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I return to the worktable. “What does the king want from a human healer?”
She removes a scroll case from beneath her robe and sets it beside my basket.
The case is black neptherium chased with silver. A royal emblem has been worked into its lid beside the crest of House Morwen’thir.
“King Rython Vatoris has directed Lord Rhysandir Morwen’thir to marry,” she says.
“That sounds like a problem for Lord Morwen’thir.”
“You are the selected bride.”
The stove pops behind me.
I look at Sarveth, waiting for any sign that I have misunderstood her. Her expression offers none.
“No.”
“You have not heard the terms.”
“I heard the part where a dark elf lord selected a human woman he has never met.”
“He knows your position in Lowtown.”
“He knows reports written by overseers who consider us livestock with tools.”
“He knows you operate this clinic, organize emergency provisions, and settle disputes among the humans.”
“Then he knows I have work here.”
Sarveth opens the case and removes a rolled document. The royal seal hangs from it on a silver cord.
“The marriage will secure House Morwen’thir’s succession and strengthen its authority over Vesper’s Peak.”
“My refusal would weaken that authority?”
“Your refusal is not expected.”
I brace my calloused hands against the worktable. “Because Lord Morwen’thir assumes he can claim any human living beneath his walls.”
“He has made no such general claim.”
“Only one concerning me.”
“His Majesty issued a royal marriage edict. Lord Morwen’thir selected an eligible woman from his territory, as commanded.”
“Am I meant to be comforted because the king approved my seizure?”
Sarveth’s indigo eyes narrow. “You should remember how openly you speak.”
“This is my clinic.”
“You remain a human subject addressing a Khuzuth matron.”
The warning carries no raised voice. It needs none.
Humans rank below the caste of dark elf. Sarveth could have me dragged from the clinic for insolence. The guards outside would obey before anyone in Lowtown found the courage to interfere.
I lift my hands from the table.
