Mother blew out a sigh. Fifty-two, made soft whimpering sounds. I knew it understood what I said, and it didn’t believe I’d ever bond with a subhuman. I didn’t believe it myself either.
"You will marry?" Mother asked, and her voice was heavy with relief.
I heard, I can be rid of you and the shame you bring me?
"If she truly wants to be with Roban, she must become used to the travelling way," Uncle Izatar said. "I’m happy to take her for a trial. I’m bound for Gesha on the morrow."
Hope flickered in me. Gesha, where the ‘liner was.
"Yes, Mother, let me come so I can see what it’s like."
"A warning to you, young lady. Roban is staying here, on the farm. There will be no more canoodling until you’re in your marital bed."
Two days later we arrived in Gesha with a herd of drae carrying m
