Lumi.
"Okay," Gorr announced loudly, his voice grinding through the silence. "Since I am so understanding of your tribal customs, I will not push the matter of your daughter further."
The Veynar elders let out a collective, shaky breath of relief.
"But..." Gorr continued, raising a single, pale finger and pointing it directly across the room. "Sincerity must still be shown. An alliance requires blood to seal the pact. I want her to be my bride."
Everyone in the High Hall turned their heads, following the line of his finger.
Lumi stood frozen, her eyes wide with absolute, unadulterated terror. The wooden serving tray slipped from her numb fingers, clattering loudly against the stone floor, the nectar spilling like dark blood across the stones. She backed up until her shoulders hit the wall, her small frame shaking violently.
