She drew Jal to a standing position, and walked around him appraisingly.
‘Oh yes,’ she said, her smile growing larger. ‘I’ve always thought … time to put my theory to the test. I’ll be back soon.’
She turned to leave, then glanced back. ‘But Jal, the last one was for old times. With this one, you owe me.’
‘Anything,’ Jal said, then took an involuntary step back, startled by Isabella’s sudden, hungry grin.
~
‘Oh no,’ Jal said for the third time. Isabella continued to offer him the outfit, artfully draped across her arm to display its splendour. By her feet was a covered wicker basket. Jal could only imagine what tortures it contained.
‘But you’ll look so pretty,’ she said.
Jal just shook his head.
‘Listen, Jal, they’re searching the entire city for you. It’s a royal edict. Whatever
