Grudging by Michelle Hauck

by her face, she was not quite young enough to be one of Julian’s children, but not much older, either. The pale blemishes—­freckles—­adorned her cheeks and nose, and her yellow-­tinted barbarian hair dangled in a braid instead of being properly coiled about her head. Gold chains circled tight to her long neck, while a large gold earring in the shape of a sun hung from her left ear, drawing down the lobe with its weight. She wore a simple robe of white that could have been a long flour sack with sleeves sewn at the shoulder. It hung straight until tapering at the bottom, except where it lay over her breasts. Her only adornment was a small knife at her hip. He found her both exotic and intimidating.
    Julian stood, as was proper. One did not offer a woman a seat at the council table, not because he personally found a woman any less intelligent or capable but because it was the law. He found this law old-­fashioned and outdated, but today it worked in his favor. He must take command of this situation and use everything the Northerners gave him if the city was to have any hope.
    â€œI am Alcalde Julian Alvarado, elected official of Colina Hermosa. These gentlemen are representatives of our council.” Adulfo and Diego dipped their heads. As honored elders, they need not rise. “You bring the terms of your ­people?”
    â€œI do,” she said in a ringing voice though with an odd accent.
    â€œThen let us see them.”
    Her head lifted, strange green eyes meeting his. “They are memorized, to be given orally.”
    Julian shook his head. Had he heard her correctly, the accent made it difficult. “Spoken word can be misspoken, especially when given in an unfamiliar language. Do you rule over the Northerners that your word can be taken for their will?”
    â€œI am a high priestess of Dal. I speak the word of Dal, but I am not one of your kings.”
    â€œThe word of Dal, however great His might, is not accepted here. We want the word of the one who rules you, or a written presentation of your terms.” He gave her the look he bestowed on his sons when they were young and had broken something valuable. “Moreover, according to our law, a woman cannot act in matters of politics.”
    Anger flared in her face. Julian blessed the Northerners’ fair skin, so ill equipped to hide their emotions. This one was not used to being questioned or invalidated.
    â€œYou insult us,” she said, voice ringing.
    â€œNot at all,” he said quickly. His gut said he’d pushed enough. Time now to withdraw and placate without conceding. “You misunderstand my purpose. I wish only what is best for the survival of Colina Hermosa. We are most anxious to settle these conditions, but this city is governed, not by divine will but by a council. All must be carried forward in the law. To overset that law, the council must first confer and find agreement.
    â€œWe would willingly discuss and accept a woman as ambassador from your ­people, but that will take time. You may, of course, speak the terms now, but we’d need them in writing also. Bringing us your terms in writing makes it easier to share with all the council members so we might best consider those provisions. It only speeds matters to do so.”
    She lifted her chin. “Bring all your council here now, and they may all hear Dal’s terms.”
    â€œThey are elderly and would be slow to comply. Scribes would have to be gathered to take down the conditions. It would be faster to go and return with written terms that may be shared before our ­people. Written terms are a better guarantee to us that they will not change upon a whim.”
    â€œ Alcalde Alvarado speaks wisely,” Diego added. “As elder of the council, I back his words.”
    â€œAnd I,” Adulfo said.
    â€œThe will of Dal is that all bend before us.” She put her hand on the small gold knife she wore at her