The Cursed Princess and the Black Knight chapter 2/6

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I do own these characters. Please, do not use them without my permission.

2: Blessings in Disguise

Everything happened so fast after Crow revealed herself to be a woman that Kumari was hardly able to process it. Kumari was hustled to her rooms as the idea settled. Crow’s strength was even more impressive, like she could be a follower of Artemis or maybe even the goddess herself. The very concept made Kumari flush and her body grew warm. She did not have time to contemplate before her father burst into her room with Bembe behind him. Kumari flinched and ducked her head out of habit born from when she was around people who should not know their princess was cursed.

“This is outrageous!” Father roared and slammed the door behind him. His royal robes fluttered around him, the sound making him seem even more angry than she could fathom. He glared at her, face still flushed, and his hazel eyes on fire. “Did you know?” Spit flew from his mouth.

Kumari winced again, not accustomed to her father’s wrath. “Know what?”

“Thatwas a woman?” He pointed behind him as he seemed to loom over her. Except, he was not as tall as she recalled. In fact, she was almost his height now that she could stand up straight. She could look her father in the eye for the first time in her life.

“No. She wore her helm the entire journey and her voice is strange. I had no idea.” Replaying Crow’s voice in her head, it seemed like a man’s voice to her, but then again, she did not have much experience with voices. She spent very little time with men and women, usually interacting with them only when they claimed they could cure her.

Her father scowled to the point his mustache moved down his face. “Surely she spoke to you at some point in the day.”

“Her voice is deep, like a man’s, and kind of scratchy. I swear I didn’t know.”

Her father shook his head and paced her sitting room. Gold coins and bells on his scarlet robes rang out as he moved. “You cannot marry a woman. Was she the one who shared food with you?”

“Yes.”

“And she carried you home?”

“Literally.” Oh, wow. We did all of the things Bembe said I would do with a stranger, except kiss. But, Kumari did not find herself wanting a kiss on the way home, only enjoying Crow’s company. With the thought there now, though, what would it be like to kiss someone? To kiss Crow?

Father frowned. “Perhaps that’s enough to start you on the road to a cure. Your face has cleared, so perhaps this set the wheels in motion for you to meet your true love and it’s not her.”

Her face had cleared? When did that happen? Was that why Crow was able to look at her without flinching away?

Bembe nodded. “My vision did not say the stranger who fed and carried you was the same as your true love.”

Kumari was confused. “But, you already offered her my hand as a reward for her bravery.”

Father smirked and stroked his smooth chin. “Leave that to me. Prepare for the feast and then prepare to mourn.”

Kumari was not sure what that meant, but Father did not stick around to explain. Bembe lingered for a moment, just to stare at her from what she could tell, and then he was gone as well. Kumari was left to ponder what all of that and then she recalled that Father said her face cleared. She rushed to the only mirror in her room to find it was true.

The orange eyes given to her by the curse stared back at her. People who glimpsed her face tended to whisper about her eyes. There were flecks of brown there, but still the same eyes as always.

The skin on her oval face, which had always looked like dried, gray fish scales, had faded. There were still hints of it on her neck and as she moved her gown to see more of herself she could see the scales continued. The scales remained on her chest. But, her face was clear and glowed a healthy, rich, golden brown. Being around Crow had done that.

She marveled as she ran her fingers across her tawny brown cheek. And then it hit her that she could see herself clearly as well. Her eyesight had never been so good. Wow. Her father might be upset with what happened, but Bembe was not wrong so far. Her heart skipped as she realized what that could mean, but she shook it away.

Her handmaidens came in to help her prepare for the feast, drawing her attention away from her image. They both bowed to her, which she waved away and scoffed as always. They giggled, no sound coming from Dumali, as she was mute, but her slim, tan face was very expressive. Her green eyes always shined when she was amused, happy, or proud. She tended to throw her shoulders back when she did a good job. Kumari loved it.

Citi missed out on those adorable cues as she stood next to her taller workmate. She had her own ways of showing triumph, even without her sight. Sometimes, when she thought she was alone, she did little dances and she was very good. Her petite, svelte form moved like water much of the time. It always impressed Kumari because she needed to look at her limbs to do anything without falling over.

Dumali and Citi were the best servants Kumari could ever ask for. They all got along. They all tried to accommodate each other and make up for something the others lacked, like Kumari made it a point to make sounds whenever she made gestures for Citi to understand what was going on. Citi always knew when to jump in and say something when Dumali seemed to want to add to a conversation. They felt like a team, maybe even family. Despite that feeling, Dumali and Citi had the job of attending to her. They did their jobs and she let them.

