Shady

“I want you to call me whatever you want to call me, Rickard. Up to you.” Though she hoped he’d pic Jerica. Ky’s gaze lingered on the canes for a ...

Tadaaki hide behind his cup, face burning.

“Meh, miss this, ma’am that.” She waved her hand dismissively. “That’s just for people who don’t like me.” Ky lingered awkwardly in the doorway.

“No sir.” Tadaaki shook his head. He should have known better than to think the mead was free.

“Why?” She was still grinning. “That’s my name. It should be used.” “Yeah,” Ky agreed, glancing over her shoulder. She desperately wanted to avoid both Septimus and the library. But ...

Tadaaki sucked in a breath, realizing he’d just tossed her to the wolves. He hadn’t meant to do that. But he dipped his head. “Yessir.”

Jerica grinned when he said her name, legitimately delighted. “You called me Jer!” That was refreshing. Someone who viewed her for herself. What a rarity. It felt nice. “To talk.” ...

“I’m sorry.” He shrank. “I promise that’s the truth. I’d tell you all about him if I was there. Ky said he’s awful.”

Jerica put a hand up, hoping to soothe him. “Hey-hey, it’s okay… it’s okay. You’re… right.” She sighed a little. “You’re right.” Ky smirked a little and started walking again.

“I… I don’t know, sir. And that’s the gods honest truth, I swear. I only saw him briefly when we first got there. Then I stayed in the stables or ...

That hurt her feelings, and she didn’t know why. “You don’t think he should be with me?” Ky nodded and gestured vaguely in the direction he’d gone. “You walked right ...

“They’re not his family.” “ Him ,” she emphasized. “Who I told you about.”

Jerica nodded. “He… doesn’t have a family. I tried that.” Ky hesitated, realizing she already knew about him. Was there really harm in telling her? This was what she wanted, ...

“Sir?” He asked, alarmed.

“I don’t know.” Jerica shook her head. “Technically he swore allegiance to me not the country. So. Maybe?” Ky buried her hands in her pockets, a sour expression on her ...