CHAPTER 7
What have I done?
Najud watched for the glimpses of Penrys’s face as she preceded him down the gangplank at the landing in Tavnastok. Her mind was closed to him now, but her demeanor was clear. Not angry—he’d expected angry—but alone and tired. Dejected. She’d never returned to her bed last night, and the bags beneath her eyes were eloquent. I didn’t mean to do that to her.
She’d so looked forward to this. Why did I have to confront her so quickly, while I was still upset? I should have waited.
But would anything be different if I had? If she doesn’t understand what was wrong, no amount of talking will convince her. Can I live with someone who can feel a lud but can’t respect the calling?
But she’s my wife—I can’t let anything come between us. Not even that.
She lifted her
