It's time

I set the drawing back down on her cot and nod my head.

"Well, he ought to be called a fool if he doesn't like it." I smile at her and she smiles brightly back at me."Thank you," she whispers. "You've put my mind at ease." Michelle picks up her drawing and folds it in half. When I look back at him, I find him staring right back at me.

He nods at me and beckons me to come over. I slide off of the cot and walk slowly over to him, my green silks kissing my thighs. "Get me some wine," he tells me. I frown. I had stupidly thought that he summoned me over to have me tend to him.

But no, he only wishes me to fetch him some wine. I nod my head solemnly, turning my back and heading out the harem door to the kitchens. My head slumps forward and the corners of my lips droop into a frown. I drag my feet to the kitchen. Anyone can see that I am upset, but no one asks.

In the kitchen, I see a familiar face. It is Black Bear, the young man that had defeated Grey Hawk at the shagali. He is alone, sip