The next time I receive a visit, Pautina stares at my hand. She clicks her tongue in disappointment. Her hand takes mine. Pautina holds her finger above the broken skin. Beneath her breath, she utters Sumerki in a quick procession. My ear is unable to catch her meaning. Soon I feel a warm sensation. Pautina's magic manages to heal my hand!
I forget my anger and growing resentment. She returns my hand with a smile.
"All better now." Pautina kisses my cheek. "Please, don't do that again."
"I was trying to break this cursed chain," I lie while pulling on the steel. "It's uncomfortable, dorogoy."
For a moment, she glances at the restraint. Pautina turns towards my eyes. 'Act honest.' I have to conceal my desire to flee. If she wages marriage for a freed ankle, then I will have to take the
