“When did you hear about me?” he asked. “Just a few hours ago, from Uncle,” she said. “I don’t even know your name.” “I wanted you to be my wife, but I wanted to meet before we decided whether we would suit. Marriage lasts a long time. It can be bad between people who are incompatible. I paid your uncle a sum of precious metals just to meet you.” “You bought me?” she asked. “No,” he said, his deep voice infused with some annoyance, “I paid money to meet you. Whether we marry is your choice, but I think you should consider it.” She got up and stomped away from the table and then came back. He sat and watched her. He was nearly as tall sitting as she was standing up. It occurred to her that he could make her do anything he wanted, but she wasn’t going to just let it happen. She planned to show him that she couldn’t be intimidated into a forced marriage. “I’ve known people who were happily married, but I’ve known many more who wanted nothing to do with it.
