Bearclaw Valley why the little frenchman wears his hand in a sling

he doesn't understand, and she doesn't know how to make him understand. it's not as if Avicus isn't grateful Aventus is alive—as if she'd wished for him to die—as if she wishes now for him to die. no, a world without her sleek dark brother would not be whole. grateful? yes—though closer to surprised, given how the woman had thrashed him around.

but had he died. . .if his life did not hang in the balance. . .the attention would not have been diverted. she would still be the princess of Ursus; she would not feel abandoned.

how can she explain that, though? how can Merrick understand the petulant envy of a little girl? even if she doesn't see it that way, that's all it is: jealousy. an affront to the charmed, if somewhat violent, life she's known. not hatred or wrath or. . . just. . . simply. . .  

it is bitterness. that is all. and her eyes burn as she turns away from her sire, feeling the sting of her perceived abandonment and his words all at once.