“His capture may not have been. But I lost our one lead, and because of that, I failed him.” Una had always put so much on herself—too much. More than anything, Wren wished she could take some of that burden from her. But part of what made Una a brilliant soldier and a commander worth following was this. Her unflinching dedication to her subordinates. Her sense of duty above all else.

“You didn’t lose the boy. I did.”

“I could have given you orders. I could have threatened you. I could have stood my ground and taken the queen’s punishment. But I didn’t.” Her voice grew rougher, the notch between her brows deepening. “Now she’s taken my healer.”

“She wouldn’t have if you left it out of the report in the first place.” The words slipped out unbidden. She wished she could take them back, but Una only shook her head.

“I know you wanted more from me. This is all I have.”

“Una…”

The wistful look in her eyes cooled. Once again, Una was her superior officer, imposing in her sharp-shouldered greatcoat and her silver epaulets. “I have orders for you in my absence.”

“I’m not your subordinate anymore, remember?”

Una let out an impatient, almost pleading noise. “Then just promise me something.”

“Anything.”

“Until I regain her favor, stay here. You can’t do anything—”

“Reckless.” Wren knew this for what it was, a second chance she didn’t deserve. But she couldn’t help feeling like it was more like a wound reopened. “I know.”

“Promise me.”

“Fine. I promise.” Wren tore her gaze away to hide the hurt prickling behind her eyes. “When do you leave on your mission?”

Una bowed her head, as if it had grown heavy with relief. “Tomorrow afternoon.”

“Just come back to me in one piece.”

“I will.”

This, here, was how she wanted to hold Una in her mind if this was the last image she’d have of her. Loyal. Almost loving. Wren clung desperately to the small details: the inky spill of her hair over her shoulder, the fire crackling in her amber eyes, the devout solemnity of her voice.

But louder than anything were the words I know you wanted more from me.

She did, but if she could not have her, being at her side had to be enough. Una needed her healer, so Wren would earn her reinstatement. For now, she would prove she could be patient. And when Una came back to her, Wren would sharpen herself into the kind of girl deserving of Isabel’s respect and Una’s trust. The kind of girl who could bring Byers home.

CHAPTER FOUR

Knockaine was a foul, moody, stinking city. But it was home.