Chapter 30

Ariela

That was interesting news. But the sadist had certainly not called for friendly reasons. But my sister probably had no idea what the conversation was about. She was usually kept out of everything.

Nevertheless, I dared to try and ask: "Why did she yell at him?"

"I don't know. Mum shouted at Dad about the phone call, then slammed the office door. Grandma was in our part of the house and then went straight upstairs. She's trying to mediate the dispute, but it's only partially working."

Our mum just had a temperament. Our dad should be grateful to still be alive. She had reached her limit when I was sold.

The king was probably throwing a party inside because he was tearing my family apart. He had done a great job of that by buying me. That was one of the reasons he kept me here.

It was probably conspicuous that I hung up right then, but curiosity almost killed me.

To cover it up at least a little, I said: "OK, Cosima, I