“We do not have time to evaluate suitable keepers.”
I try another angle. “What about Woodswich? Elisaf told me the mortals who live there are free.”
His chuckle is dark. “The girl wouldn’t last the winter there with those people.”
“Well then, I don’t have an answer, but at least I’m doing something to try to stop this abuse. What have you done, besides talk about it?” My voice cracks as my emotions spill over and my frustration swells. “You’re too busy playing king to fill the role.”
His eyes blaze with anger.
But I don’t relent. “And you think you’re the only one who’s lost something? I’ve lost everything!” I drop the basket of apples, scattering them over the ground, and rush away, unwilling to let him see me cry.
By the time I shove through the gate, the tears are streaming down my cheeks.