Try to Lie

“Father, I have an appointment with the overlord of this region. It is a request I cannot refuse, and nor can you. Have you forgotten about it?”

“Is that right?” Father eyes Zukka up, then snatches his braid and nearly hauls him off his feet. Zukka grimaces in pain but remains silent.

Showing any kind of weakness is a death sentence…

“Why are you lying to me, girl?” He says it like a curse, as though it is disgusting both of sound and taste. It sets an unpleasant feeling in Zukka’s gut, but he doesn’t show it.

“I… am not lying, sir.” Zukka spoke through gritted teeth. His scalp stung and ached, but he merely angled his toes towards the floor so he might lessen the weight placed on the roots of his hair.

“Hmph-” He relents enough so Zukka’s feet are planted onto the ground, but he doesn’t release their hair yet.

“Lucky for you, the overlord has sent for you. So this little… misunderstanding will be overlooked. He pulls the braid taut and forces a hiss out from between Zukka’s teeth.

“This time and this time only.” Father releases Zukka with a shove.

“Run along now, girl. Do not forget how to compose yourself in front of your betters.”

Father left Zukka to nurse his sore scalp, and he slunk down the stairs and past the servants that tried their hardest not to catch a glimpse at the bruised ego throwing open the door to the frigid outdoors.