First, Kumari would need to be bathed and washed. She had been out for the better part of two days. Her feet had bled several times and she had sweated through her clothing more than once. She was a mess. They might have to peel her out of her gown.

They all went into her washroom and the pair undressed her. It was as difficult as Kumari thought it would be. Dumali and Citi were very careful as they stripped her. The slightest mistake could result in a welt, wound, or peeled flesh. But, Kumari did not feel quite as delicate as she usually was. Still, better safe than sorry, so she eased out of the dress as they managed to get it off of her.

When they removed her shoes, her eyes fell to the bandages on her feet. Crow had shown her great care. How could her father decide to go against his word after all Crow had done for her?

Dumali stared at her with questioning eyes and pointed to her feet. Kumari smiled. “They bled from walking too much. Crow, the knight who may break my curse, aided me. My feet actually feel much better.” Whatever balm Crow had used did a marvelous job. Her feet hurt, yes, but not the way they should. There were times when she walked too much and it felt like her bones turned into barbs, slicing through the meat of her poor feet and it was impossible to stand for days. None of that now.

Dumali nodded and smiled. Citi pursed her lips and spoke up. “A knight named Crow aided you?” Her voice was soft, but she could get loud if necessary. Usually, if she had to stand up for Kumari or Dumali when someone in the palace said something nasty, she would bark at the person and make them feel three inches tall.

Kumari looked at Dumali as she spoke, going slow enough for her to follow along as best she could. “Yes, apparently tales of the Black Knight have been greatly exaggerated.”

“As long as you are safe, Highness,” Citi said.

“That is thanks to Crow. I think I was in the best care possible.” Crow had managed to give her one of the best times of her life despite her injuries and it was so simple.

“You deserve that sort of security.”

“Thank you.”

They all turned their attention back to the gown. Kumari stepped out of it and then worked her way out of her underclothes. They smelled horrible, as expected. Once nude, Kumari saw her hands were as clear as her face, no scales or bumps or pocks. She could hardly believe her eyes. She did not get much time to enjoy it, though. Dumali gave her a reproaching look and pointed to Kumari’s thighs. The damage was not as bad as Kumari expected, but she was so bruised and scraped.

Kumari chuckled sheepishly. “I rode a horse. Well, actually a unicorn. Raven. Raven was massive and sweet. She moved at a rate that allowed me to remain in the saddle longer than ever before.” Relaying the story, it seemed like some kind of dream.

Citi shook her head and Dumali clutched Citi’s shoulder with a wide-eyed expression. Citi touched Dumali’s hand to acknowledge her. “I’m sorry, a unicorn?”

Kumari brightened and she wished Citi could see her face. A happy chirp escaped her before she could stop it, though, so that was probably good for Citi. “Yes, a beautiful black unicorn, dark as coal with massive hooves and the most lovely hair. I wish you could see her. Perhaps Crow will allow me to take you both to Raven after the feast,” Kumari said. Dumali nodded eagerly and smiled in a way that rivaled Kumari’s expression.

“While I can’t see, yes, I’d like to experience being in a unicorn’s presence,” Citi said. “Would I be allowed to touch?”

“I’m sure she would allow it. I mean, I was allowed to ride on Raven’s back,” Kumari replied.

Citi snickered. “You are a princess.”

“I am also cursed. It did not matter to Raven. Crow said she could tell who has a kind heart. You both do. I think Raven would adore you.”

“I hope you are correct,” Citi replied with a grin. Dumali grinned as well and nodded.

Kumari would love for them to experience Raven and the sheer joy of being nuzzled by a unicorn, so she would be extra nice to Crow and Raven, not that she planned to be any other way. And, one way to be nice was to make sure she was as clean as possible. So, she focused on her bath and her handmaidens attended to her.

For the first time in a long time, Kumari was able to smell the oils added to her bathwater. Then, there was the added mint, which had always been necessary to help heal many of her skin ailments, and did not burn for the first time. She sighed and her handmaidens gasped.

“Have we hurt you?” Citi asked.

Kumari shook her head. “No, no, no. I was just taking in that I can smell the oils and the mint doesn’t feel like it’s eating my flesh. What are the oils? They smell so good.”

