"I hope they're alive," Dorvin whispered, "but I'm scared. I'm scared they fell like my sister." He looked at Jeid, his eyes red. "Do you know what Alina used to say? She said that when a Vir Requis dies, his or her soul rises to the stars. She said that the halls of Requiem stand there, already built, all woven of starlight—an image we must build here in the world. She believed that all who fell now live up there, drinking wine and singing."

"Not singing your songs, I hope." Jeid took another sip. "And drinking something more proper than this too, if there's any justice in the heavens." He squeezed Dorvin's shoulder. "I don't know if it's true. I don't know if celestial halls rise above us, home to our fallen. But I know this: the stars gave us our magic, and they blessed our column."

Dorvin stared up at the ceiling. "But they don't shine here. If we die here underground, will we find our way to them?" He lowered his voice to a whisper. "To Alina? I miss her, Grizzly." His voice cracked. "I miss her so badly. And I miss Maev and Laira and everyone else, but with my sister it's even worse. I was such a damn fool." He spat, his eyes still damp. "I never showed them that I love them. Never. Not until it was too late. But if I see Maev again, I swear to the stars—I'm going to be the best damn man I can for her." He looked at Jeid. "I'd like to marry her, if you approve. I promise you, my king, that I would treat her like a princess."

"She is a princess. She's the king's daughter after all."