Chapter ElevenWhen the cooking smells reached her, Mariko's stomach growled…but she ignored it. She had other concerns on her mind, like how she was going to get off the forsaken mudball known as Vox if it was the last thing she did.
Since she had learned the truth – that she had been manipulated into using the forbidden word in front of the regent and ministers – her attitude had done an about face. Just a short time ago, after her condemnation, imprisonment, and near death experience, she had been at the breaking point…but now, she felt revitalized. Her state of shock and panic had given way to clearheaded calm and resolve.
She was going to get herself out of the mess she was in, whatever it took.
Sitting cross-legged on the bedding on which Nalo had placed her, she watched the two
