Kylar said to Capricia when he returned to the ringery. “Hello,” she said, surprised. She was alone, closing up the shop. “The ass is back.” He grimaced. “Sorry about …before.” “What?” she said. “No, you were fine. I understand that it all seems strange if you’re not from here. Men never like it—though the women have to pierce their ears, too, and they never complain.” She shrugged. “Right, well …” Kylar said, then he realized he had nothing to say. What was it about jewelry that made him feel inadequate? “Right,” he finished lamely. “Honestly,” she said, “most men barely notice the pain. I mean, their brides make sure they’re distracted. Technically, you consummate the marriage only after the nailing, but most cases, it’s pretty much only technically.” Kylar coughed. He’d been thinking about that.
