Maiden of Pain by Kameron M. Franklin Read Free Book Online Page B

start with something easy," Ythnel began, "something that will give me an idea of your level of knowledge and give you an idea of my teaching style."
    Iuna raised her hand.
    "Yes."
    "Have you ever taught before?"
    "I don't see how that is relevant—"
    "I just want to be sure that your 'level of knowledge' is sufficient to—"
    "Don't be rude," Ythnel snapped. With a deep breath, she regained her composure. "Your father has confidence in my skills. That should be enough for you. Now let's begin." Iuna gave her a mocking smile but remained silent.
    "Why don't we go over some local history? In what year did Chessenta break free from the Unther empire?"
    Iuna sat silently, still smiling.
    "All right, how about the name of the one and only king to ever unite all the city-states?"
    Iuna continued to silently hide behind her smug smile.
    "Fine, then can you recite which cities are currently aligned against Luthcheq, and which are her allies?"
    There was nothing but the smile from the girl.
    Ythnel trembled, barely able to keep her frustration in check. She wanted to storm over to Iuna, pick the girl up, put her across her knee, and paddle her. This would never be allowed to continue if she were back at the manor. But they were not at the manor. They were in Luthcheq, in the Saelis household, where Ythnel was only a hired governess and was required to follow the rules set down by her employer. Ythnel ground her teeth and resolved to plow ahead.
    "I can see you're not interested in local history, so we'll come back to that later. Your father told me on the journey over here that you are quite good at geography. I'd love to hear you tell me all about the two major mountain ranges in Chessenta."
    Iuna smiled sweetly.
    So this is the way it's going to be, Ythnel thought. I can play this game, too. Without saying another word, she dragged a chair over from its place against the wall and sat facing Iuna.
    They passed the morning staring at each other. Around highsun, there was a knock at the door. Ythnel stood and opened it. Libia stood there with a tray of sandwiches and drinks.
    "I'm sorry, Libia, but we won't be having lunch today until Iuna finishes her lesson."
    Libia nodded knowingly and turned to go. Ythnel thought she heard Iuna fidget and looked over her shoulder. The girl's brow was furrowed, and her mouth opened as though she were going to say something. But when she noticed Ythnel looking at her, she straightened up and was smiling once more. Ythnel closed the door and went back to her chair.
    As the sun's reach into the parlor faded back through the window, the two were summoned to dinner. Iuna practically skipped from the room when Leco opened the parlor door. Ythnel rose to follow, but Leco stopped her at the door.
    "I heard about your little starvation tactic this afternoon. I know the child is willful, but I will not allow that kind of stunt to continue. If I hear that you use it again, I will report you to Master Saelis."
    "Then what do you suggest I do?" Ythnel asked. Her patience was about at an end. Did everyone in this house spoil the child?
    "I'm not the governess. You figure it out." He ushered her past him and followed her down the stairs. Ythnel entered the dining room and took her seat.
    "Ah, Ythnel, Iuna was just telling me what a wonderful day she had with you," Prisus said. "See, I knew you two would get along smashingly."
----
    Ythnel was not late to morningfeast on the second day. As she finished her meal and prepared for another day of sitting silently in the parlor, Prisus motioned for everyone to stay where they were.
    "I thought that it might be nice to do something a little different today. How about we go on a trip to the Trade Center? This would be the perfect chance for Ythnel to get out and see some of the sites, and we're going to need some supplies for the city's upcoming Midwinter celebration. What if we all go together and spend the day there?" Prisus smiled, looking around the table