Page 96 of The Pacifist
“That’s none of your business.”
“Mila, your tournament is a big deal and the contestants will expect that you’re…”
I cut off Khan, “I’m not having a tournament. I already told my parents.”
“Oh, thank Mother Nature. Good for you, dear.” Pearl’s comment made Khan, Magni, and Laura scowl at her, but that didn’t seem to bother Pearl in the least. “I’ve been waiting for this for a long time.”
“Waiting for what?” my mom asked.
“For Mila to stick up for herself. You should be proud of your daughter, she’s grown into a strong and beautiful woman.”
Khan grunted a few words I couldn’t hear.
“I’m sorry to disappoint you. I know a lot of work went into the tournament, but why can’t we have it without a bride? It would still be a large event with drinking, entertainment, and the fighting and betting that the men care about so much.”
“A bridal tournament without a bride?” Magni sounded like the idea was idiotic. “How would that work, when the whole idea is to prove themselves worthy of a wife.”
“Dad, things are different now than they were when you and Mom got married. Today men have the chance to meet a woman through the Couples Matching Program. Don’t you think most would fight for the million dollars alone?” I spoke fast. “And how about if we came up with some new initiatives like inviting Motlanders from the Matching Program to come and be part of it? Maybe there could be tents where men could show off other skills than just fighting.”
My dad jerked his head back. “Like what?”
“There could be cooking and baking contests, or stand-up comedy. Don’t get me wrong. I love you and I admire your strength, but for me and most of the Motlander women, other things are more important in a man.”
Magni narrowed his eyes. “I doubt the Motlanders would find our crude humor funny.”
“You never know. All I’m saying is that times are changing and this is an opportunity for us to improve some old traditions. This tournament could be the biggest matchmaking event the Northlands have ever seen.”
Khan leaned back in his chair and stretched his feet out. “Actually, it’s not a bad idea. We could make it an annual celebration and have a whole week of fun and games.”
“Yes!” I was so relieved that Khan was warming up to the idea that my hand flew out and pointed at him. “Exactly.”
“The tournament is in three weeks. How do you propose we get all that done in so little time?” My dad shook his head. “Everything is changing. I don’t like it!”
“Change is inevitable and it doesn’t have to be a bad thing. You’ll still have your fighting and Khan will get to perform weddings. We’ll make it even better than it was in the old days.”
My mom came over and brushed my hair back over my shoulder. “Are you sure you want to back out of the tournament? Having a large strong warrior as your husband is not a bad thing.”
“Mom, I’ve made up my mind.”
“Because of Jonah?”
I sighed, but didn’t answer her because my dad was snorting out loud.
“We’ll have to give him credit for offering to fight for her,” my mom told Magni.
“As if he stood a chance.” Magni rolled his eyes. “Stupid kid. What was he thinking?”
“I don’t know.” My lips tugged upward and butterflies made my stomach tingle. “But it’s kind of flattering that he declared his love for me like that.”
Khan and Magni exchanged a glance and then Khan cleared his throat. “He overestimates his skills as a fighter, but your father and I are impressed with his willingness to risk his life for you.”
My smile grew. “That was surprising to me too.”
Playing with a lock of my hair, my mom mused, “It shows a level of respect for our culture that we appreciate.”
“Do you know when Jonah is coming? It sounded like he’s coming straight here.”
“Yes, he texted that he’ll be here around eleven and that he’s bringing his sister.”
