Wren had imagined this day so many times. For so long, she’d fantasized about what it would be like to get an apology—and then how satisfying it would feel to reject it, to savor Isabel’s guilt. But now, all she could think to say was, “I did. But I understand.”

“No, you don’t have to understand. You were only a child. You needed someone. I did, too.” Isabel closed her eyes. “I came to say thank you. And I’m sorry. Neither is sufficient, but perhaps it’s a start.”

No, it wasn’t sufficient—but what would be? They’d each lashed out at each other for too long. No flowers, no words, could give them that time back. Nothing could heal those wounds. But for now, this tentative thing between them … Their relationship was an unset bone, healing crooked but true.

It was enough.

“I forgive you,” Wren said. “And I’m sorry, too, for all the trouble I’ve caused.”

“Yes … trouble.” Isabel pursed her lips. “Let’s discuss that.”

Wren cringed. Maybe she’d forgiven her prematurely.

“I’ve struggled with the question of what to do with you in the aftermath of all this. You’re ill-suited for both the Order and the Guard.”

“But I—”

Isabel held up a hand. “So I will be issuing you another assignment. One you are uniquely qualified for. I believe it is time to lay old grudges to rest. We plan to open communication with Vesria, and I will need someone to speak on my behalf.”

Wren waited for the punch line, but slowly, it sunk in. “You mean me?”

“Yes.”

Wren touched her collarbone, croaked when she tried to speak. “Why?”

“You have … a friend in high places.” Isabel smiled, just barely, before rising from her chair in a rustle of silk. “Think about it. When you’ve made your decision, send word. I’ll send the royal carriage to your flat, should you choose to accept.”

She did not turn back as she walked out the door. Wren was still reeling when Una returned. “Did you know about this?”

“I did.”

Wren rested her face in her hands. “What do you think I should I do?”

Una hummed pensively, as if she were carefully turning over the question. “Well, the future leader of Vesria will be on his way out of the country by train soon. I think it would be a gesture of goodwill to send an escort.”

Wren’s breath left her in a rush. So it wasn’t too late. He was still here.

“Why would you…?”

“Because I want you to be happy, even if it means you have to leave.”

I want you to be happy, Hal had told her. Even if that means you staying here. Stay or leave, a piece of her heart would be ripped out. It was an impossible choice.