"Let me explain. Lisaan was 'given to me by Zaile." Riley began quickly. "He fired me and to show how much he did not approve of my relationship with Maelinn, he purchased Lisaan for me. I was insulted. I took it out on her. I know I should not have, but I couldn't stop. I only wanted her to work on Lexx's ship because I don't have any use for her. I didn't want to see her and I did not intend to send her back. I was angry when I said those words."
"Oh." Chel acknowledged softly.
"It's all right now. She's going to work on the ship and here. She's insisted on 'making herself useful' even though I offered to nullify her contract. It's not a bad arrangement in the proper hands." Riley stated. "I know you don't fully understand, but with a life like Lisaan has had, she would not be able to survive on her own."
It was a lot to think about, but Chel was taking her time with it. The image of Lisaan's face when she ran away resurfaced.
