"Tsk, tsk, still protecting her? What a pity. He abandoned you in this remote, frigid wasteland, didn't he?"
Josephine shook her head, one corner of her lip curling into a sneer. "I suggest you think about how you're going to face my mother. You personally sent my father to prison. An ungrateful wretch like you should be thrown to the wolves in the wilderness!"
She bumped hard against my shoulder as she passed. "You'd better pray the wolves take a liking to that pretty face of yours and give you a quick death."
With a lifted chin, Josephine prepared to leave with a haughty stride.
"Stop!"
My voice rose, firm and commanding. "Josephine, apologize to me!"
"What?" Josephine turned, incredulity etched on her face. "What did you say? Are you insane?"
I stood my ground, gripping her arm t
