My father died owing a debt I could not pay. At the debt court, Lysa Mern read my name aloud and made sure everyone knew I was a beggar. I did not beg. I offered my own bond instead of my brother's.
The dragon lord Vareth bought my debt before the ink dried. Now I live in his keep, bound to stand near his fire each night. He says he does not want my money. He wants me close. He will not take my answer while I am still trapped, which is the worst kind of honest.
I do not know why he chose me. That scares me more than the debt. Some part of me already knows what I will say when the month ends. He says I am his to keep. I have not decided if that is a promise or a cage.
