Ruthlessly she pushed her thoughts away and vowed to keep the mission -- and only the mission -- in her mind's eye. Let that be her focus. She would not give Zardria the satisfaction of making her squirm.
"'Nala?" She started at Mara's use of her childhood nickname.
"Aye?"
Mara hesitated, biting her lower lip. "Are ye...are ye scared?" she said in a rush, desperation and her own fear clear on her face. Anala saw her sister's hope, that if Anala admitted her fear, she wouldn't have to go. That was the real test -- admission of emotions.
The bellica felt her heart break in the face of her sister's innocence. She hoped Mara would discover the truth of life gently, for she wanted no pain for the tender girl.
"Aye," she said honestly. "I'd be terrified."
"Then tell the empress. Maybe she'
