No…”
She frowns.
“That’s a bad sign, isn’t it?”
“That depends on if you want him to court you.”
“He’s been terrible, yet…” I sigh. “If only I weren’t so weak, maybe then he might want me.”
“It may not be you. Not all the men will choose courtship.”
“Then why would he…eh-hem…do things at all?”
