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I wince

Kalliarkos’s handsome face turns to a blankBut by the bleak splinter of doubt in his eyes I see that his uncle has poked hi his skill into question in front of others

"Maybe Rings isn’t your strong point," I mutter in a low voice, "but you can learn so falls into place"

"Kalliarkos, do not speak to the servants Ottonor, why is that girl standing idly by? If you must employ Commoners to serve in your household, please be sure they wear a mask"

Lord Ottonor’s flushed face betrays his elances toward my mother The moment he looks toward her, the wohter of Captain Esladas" Lord Ottonor’s tone is stretched so tight that it grates

Lord Gargaron’s thin face sneers in condescension "I have heard of your excellent tactical breakthrough at the battle of Maldine, Captain Esladas I would think a e with a woo With adequate sponsorship and a suitable wife, you o farther than a second-rate captaincy"

The group under Lord Ottonor’s awning goes deadly quiet The flush on Ottonor’s face drains to a pallor He looks a little sick He presses a handkerchief to his brow but makes no reply What euess, but Father does not aron eyes ht at irl before her betters in this unsee her out in the hope of attracting a buyer"

"Forgive htthele in company with their betters cannot but improve their characters"

Kalliarkos stands with the fingers of one hand pressed to his forehead, gaze fixed on his sandaled feet Most of the other men have the courtesy to look away but Denya’s father is s-hoped-for prize To my surprise, Denya does not step away fro her hand, even when her father gestures for her to come over to him

Amaya looks at me Tears sparkle unshed at the corners of her eyes By the fixed intensity of her gaze I can tell she is furious I stare at her, wordlessly pro that ill endure this Words cannot humiliate us unless we let theraciously

"Daughters?" Lord Gargaron professes innocence as he glances at Aiven your huins I believe you are a baker’s son, are you not? Come to Efea to hters," Father replies "Aest, Jessamy a year older"

"Where are the other two?" asks Lord Gargaron

Father glances toward the tent as if he fears by some malicious mischief we have hidden Maraya inside with her shameful crippled foot "They are not here, ht sons to hters, as the oracles tell us, ‘Let your sons be double in number so your ill flourish’?"

"I have hope of sons, my lord," says Father

Every person under the awning, even the nant belly

"Merely a hope of sons! Meanwhile you suffer four living daughters to be ensconced in your household! You have gone native indeed, Captain Esladas Everyone knows the Commoners spend thehters No wonder you are stuck at a captain’s rank despite your famous exploits You will rise no farther if your feet are stuck in the lances at h surely he understands I cannot react

Father takes in a long and slow breath, and he lets it out in a long and slow exhalation Mother calmly chain-stitches white petals to fill out an embroidered rose She does not look up nor does her hand falter Oneher siaron, shall we not watch the trial?" says Ottonor feebly "They are about to begin a new trial"

"So they are," says Lord Gargaron, settling back to observe "Let the girl bringto eat" Father beckons to irl, the pretty one"