Beq had just vanished, until now. Scanning the courtyard, automatically looking for Jaedia’s stern but understanding glare, Maya caught sight of a wave of bright green hair and a pained expression, headed rapidly through one of the glass doors that led back into the palace proper.

“I … have to go.” The words forced themselves out, past a thick throat.

Elodel cocked her head. “Really?”

“Sorry. My friend …”

“Of course.” Her smile seemed genuine. “Go and help.”

Maya extracted her hand, fingers tingling from the contact, and got unsteadily to her feet. Mumbling goodbyes, she hurried through the now-shadowy courtyard, following Beq. The glass doors led into a long corridor, soft carpet over polished stone, lined with small trees in decorative pots. Beq sat a little ways in, deep in shadow, her arms wrapped around one of the planters like it was a lifeline.

“Beq?” Maya said. “Is that you?”

“Mmm-Maya?” Beq’s voice was a drawl. “’S’that you?”

Maya padded over and knelt beside her. “Are you all right?”

“Feeling …” Beq shook her head carefully. “A bit better now. A little bit.” She looked down. “Hope nobody liked this pot.”

Maya examined the planter and wrinkled her nose at the sharp smell of vomit. “How much did you drink?”

“Dunno.” Beq waved a hand vaguely. “They kept bringing them.”

“Okay.” Maya held out a hand. “Let’s get you to bed.”

“’S’okay.” Beq leaned against the pot, fiddling with the gears on her spectacles. Lenses clicked and whirred. “I’ll be fine. Go back to the party.”

“I’m about done anyway.”

“Liar. Saw you with that girl.” Beq blinked, her eyes magnified hugely. “She’s pretty.”

“I wasn’t …” Maya shook her head. “It’s fine. Really.”

She took Beq’s hand and with a little effort managed to hoist the other girl back to her feet. Maya draped Beq’s arm around her shoulders and got them staggering more or less straight. A footman, not bothering to hide his superior look, gave Maya directions.

“’M not good at parties,” Beq said.

Maya laughed. “Probably not many formal dances back at the Forge.”

“The other apprentices used to sneak down to the empty levels,” Beq said. “To drink an’ play games. And …” She lurched against Maya, voice lowered. “Fuck. You know.”

“Beq,” Maya said, trying hard not to think about the body pressed against her. “Walk straight, would you?”

“Sorry.” Beq swung back into line. “I was never any good at them. Stopped getting invited, after a while. Silly Beq, rather read and mess with crystals than sneak out and kiss boys. Scared, wimpy Beq.”

“You’re not silly,” Maya said, shepherding her charge carefully up a spiral stair. “And you’re definitely not scared. You saved my life back in Litnin.”

“Was scared. Thought I was gonna pee myself.”

“You saved me anyway, though.” With some relief, Maya recognized their corridor and headed for Beq’s door. “That’s what matters.”