Return of the General's Daughter

Reya rushed to the door, barely registering her own movements as her heart pounded in her chest. She didn’t bother to check who was outside—her hands moved on their own, unlatching the gate and pulling it open without a second thought.

And then she froze.

Her breath caught. A strangled gasp escaped her lips, and before she could think, she screamed. She turned on her heel and sprinted back inside, her skirts tangling around her legs.

"Miss... Miss!" she panted, gripping the doorframe as if it were the only thing keeping her upright.

Jethru exhaled sharply, rubbing his temples. This girl. Sometimes, he wondered how a woman of marriageable age could still behave like such a child.

"Who is outside?" His voice was clipped with irritation. "And why in the world did you leave the gate open?"

Reya didn’t answer. Instead, to everyone’s shock, tears welled up in her eyes. Then, suddenly, she burst into sobs.

"Miss, pinch me!" she wailed, shaking Lara’s arm.

Lara, bewildered, hesitated.

Jethru, however, had no patience for theatrics. He reached over and smacked Reya’s arm, earning a sharp yelp.

"Grandpa!" she protested, rubbing the sore spot. "You’re so heavy-handed!"