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your studies."
    Iuna's smile suddenly turned into a pout. "I thought we decided it was just going to be you and me,J?apa."
    "Now, Iuna, you know how much I want that. But I can't always be here because of business, so you need someone to look after you when I'm gone."
    Iuna crossed her arms over her chest, unconvinced. "I don't like her. Find a different one."
    "There isn't anyone else," Prisus sighed. "Just give it some time, precious. Why don't you show her around the house? That will give you both a chance to get to know each other."
    "All right, Papa. I'll do it for you." Iuna stood on her tiptoes and gave Prisus a kiss.
    "Excellent." He smiled. "Now, I have to run to the Trade Center, but I'll be back by dinner. Have a good afternoon."
    "Good-bye, Papa." Iuna waved as Prisus headed back outside. Then she turned to Ythnel. Her lips were pinched, and anger smoldered in her brown eyes. "Follow me."
    Iuna led Ythnel up the stairs and down the hall to a small room with a single bed, a dresser, and a desk. Ythnel's belongings were sitting on the bed.
    "This is your room. Not much"—Iuna sniffed—"but plenty for a slave." She looked pointedly at Ythnel then pushed past her. On the other side of the hall, they stopped before a closed door. Iuna opened it to reveal another bedroom. Dolls sat upon a chest at the foot of a four-poster bed. The floor was covered with several matching rugs. An elaborate vanity stood near a large window in one wall that looked out into the courtyard.
    "This is my room. Slaves are not allowed in here without my permission." Iuna stepped into her room and turned back to Ythnel. "And that concludes the tour." She slammed the door shut.
----
    It had been a long day, and Ythnel was glad to finally be in her room. She moved about in silence, unpacking her things. The emotional turmoil of the day manifested itself in a physical draining of energy, and sleep beckoned. Ythnel sat on the bed, fighting the temptation. It would be so easy just to lie back and close her eyes, to forgo the evening prayer for much needed rest. She wasn't at the manor anymore. No one would know.
    I would know, her conscience scolded. And Loviatar would know.
    Ythnel picked herself up and undressed. She took the whip from around her neck and knelt on the floor, her back to the door. The words of the evening prayer began to form in her mind, but she could not focus. Iuna's petulant face shattered Ythnel's concentration every time she closed her eyes. The spoiled brat infuriated her. Yet there was something about the girl that reminded Ythnel of herself. And there was the fact that her mother had been a Loviatan. Perhaps Ythnel's being here was a part of some greater purpose. Perhaps the Maiden of Pain had plans for the young girl.
    First things first, she told herself. You've been hired to train this girl how to be a lady. Focus on and accomplish that before you start imagining you're here on some divinely ordained mission.
    She sighed. It was an arduous task set before her, regardless. She would not be able to do it alone.
    "Oh, Loviatar, the Willing Whip, I pray for the strength and wisdom to discipline this child. Let me help her, as I was helped."
    Ythnel sat quietly for a moment, looking inward for that center of peace and order. A weight lifted from her heart, and she knew her supplication had been answered. With a calmed mind, she quietly began the chant of the evening prayer, letting the rhythm sooth and refresh her. She raised the whip.
    A creak from the floorboards outside her door jerked Ythnel's attention away from the prayer.
    "I thought we agreed to knock first, Master Saelis." She remained crouched, her head bowed while she waited for an answer. None came. "Master Saelis?" This time she rose. As she did, Ythnel heard the patter of little feet running away.
    CHAPTER
    When Ythnel made her way downstairs, she found Prisus and Iuna already seated at the table eating morningfeast. A place was set on Prisus's left, opposite