“I believe they are jasmine, almond oil, and rosemary,” Citi said as she reached for a bottle. She tended to sniff the bottles to identify what she needed.

Dumali passed Citi a washcloth and Citi began to scrub Kumari’s body. Dumali moved behind Kumari, washing her hair. Kumari sighed, able to enjoy her bath for once. Was this how everyone usually feels?They can just do things and not worry over their body falling apart at the slightest irritation? It was like a dream.

“Dumali… I think you can actually scrub my head a little harder,” Kumari said. They needed to make sure it was as clean as possible.

Dumali moved, so that Kumari could see her face. Her eyes were worried, her thin eyebrows curled up. Kumari smiled.

“Not too hard, just a little harder than you’re doing. My hair had to be filthy from sweating so much. I just want to look my best celebrating this knight who might have broken my curse, but also took care of me all day yesterday,” Kumari explained.

Dumali gave her a thumb’s up and a nod before going back to her task. She applied a little pressure, but not much more, which was fine. Kumari probably would not be able to take much more and Dumali probably feared caving her skull in.

Once her bath was done and she was dried, Dumali braided her dark brown hair while Citi went to fetch her a gown. Dumali put her hair up, wrapping the braids in a bun, and decorated her hair with gold charms and pure white cowrie shells.

Dumali stood in front of her. “How is it?” she mouthed. If her hair was done too hard or any charms were too heavy, her hair would fall out.

“It’s fine.” Kumari smiled. “Do you think the shells are too much?” The shells had a number of different meanings, but she did not want Crow or her father to get the wrong idea since one of the meanings was “fertility.” Even the fact that the shells were meant to be good luck could be taken the wrong way.

“You’re fine,” Citi replied, even though she could not see the shells. “Now, we should dress you.” She held up Kumari’s finest red and gold gown, golden charms chiming as the gown moved.

Dumali moved to get the process started. Citi could dress Kumari, but it went faster when Dumali was involved. Kumari dressed in her best gown, pleased that it did not feel rough against her skin for the first time in living memory. Dumali grinned and clapped when they were done. She mouthed the word, “Beautiful.”

Kumari chuckled. “I don’t know about beautiful, but I feel so nice. I feel good. I didn’t know clothing didn’t have to itch.”

Citi laughed, a happy flush highlighting her sandy features. “It’s good you’re on the road to being cured. Will you fall in love with this knight, you think?”

“I’m not sure, but I would like to be friends. Crow likes my stories as much as you do.” Kumari had a lot of practice telling stories thanks to Citi. She grew up summarizing books to Citi and telling her various myths, legends, and stories. Citi delighted in all of it, which made Kumari love it even more.

“Tell many then, and maybe this knight will fall in love with you. You are the ultimate storyteller,” Citi boasted with her chin in the air.

Kumari’s face grew hot, even though she doubted Crow thought of her in such a way. Crow was a knight with many adventures under her belt. She had to have met many princes and princesses who were not cursed.

She shook the thought away as Dumali led her to the mirror, as if to prove she was beautiful. She looked at herself in the mirror and gasped. She put a hand over her mouth while Dumali held her other hand. She could not help it, she wept. Citi stood behind her and put a hand on her shoulder.

“I know I can’t see, but I can feel your confidence. You’re beautiful, now and before,” Citi said and Dumali gave an enthused nod.

Kumari managed a small smile of her own. “You two are the best. I’m eternally grateful to you.” She patted Citi’s hand and kissed Dumali’s cheek.

The servants smiled back at her. Dumali wiped Kumari’s face and applied light makeup, some kohl to her eyes and crimson paint to her lips. She took a deep breath when it was all done, but Dumali took her hand and held it. Citi must have sensed the moment.

“Everything will go as it should. Just enjoy yourself and your health,” Citi said.

“Thank you both for this. I don’t know what I would do without you,” Kumari replied.

And then she was on her way to feast. She put the hood up on her cloak out of habit and kept her head down. The dining hall was already loud and booming with voices, dishes clattering, and other noise. For once, it did not hurt her ears, but her stomach still rolled and she feared she might throw up in front of all the nobles and her father’s closest companions.

She stood at the open doors for a moment, not looking at anyone, though. She breathed in and found she could smell the food. It smelled so good. Her stomach rolled again, but this time in anticipation. She would be able to truly enjoy a meal, as long as she did not allow the crowd to intimidate her.

