"I actually came here to make a request of my own," Ashlynn said, feeling like she could no longer hide from the topic. "You can say 'no.' You don't owe me anything, so please, don't feel obligated because of any debts between us; there aren't any."
"When Her Dominion gives you a chance to say no like that," Old Nan said from her seat next to the fire where she was carving ornaments to hang above a baby's crib. "Consider her words carefully. Don't answer today, no matter how much you want to. Think on it overnight so you don't get caught up in things."
"Unless your Dominion needs an answer now," Old Nan quickly amended, feeling like she might have overstepped in giving advice.
