Shara

Even though it's already late afternoon, you've finished all of your work for the day and is looking for some rest and relaxation. Some drink to warm up the soul would be nice. Maybe some traders from far east come by and you can get those beans, what is it being called... Kaha? Kaka? Kafa? The black beans concoction would have been nice with hard breads. But you're just hoping for something neigh impossible. The traders rarely come by during this time of the year.

You look out the open windows. It's time someone comes by with some drink and snacks

The door to the room opens with a loud creak, something that was purposely designed so that no intruder can enter silently. It is Shara, carrying a tray with some water, cups and food. You gesture toward the small table with some stools where you normally receive visitors to your office. The Vetrix's daughter put down the tray but instead of leaving after doing so, she sits down. She pours some drink for herself and take a sip.

"At least pour some for me," you tell her in a droll manner.

"I see. It is a servant custom of your people?" Shara asks in thick accent. Spending some time with your people as a hostage, she can already communicate to a certain extent. It seems that she and her sister have been taught your language but without anyone to practice with before this, it degraded. Now, they are improving day by day.

"No. It is called common courtesy..." you reconsider your word, "it is respect among people of same status or to show respect to someone of a higher status."

"Because you king."

"Yes, I suppose."

Shara pours some water for you and offer the cup while kneeling. Still a lot of work to be done, you suppose.

"Thank you," you say after taking a sip.

"Not afraid of poison?" Shara asks with her eyebrows raised in surprise.

"No, because your people always fight directly."

"True. We don't kill during meal and sleep."

"Amen to that."

"What is that 'Amen'?"

You sigh. Shara trying to beat around the bush is so terrible that it would have been better to simply go straight to the point like she normally does. "Shara. What is it that you really want to ask me right now?"

Shara lips tightens. "Very well. You tell me to ask you... Why do you breed my mother?"

It's a good thing that you're not drinking anything or else you would have sputtered at that unexpected question.