~ JOHN-PAUL ~
“I… I mean, yes?” Lark said, watching her father warily. “I don’t have a meeting with the elders until ten, right?”
Her father’s face went flat as he turned back to JP. “That’s right. So, look, son, I’ll let you take her out to tell her about your plans. But you have her back here no later than nine. She needs to present for the elders.”
“Well, sure,” JP said but pretended to be confused. “But… why does she need to see the elders today? Won’t they oversee us at the feast?”
“Just want to make sure we don’t forget anything important, and frankly, son,” he said with that pointed tone that made JP want to rake his stomach and spill his bowels, “I’m going to make sure we can confirm that you’re a suitable mate for her. But you don’t mind, right? You’re prepared for the scrutin
