Chapter 21: Chapter 21

"There you are!"

"I am hearing that a lot today," Shanna said, but couldn't stay somber in the face of Penli's mischievous grin. "What has you looking like a cat that got the mouse, the cream, and the mistress's fat canary?"

He snickered and tossed his long, heavy braids over one shoulder. "Me? Hardly. I wish, darling. No, I would say it is you who is the satisfied cat, and you've caught two fine-looking birds to be sure. They look like they would beg to have you eat them." He waggled his brows. "Getting in your last bit of fun before you must become a properly wedded woman? If I'd known Morentia produced specimens like that, I might have volunteered to be ambassador."

"I doubt it. You'd have to behave there, and isn't one of your schoolyard mortal enemies from there?"