"Lovers and Beloveds" chapter 4.5 is live

In which Edmerka meets her fate:

"Now, my dear," said the old woman, "let's see what the cards say about you, eh?" She spread the cards out one by one on the little table; it trembled precariously under the weight of each one. "Ah, how fitting. The Princess of the Flames, reversed--d'you see? Wrong-side round. Bad-tempered, easily provoked to foolishness, spoiled, bored and spiteful."

"And who is she?" said Edmerka, thinking of her stepmother.

"Oh, she's you, miss," said the old woman with an empty-mouthed grin.

"How dare you!" said Edmerka.

"Travelers dare often, and easily, miss," cackled the woman. "What stands in your way--my, my. Farr the Warrior, reversed. Uncontrollable impulses and ruthless lust." She clacked her tongue. "And such a nice girl you are. Who'd've suspected?"

Edmerka's face grew blotchy, but she held onto her temper. "Go on."

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