Will you accompany me in this dance? he said, bowing and holding out his hand. No, thank you. Miri smiled. The prince frowned and looked and the chief delegate as if for assistance. Miri laughed self consciously. I, uh, I was teasing. - Shannon Hale
Gerti didn’t ask for help. Miri swallowed and tried to calm her quavering voice. It was my fault. So it was. Now you all have learned that those who speak out of turn choose punishment for themselves and anyone they speak to. So if I speak to you, Tutor Olana, will you get the lashes? - Shannon Hale