Heathen artifact

((flash fiction, 200 words, set in a letter game Mary and I are playing. I'm hoping to get more writing practice.))

"You did WHAT!"

The roar of the dragon. Her name was Pepia, and she was the housekeeper. Ethellia sighed, turned, and shrugged.

"It's a wonder your head isn't cut off this second!" Pepia roared. "A heathen artifact! For a prince! As an engagement gift!!"

"It's supposed to bring good -- "

"Neveryoumind good fortune! A servant of Ozbyrt doesn't need it! He has divinity! Don't you think he'll want no reminder that he's failed to convert the Jujuwattas?! Don't you think--" here the dragon swiped with her claws-- "you've just aligned yourself with an enemy of the Kingdom--" another swipe -- "and possibly gotten the entire clan exiled?!"

Ethellia gasped. "I only--"

Pepia grunted, and a small issue of smoke fanned out from her nostril. "You only were thinking about the pretty crown you were going to wear on your stupid head," Pepia said.

Ethellia nodded meekly.

"One more thing," Pepia added, somewhat more softly. "You forgot to clean out the Gungletoad from your saddlebags."

Ethellia groaned, and looked suddenly a good deal more sorry than she had before. "Cut off my head any day," she grumbled. "It would be more pleasant than spoiled Gungletoad."

Pepia wordlessly handed her the alkali.