She took a deep breath and then made her way to her father at the front of the hall. She followed custom and approached her father, bowing to him as he sat high in his throne. Her father actually rose and embraced her. This was the first time he hugged her in a long time, well over a decade.

“Sit with the knight, but do not drink or eat anything near the knight,” her father whispered and then kissed her cheek. “You look beautiful. Hold your head up high and take down your cloak. Perhaps you will catch the eye of your true love and future husband.”

That was a lot of information and Kumari was still processing what her father said as she sat with Crow at the end of the royal table. Crow wasted no time smiling at her, managing to look softer than ever, even while still in her armor. Kumari smiled back and the knot in her stomach tightened.

Crow’s face was softer in the light of the dining hall without her helmet. Her short black hair was brushed now, tiny curls at the top of her head with the sides even shorter and brushed down. There was a faint tan scar down her bronze cheek and a mark through her eyebrow, but other than that, her face was unmarred and youthful, complete with a button nose. She had somewhat strange eyes, so dark they were almost black, but they sparkled with such light.

“I was hoping you’d show up,” Crow said and then leaned in close, trying to whisper, but needing to speak loud to be heard over the din of the dining hall. “I’d rather hear another story than have these men ask around about my exploits. They don’t believe I am the Black Knight.”

“Honestly, it’s hard for me to believe you’re THE Black Knight. I mean, you’re obviously ablack knight.” Kumari motioned to Crow’s armor.

Crow snickered and leaned in even closer, her armor brushing against Kumari’s bicep. “Want to know a secret?”

“Yes.” Kumari hunched down to be closer, being reminded of how much taller she was compared to Crow.

“There’s more than one black knight, yes, but only one at a time.”

Kumari’s brow furrowed. “What does that mean?” Maybe Crow was also a soothsayer, talking in riddles like they did.

A bright smile settled on Crow’s full, dark lips. The expression once again made it seem impossible for her to be the dreaded black knight. “Stick with me and you’ll see.” Crow pointed to herself with her thumb. “You could have grand adventures. Create your own stories.”

Kumari pulled back and gawked at Crow as if she did not speak the language. “Wait, are you inviting me to ride with you?”

Crow shrugged. “Only if you want. You seem to want more and you really seemed to like talking under the night sky. It doesn’t have to be forever. Just enough time for you to see what you want to see. Maybe meet one of the gods from your stories or fight one of the monsters from your stories.”

Kumari scoffed. “You think I can fight a monster?”

Crow smiled. “I’d have your back, as would Raven. You can give it a try and we’ll come in if you need us. It’ll be fun.”

Kumari nodded. “Have you done that before?”

“Yes. I’ve had people ride with me, usually for short times. They sought adventure or to find themselves or just see the world beyond their city walls. They trust me to keep them safe as they do. You can ride with me if you want.”

“And what of marrying me? Have you thought on my father’s offer?” Kumari glanced at her father, who pretended to be engaged in a conversation with one of his friends. Their mouths were not moving, though, and she could see Father looking from the corner of his eye.

Crow smiled and grabbed her goblet. “I’d rather the offer be yours. It’s your life, not mine or your father’s. What do you want?”

No one had ever asked her what she wanted. “I want you to not drink that.”

Crow laughed. “But, I’m very thirsty, my Lady.”

Kumari glanced at her father. “Perhaps a drink from my cup then, to salute our friendship.”

Crow smiled. “I don’t think that’s necessary, but I would like to salute your father as thanks for this fine feast.” Crow climbed to her feet. “Good, sir King,” her voice boomed, quieting the hall almost immediately. All eyes went to her. “I wish to thank you for your overwhelming kindness and generosity. It’s not every day I am given a wonderful feast and offered the hand of an incredible maiden.”

Father stood. “Kind words are not needed.” He even bowed his head to Crow. “You did me a great honor by returning my daughter to me. This feast and her hand are the least I can do. So, to your honor.” Father raised his chalice and sipped.

Crow followed suit and Kumari withered on the inside. She had only just met Crow and there was so much promise. Now, that was gone. Sunk like a mouthful of wine.

The rest of the party cheered and drank as Crow flopped down on her seat, the wooden chair groaning under her heavy armor. She flashed a grin at Kumari, as if everything was fine, wiggling her thick eyebrows. Then, she downed even more of the drink!

Kumari wanted to knock the goblet from Crow’s hand, but did not want to draw attention to them. She glanced at her father, who smiled. Crow smacked her lips as she put down the wine.

