23
THEY STOOD ON THE EDGE of the water. Rasha was pacing back and forth. Zele sat under a tree, watching her nervous movements with fascination.
"You have to do this," Ladi said for the fifth time.
"I can't. I don't like the sea. Drowning will ruin my day."
"You won't drown. The Majiwan will take you down using a breather. It'll be fine."
"Why don't you do this?"
"The old woman didn't talk to me, the prince didn't send me, and I'm not the one in love with Jak."
Rasha stopped and stared at Ladi. She was only fifteen, but she had her moments.
"Is it that obvious?"
"Only to anyone who isn't you." Ladi smiled. "The best thing, though, is that Jak loves you back, and he has the patience of Xeku."
Rasha didn't know what to think about that. She did love Jak. Why was it so impossible to
