“How long have you been walking?” she asked, and Jebel shrugged. “You could get sunstroke, wandering around all day.”

“Good,” Jebel snorted. “Maybe the sun will kill me if I walk long enough.”

“I’m sorry,” Bastina said quietly.

“Why?”

“Your father should have mentioned you along with J’An and J’Al.”

“He’s got more important things to think about than me.”

“Fathers should treat their sons equally,” Bastina disagreed. “Even…”

“Even if one’s a thin, no-good rat?” Jebel said stiffly.

“Don’t,” Bastina whispered, dropping her gaze.

“Don’t what?” Jebel challenged her.

“Don’t hurt me just to make yourself feel better.”

Jebel’s anger faded. He didn’t say sorry, but he touched her nose ring. “New?”

“Three days.” Bastina grimaced. “It hurt when it was pierced. I’m not looking forward to the next one.”

“It’s nice,” Jebel said. As Bastina smiled, he added, “But not as nice as Debbat’s new earring.”

“Of course not,” Bastina said sullenly. “I can’t afford the same rings or clothes as a high maid.”

“That’s a pity,” said Jebel, thinking about Debbat’s tight blouses. Then he recalled his father’s speech and sighed. “What am I going to do, Bas? Everybody will laugh at me. How can I face my friends, feeling like a worm? I…”

He stopped, dismayed that he’d revealed his true feelings. “Never mind,” he grunted, pushing past Bastina.

“You could talk to your father,” Bastina said softly.

Jebel paused and looked back. “What?”

“Tell him how he hurt you. Explain your feelings. Maybe you can—”