Flushed and smarting, but more or less presentable, molly emerged from the room she shared with Irina. Ashley was waiting for her. He grinned at her appearance. “Maybe they will manage to marry you off after all, Dalton.”
“Henry says not,” molly replied composedly. “Too tall, skinny as a weasel, feet and face like a frog.” She clasped her hands and raised her eyes. “Alas, only princes in fairy tales take frog-wives. And they can do magic and become beautiful on command. I fear I will have no prince, Lyoshka.”
Ashley snorted. “I’d pity the prince. But do not take Henry to heart; she does not want you to be beautiful.”
molly said nothing, and a quick shadow darkened her face.
“Well, so there is a new priest,” Ashley added hastily. “Curious, are you, little sister?”
The two slipped outsi
