Chapter 12
Bradamante squeezed her brother so tightly she wondered how he could breathe. But the joy of their reunion quickly evaporated.
“We’re leaving tonight,” said Rinaldo.
“Tonight? Why?”
“Mother sold you. We have to get away.”
“Sold me? What are you talking about? Naldo, be serious.”
“I am serious! She sold you to a man named Elias. You’re supposed to be his slave until his son is old enough to marry you. You’re supposed to leave tomorrow—that’s why you and I are leaving tonight.”
A chill fluttered down Bradamante’s neck. “I’m not going anywhere,” she said with forced certainty. “Manat would have told me.”
“I’m telling you. I was there. Mother sold you—she told me so. You don’t understand how things work. You think you’re free, but you’re not—you’re not even as free as a peas
