Pledge

Despised.

Unwanted.

For the whole of her life, Linora had tried to do as she was told. Guided by her sisters, she had followed her father's direction, had worked tirelessly at the trade of his house as she bettered her skills in stitch-craft, had learned to mind her tongue and keep her thoughts to herself. And one by one her sisters were arranged into marriages. Leaving her entirely alone.

Until an evening of cards and strong drink leads her father to a terrible offer-one that would see her shamed and censured by all.

But there is a foreigner amongst her kind, strange in appearance and in manner. With a warmth in his eyes and a confidence that beguiles and unnerves her. And who offers an entirely different accord.

---

"Another round after all?"

The stranger shook his head, his hand going to his belt and the pouch of coins, near to bulging with his success of the evening. "The spoils are yours in their entirety," the strange male declared, squeezing his hand so the coins clinked together in their confines, reminding him of how many were included.

She saw the brightening of her father's eyes, even as unease spread through her. She could not to conjure what might be coming, wondered what other debasement the strange man could possibly seek from her. That she would be available at his whim whenever he so chose? A whimper escaped from her unbidden, and she reached up and clapped a hand over her mouth to keep any other from escaping.

It was enough to draw her father's attention at any case, and she could feel his glare at having drawn attention to herself without permission. "And in exchange?" her father asked, already taking a step forward to claim ownership of the pouch.

The male eased it back toward his person. "Your daughter will come with me."