Lion Head Mesa Malachite

"no better than i should be," tavina retorted, though it was dry with her usual good humor. 

eset inquired after the queen — so young for it! why did akashingo remain a place where children led? — and tavina paused, but only for a moment.

"i haven't met any of them," she revealed. "between you and me, i'm not looking forward to seeing that poor girl shown off like wares in a marketplace."

a muscle leapt in her jaw.