Disclaimer: Sadly I am not Tamora Pierce in disguise so I don't own it. Except for Jezmen…I made her up. Some of the other characters too but…they aren't as special so…

Jezmen's Pact.

"Jezmen Ka'eere." Oh no! I try to duck quickly back into my stall before the body catches up with the voice. Sadly, I am too slow. Jeire Lemeor struts towards me, his eyes intent on my face. Or, my veil anyway.

I cringe as he stops in front of my stall, leaning against its old wooden frame. "Hello," Jeire Lemeor says.

"Can I help you with something?" I ask as politely as I can. Rudeness to a man is a terrible crime among my people.

"You'll do just fine," Jeire mumbles, looking me over. I bite the inside of my cheek to keep from resorting back in a way that would surely get me punished.

"Spicecake, sir?" I ask, wincing at the tinge of annoyance in my voice. Even that could get a woman beaten. I should know.

"Mmm, I'll take your special cinnamon cake, miss." Jeire grins cockily at me. I hold back a scowl.

"Yes sir," I turn back into my stall, glad to be away from that creature. Honestly, he looks at me like I'm a kagey on a burning hot day.

There are so many things that I hate about my tribe, the Golden Tiger. Like how the women are lower than the men. I forever fear I will slip up and end dead, stuffed in some cactus (cacti?) plant. I hate how magic is not allowed, except by the male shaman to protect the tribe. What I hate the most is our hatred of the Northerners.

I, of course, have managed to break two of those main rules. When I discovered I had magical abilities, (the tribal leaders would be shocked, a woman with magic! They seem to forget that with the northerners that it is very common.) I began using them in private. I also don't hate the northerners like I am supposed to. That's all because of HIM. The Northern King's (also our Voice of the Tribes much to my tribe's anger) son. Prince Roald.

I sigh before taking a deep (very deep) breath before heading back out to Jeire. "Two Kabas please," I say meekly as he licks his lips, hunger in his eyes. He's not looking at the cake.

Jeire hands over the money, giving me one last lingering look before he swaggers off. As he does, he stuffs the cake in his mouth.

Erg! I can't believe my father is considering him as my husband! I shake my head before closing down my stall and heading out into the bustling market place.

I love the market, I always have. There is just something amazing about it, it just makes you feel so free. I know it sounds crazy, but I don't care in the least. I inhale the beautiful scent of spices and sweat. People here aren't afraid to work. They also don't care if you are male or female. You're lowly either way. It may sound weird, but I like that, being at the same status at males. I know I'm not supposed to think that way. I'm supposed to think that what our tribe leaders say is right. I sigh.

"Jezmen!" my name being called brings me out of my traitorous thoughts and I turn to see who it is. It's Kirae, my best friend, running towards me, her veil swinging in the wind.

"Hello, Kirae," I say pleasantly, happy to see a kind face…or eyes, in this unfriendly market. I look at her, my eyebrows arched. "Where have you been?" I inquire of her.

Kirae's mother is a master seamstress and thus wants Kirae to be one as well. Normally at this time Kirae would be locked up in her families tent, sewing.

Kirae's eyes sparkle and I know she's grinning. "Prince Roald is coming!" she gasps, making sure no one is around to hear.

"Great!" I exclaim. "When?" I can't help but grin.

"Tomorrow! He's coming to meet with our tribal leader as a messenger of the Voice of the Tribes. Everyone is under strict orders NOT to attack him!" Kirae says excitedly. Our tribe tends to attack any northerner we see. We hate northerners. I think. Even though I don't, I do. It's really confusing actually. As I tribe I hate them, but as an individual I don't. Even though according to the tribe I don't GET to be an individual. Hmmm, so do I hate them or not?

"Jezmen!" Kirae snaps, bringing me back to our conversation. She shakes her head at me. "There's going to be a DANCE in his honor!" wow that's big! Why do we want to impress him so much? "Even WE are allowed to go!" Kirae is almost bursting with excitement. I nod, masking the worry in my eyes.

My tribe hates northerners. So why are we going out of our way for the northern prince? So I decide there and then that I will watch over the prince and protect him, even with the punishment of death.

Now if you have read this far, then first I thank you for not clicking the little back button after the first paragraph and for reading through the entire chapter. I really truly, one hundred and sixty eight (the highest you can go serious nod) percent hope that you enjoyed reading this as much as I enjoyed writing it. I'll try to update as SOON as I can, unless no one likes it…then that would be kind of pointless…hm. I give you stickers in my mind anyway! Thank you! Reviews are greatly loved!