“That was really good. I guess wealth helps in buying the best of the best,” Crow said.

Kumari swallowed. “Do you feel all right?”

“Never better!” Crow knocked her fist against her chest plate. She then grabbed some bread in front of her and took a huge bite, following it with a sip of wine. Kumari resisted the urge to facepalm. Crow might just eat everything in front of her, poisoning herself way more than Father probably wanted. “Now, I know I’m terrible at telling stories, but do you want to hear why I call Raven my sister?”

“Uh… Are you sure you’re okay?” Kumari could hardly believe that. Crow just kept eating.

“Definitely.” Crow gave her a strong nod and grabbed a bowl of mutton to go with her bread. “Do you want to hear?” She stuck her fork into the bowl and shoved the meat in her mouth before taking another huge bite of bread.

“Of course.” And maybe summon a healer.

Crow opened her mouth and then took a sharp inhale. A cough or a plea erupted from her, but the sound was caught in a gasp. All eyes fell to the black knight Kumari clutched her shoulders.

“Here! Have some wine!” Kumari handed Crow her own cup.

Crow coughed again and grabbed her own goblet, gulping whatever was left. Kumari’s heart rate spiked. Why does she keep drinking that?!Was Crow about to die in front of her because of her? Her eyes flew to her father, who watched with keen interest. Crow coughed once more, face dark, and then she straightened.

Crow laughed. “Bit off more than I could chew,” she declared quite loudly. “Now, where was I?” Her voice was a normal volume again. “Oh, yes! I call Raven my sister because for my infancy Raven’s mother fed me to keep me alive.”

Kumari was confused. “Wait, you? Raven’s a unicorn.”

“As is her mother. I was raised on unicorn milk as a baby. Raven and I were nurse mates.”

Kumari’s brow wrinkled. That did not make any sense. “I don’t get it.”

Crow shrugged. “I just think it did something to me. So, like, I get bit by snakes and the venom does nothing.  I’ve touched plenty of toads and frogs that I shouldn’t and they didn’t do anything to me. I’ve been stung by scorpions and spiders and nothing happened. I think it’s because of that.”

Kumari gasped as it dawned on her. “Have you been… bitten often?” What kind of life did Crow live, even as a child where she got bit by snakes, spiders, and stung by scorpions?

“More than most, but that comes with being the Black Knight. Now, I’ve done a lot of talking. Tell me some stories. Any about brave knights?” Crow helped herself to more nearby food.

Kumari was still overwhelmed with Crow surviving poisons, still drinking from the same chalice and eating all of the foods around her. Somehow, Kumari found her voice and managed a story about a knight who killed a dragon and was a hero. Crow did not seem as amused by this story as others. Her face was hard and she stared at Kumari with intense dark eyes.

“Never kill a dragon. They do not forget, good or bad,” Crow said, voice dead serious.

Suddenly Father sat down and clapped Crow on the shoulder. “Do not let my daughter’s tales worry you. She spent most of her years lost in books.”

A smile slid onto Crow’s face and her eyes twinkled. “I’m quite taken with her stories, Sire. She is probably the smartest person I know after my mother. And my mother, for all of her genius, has never told me such great stories.”

Father nodded. “So, you are taken with my daughter, fearsome knight.”

“What’s not to be taken with?” Crow asked with a tilt of her head.

Kumari blushed. She had never been complimented in such a way, not on her looks or beyond, as she knew Crow meant. Father glanced at her and smiled. He took her hand and patted it. Kumari fought down the urge to preen. Father’s hand was warm and strong. The last time he took her hand, she had been small, and he accidentally broke her finger. He never touched her again until tonight. It was so difficult to not revel in the attention.

“Yes, she has grown into a beautiful woman and has the world at her fingertips now. Many options,” Father said.

Crow nodded. “Agreed. She has a lot to explore now.” Crow locked eyes with her. “She can do whatever she likes.”

Father bristled. “Not whatever she likes. She is a princess with obligations. Obligations to her people to do the best for them.”

Crow’s face twitched. “Sounds like heavy responsibilities.”

Father raised his finger, almost putting it in Crow’s face. “Definitely not to be taken lightly. Her husband would need to shoulder that burden with her rather than causing her more problems.”

“If they are a good husband, of course.”

Father smiled, eyes glinting. “Someone worthy of her and her vast position.”

“Again, agreed. She deserves her pick of the best.”

“Yes!” Father made a fist. “Someone of high status, like her own.”

