Chapter 687: The Law Is The Law

I retreated to my room, my favorite refuge since I was a girl. Different geography, maybe, but the idea was the same. Escape from the family, from responsibility, if only for a little while.

Sassafras wasn't interested in giving me space, it turned out. As I tried to close the door behind me, he slipped through the gap, sauntering his fat cat body to the bed before leaping onto the quilt. I sighed inwardly, expecting a lecture as I crossed the room and glared at him where he perched, watching me with those judging amber eyes.

"You're being ridiculous," he said. "The law is the law. And it's not like you don't have choices."

"So, you're telling me I should just get married and oh well if I make the wrong selection. Is that it?" I prodded him with magic, stomach churning.

Sass's tail thrashed once, but when he spoke again his tone was lighter. "I know you're worried," he said. "There was a time you put yourself first. But these days, like the great leader I always knew you would be,