At his acquiescence, Jeremiah smiled and inclined his head slightly, then offered his arm to Lina as she stood from her chair, eyes slightly downcast.
He strode away from the table, Lina clinging to his arm, chattering loudly about how lovely the ceremony had been and how happy he was to see her safely wed, blah blah blah. His hands moved all the while he talked— seemingly a nervous habit, or perhaps he was simply expressive.
Lina knew the code for what it was, and each smile and nod from her was a silent recognition of an order received.
Three months until the first pickup.
Send letters every week. Use code.
Watch your back.
Give him what he wants.
Through a tight smile, Lina laughed as her "father" began guiding her back to the table and her own fingers flashed in short, sharp thieves' cant. If I'd wanted to whore myself I would have stayed in Zantaric. Jeremiah scowled at her, but she just smiled and nodded as she took her seat again. "I understand, Father," she murmured. "I will do everything I can to ensure the honor of our family."