Page 23 of These Violent Delights

Zelda had gotten word that more tribes were on the way, including some of the northern tribes that were famous for their war eagles.That was an exciting development.

Speaking of excitement, Kite’s experiments had borne fruit.His kites were able to lift him in a basket along with a passenger.He was able to control up to three kites with cargo.

More interesting still, some of the village lads had discovered that they could make their own kite flyers.They had to take off from high places and there had been a lot of crashing.Lots and lots of crashing.

Fortunately, there were no serious injuries.The kites were still experimental, but should prove useful for surveillance.Eventually, they might even be used for cargo runs.

While she focused on trade, she knew the tribes were preparing for war.She did what she could to fortify the Castle, and her Uncle Tank coordinated with Ozzy and the tribes.

They were making progress, but it felt so slow.There was always something more to do.

The biggest annoyance was the castle's drain on her.There had to be a way around that.If she could just solve that, she could focus on solving some of the more urgent problems.

As if on cue, she felt the castle tug on her, intent on expanding the great hall.

She frowned.“No.”

The castle tugged, insistent.They had many visitors lately, and that was probably spurring it on.

“I said no,”she repeated firmly.“If you want to expand the room, do it with your own energy.I need mine.”

It was like fighting a great big dog on a leash.All night she battled with it, to the point that it robbed her of sleep.

They didn't need a bigger great hall, she wasn't about to give in.

***

THE GREAT HALL WASbigger the next morning.She glared at it.It wasn't as big as the castle wanted, but it had expanded.

She stabbed her breakfast, trying to think of a strategy to dominate the castle.She'd made some headway last night, so it could be done.

Ozzy Redbone walked in, smiling like he just had the best night's sleep.She instantly wanted to smite him.

“How is my future wife today?”Ozzy asked smoothly, unaware of his impending doom.He was carrying a small wooden box.

Zelda gave him a flat look.“We do not have a marriage agreement.I do not agree.”Since he was particularly stubborn, she felt the need to repeat herself.

Also, this was not the first offer of marriage she had lately.Everyone wanted an alliance, and it had made her jaded.

His smile was warm with what looked like genuine appreciation.If he didn't really like her, he was an excellent actor.

He noticed her studying him and his gaze heated.“What will it take to change your mind?”His voice was inviting, and his smile...

She raised her brows, ignoring the way her heart thumped.Stupid fleshy organ.It wasn't in charge around here!“You're persistent,” she said, doing her best to make it sound like a dry observation.

“I didn't become chief by walking softly.Name your terms.”

“Why are you in such a hurry?”she asked suspiciously.She hadn't done anything particularly amazing, that he would be genuinely attracted to her.Had she?

“I like what I see.I want to claim it.And you?”he asked boldly.

She sighed in frustration.She had no interest in examining her feelings for him this morning or anytime soon.There was too much to do.

Time for a subject change.“You know I'm not a morning person.Can we just have breakfast today?”She frowned.“For that matter, why are you here?Shouldn't you be eating with your own people?”

“I'm actually here on their behalf,” he said, accepting the subject change.He presented the box.“It's a small token of our appreciation for everything you've done for the tribe.”

Curious, she opened the box and found a glittering wine glass sitting on velvet.Stemless, was made of cut crystal and glittered in the light of the newly formed windows.

---