Page 52 of Bloody Business

Julep gave her an incredulous look.

Ashi handed her a glass of wine.“I understand.It's difficult to watch them do this.I learned it's best to stay out of the way.They're like fighting dogs.You'll only get bitten if you try to interfere.”

“I owe you an apology, by the way.I meant to talk to you after school that day and got caught up with scolding my husband.I regret not being supportive.”

Julep finally looked away from the men.“What do you...oh.You scolded the general for talking about...”She didn't want to elaborate, so she just waved her hand.

“I told him it was harsh.Unfortunately, he disagreed with me.I'm afraid I will never understand men.”She looked rueful.“At least they seem to be finished now.”

Julep spun around.She scanned her husband, but he seemed undamaged.

Artur smiled.“Thank you, my dear.I appreciate your patience.Are you ready to go home now?”

She waited until they were in the carriage before she looked at him for explanations.

“He was posturing, because he was upset about his brother.We made him look bad.”

“Yal reminded him that he doesn't want to disturb the peace, because it would bring everyone down on his head.Most likely, he'll stick to his usual underhanded warfare.”

He took her hand.“Mostly it's business as usual.We'll just take more precautions.For one thing, your security will be more visible.I just wanted to give you time in the beginning, to get used to having it.”

She sighed.“Being your wife does have interesting challenges.She patted his leg.“It's all right.”

“You're not frightened?”

“Well, I don't like it, but I understand.There are worse things.”

“Best wife ever,” he said proudly.“If I knew what I was getting, I would have been a lot happier about the ditch.”

“Hm.What did you mean about his brother?You did something to him?”

“We had to retaliate for Rooster.If we let it go, he would come back at us even harder.It's a balancing act.”

“You make it sound like warring nations.”

“That's not a bad analogy.Anyway, how did you like your night otherwise?Sounded as if you had plans with In’shi.”

Julep was happy to think about other things.Fun things.The less she worried about her husband's bloody business affairs, the better.

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