Chapter Text
Shenette came bouncing across the dining hall toward Karathael, who was sipping on sweetmilk with half-closed eyes. “Did you do it?” Shenette asked eagerly, wide-awake even before getting her usual cup of klah. “Did you talk to your parents?”
“Yes, I talked to both of them before breakfast.” Karathael dropped her head onto her folded arms. “It’s over.”
“It’s not over, it’s just beginning, silly! You’re getting betrothed… maybe.” Shenette’s blue eyes sparkled excitedly, causing her friend’s arm to shoot out and whack her. “I mean, Dakoral will say yes, he’s got to say yes. Who wouldn’t? You’re awesome! And you’ll get some of your mom’s jewels, and maybe your dad will talk to Fandarel to get him a permanent spot at the hall, and you’ll get to have a wedding!”
“Stop,” Karathael’s muffled voice came through her arms. “Even if we were in love, which we’re not, this whole thing is an embarrassing nightmare.” She didn’t go into detail about how Karalea was already talking about a dress and flowers and all sorts of traditional wedding nonsense. None of the wedding stuff mattered if she ended up wedded to a tailfork.
“Oh,” the blonde sat down next to her, thinking of something hopeful to say. “Um… it’s only for one day, and then your mom can’t tell you what to do anymore. You’ll belong to your husband.”
Karathael groaned. That was even worse. “I don’t want to belong to anyone. Dakoral seemed nice when I was his assistant, but he kept to himself most of the time. For all I know, he could be insufferable. Or, worse yet, he thinks I’m insufferable.”
Shenette grimaced, getting irritated by her friend’s pessimism. “This is what you wanted, remember? At least talk to him and see how it goes. We already know he doesn’t like socializing any more than you do. I’ve never talked to him, but if he is as honest as he is good-looking, you’ll know right away if it’s going to work. Just be yourself.”
“Being myself has never worked!” Karathael put her hands over the back of her head, trying to hide from the world. “Can you… can you just pretend I’m not here for now? I am no good to talk to. I need to be alone.”
“Hmph. Ok, but you’ll want to pick a better hiding spot than the middle of the dining room,” Shenette said, grateful for the reprieve. “I’m going to get some klah.”