The old Master was already walking away, clearly wanting to escape this uncomfortable situation.
Maya had no choice but to follow him, though she shot one last venomous look at Heena before turning.
---
''[Private Conversation]''
As soon as they were gone, Samuel's hand dropped from Heena's shoulder and he stepped back to a more appropriate distance.
"That," he said quietly, "was poorly handled on your part."
Heena looked at him and shrugged, pulling his outer robe more tightly around herself. "Was it? I thought it was quite effective."
"Effective at what? Making enemies?"
"I already had those enemies," Heena pointed out. "What I did was establish that I won't be cowering or playing the subservient daughter-in-law role. Better to set the tone immediately than try to change it later."
Samuel studied her face. "You deliberately came out dressed like that, didn't you? You heard Maya shouting and saw an opportunity."
