The talisman bumps against my wrist bone. It had protected me against that firewender’s magic. I unclasp the talisman from my wrist and secure it around hers. The rot is a magical disease. Maybe the troll bone will help slow its spread. Saengo’s other hand falls over the bracelet, learning its shape in the dim light of the dying fireplace.

“When you were dueling Theyen yesterday morning, Millie arrived at our balcony.”

At this, I rise onto my elbow. We haven’t seen the falcon since the night of the teahouse attack. “What? How in the Sisters did she find you?”

Her voice softens as she says, “She’s special. I think she could find me anywhere. She bore a message from my father.”

I slowly sink into the mattress again. When Saengo shares memories of her childhood, they’re so beyond the scope of my own experience they sound more like fairy tales, filled with lessons and tutors, dancing and gifts, festivals and dresses. It’s no wonder Saengo took so long to adjust to life at the Company.

Although she missed her family and her home, she knew what awaited her there. As heir, she’ll one day assume control over Falcons Ridge and all their lands. Her father is eager to begin shifting over responsibilities to prepare her. She’s been running from those responsibilities for years.

“He received a message from the Company informing him of my desertion and that I’m now in Ronin’s custody. He …” Her breath hitches, and her voice grows thick with tears. “He asked if I needed him to send a party to fetch me and take me home.”

I squeeze her hand. No wonder she hadn’t told me. No doubt she dearly wishes to see her parents, and it’s a testament to her father that he would defy the Spider King to try.

But there’s far too much standing in the way of their reunion. The guilt rips me open once again.

Her parents love her, but they’ve always disapproved of her decision to join the Queen’s Company. They blame me, of course. They’d rather believe I dragged Saengo into service with me instead of accepting their daughter wants a life that’s hers to choose. I have little affection for them, but I will do everything in my power to see Saengo home.

“Did you reply?”

“No,” she whispers. “I sent Millie off, but she’ll be back. I’ll reply then. I don’t know what to tell them.”

I’m sorry, I think for the thousandth time. This is my fault. I’ll fix this somehow. But hope is hard to find and harder still to hold on to.

“You should rest,” I say.

“You too. You haven’t slept well since we got here.”