Crow glanced at Kumari again. “I think she would know best what qualities she’s looking for. She’s very smart.”

Father frowned a little. “Of course she is, but she still has duties as would anyone married to her.”

“You want whoever she marries to be worthy of the position,” Crow stated with confidence.

“Exactly!” father smacked his fist into his palm.

Kumari was not sure why, but she did not like where this was going. Father seemed much too cocky all of a sudden. Surely he would not think to challenge someone who drank a goblet full of poisoned wine and down bits of poisoned food?

“Do you think heroic deeds would be a good way to have someone trying to marry Kumari prove themselves?” Father asked.

Crow shrugged. “Heroic is a broad, subjective term.”

“Would you like me to define it? Doing dangerous tasks for the good of the people.”

Crow scoffed. “Is that heroic? If you dare to try and do, you are capable. If you can’t and don’t, it’s not your fault. You know your limits. If you try and can’t, you’re stupid or weak.”

“So, are you capable or stupid?”

Crow grinned, as if she was delighted. “Would you like to find out? Do not forget, I am the Black Knight.” She squared her shoulders. It was so odd for her to be proud of the title considering the horrible stories about the Black Knight.

“You are a girl in black armor, yes.”

Crow snickered as if that was a good joke. “This is also true. Do you wish to test my metal?”

“I only think it’s fair that the person who marries my daughter is a capable person.”

Crow gave a lopsided grin. “Kumari does deserve someone capable.”

“Then you agree to prove if you are capable?”

Crow’s eyes went to Kumari once more. Kumari was not sure why. She had no say in this matter. And then Crow smiled.

“I’m pretty capable and I enjoy Kumari’s company. Perhaps I should prove how capable I am,” Crow said.

Kumari was not sure why, but that felt directed at her. As if Crow would prove something to Kumari. But, what was there to prove to her?

Father climbed to his feet and clapped. “This is excellent news! Do you all hear that? This Crow wishes to perform three heroic deeds to prove herself worthy of my daughter?” The announcement boomed around the hall.

Cheers immediately followed Father’s words. Kumari was not sure if the acclaim was for Crow or the idea that Crow might not make it. Crow did not seem put out. Kumari could not imagine what feats Crow actually committed considering her bland retelling of her adventures. She had done a lot, even if she had little to say about it.

“What would you have me do?” Crow asked, leaning in with interest.

Father waved the question off. “Let’s not fret over that just yet. Enjoy the feast. Eat and drink your fill.”

Crow nodded and the party was back on. The music played, laughter echoed through the hall, and Crow actually continued eating. Kumari’s insides twisted. She was unable to touch the food that had been especially sat down for her by a servant. She ignored the plate.

“You know he means for you to fail, yes?” Kumari asked.

Crow gave her a smirk. “Do you think I’ll fail?”

“I don’t know what he’ll have you do, so I don’t know.”

“I am quite capable. You’ll see.”

“Capable or cocky?” Kumari arched an eyebrow.

“Why not both? So, tell me, what was it like growing up in this grand palace?”

Kumari frowned as she sort of sank into herself. She was quiet for a long moment. “Lonely.”

Crow nodded. “I know how that can be.”

“Really?”

“Yup. Growing up, it was just me, Raven, her parents, and my parents. Not a lot of playmates or friends, but a lot of love. So, what did you do to fight the loneliness?”

“As you can guess, I read. I read the entire library at least twice. I would tell Citi, she’s one of my servants and a dear friend, all the best ones.”

Crow tilted her head. “Can she not read?”

“Well, no. Citi has been blind most of her life. An accident when she was a child as far as I know and as far as she remembers. She enjoys stories, so she asked me to tell her about what I read.”

Crow made a noise. “Ah! That’s why you’re so much better at storytelling than I am. You’ve had much more practice.”

Kumari’s face was warm. There was something about the way Crow looked at her that made her world tip ever so slightly. Or maybe it righted her world. She felt at ease with herself under Crow’s gaze rather than judged. The only other time she felt that was with Dumali and Citi, but they were with her almost her entire life. They had adjusted to her and she had adjusted to them before they were able to grow comfortably together. Crow did not have to be around her, but seemed to want to. She had not adjusted, just accepted Kumari as she was. It was almost bizarre, but in a good way. They spoke the entire night, just like the night they met. It was magical.

-8-8-8-8-

Next time: Crow gets her first task to prove herself. Kumari tags along.