She distracted herself by commandeering a sliver of soap that would be the only luxury she allowed herself. As she found a spot in which to tuck it away, she caught a glimpse of Farrow’s concerned expression in the small looking glass but refused to meet his eyes.

Her heart skipped a beat. Not just because he was handsome, with his chiseled features, smooth brown skin, and athletic physique, though that didn’t hurt his cause. But also because he’d meant so much to her over her years with the Crimson Daggers. First he was her competition, sure, but that melted swiftly into a budding friendship that became hours upon hours of training, eating, and talking together. The night they became lovers felt like a lifetime and a half ago, but also yesterday, every graze of his fingertips on her skin a memory, every press of his lips a dream. She turned away, lest her emotions trap her.

“Take this,” he said. “I’ve been waiting for the right moment—maybe your name day—to give it to you, but I guess I’m out of moments.” She turned back, surprise flitting across her face at his outstretched hand, which was holding a book. “Take it. I don’t think you’ve read this one. I knew she was your favorite writer, so…anyway, it’s just something so you’ll remember me.”

She accepted the book, letting it rest on her palm while her other hand roamed over the words engraved in silver on its leather cover:

The Long-Forgotten Princess: An Elaine of Availing Novel

By Truant Nomisty

“How did you…?” she said, trailing away. “This is her latest novel. Mister Noles told me it wasn’t set to be printed until next month.”

“Mister Noles isn’t the only printer in Finfalla. As of right now, it’s the only copy in existence.”

“This must’ve cost a fortune.”

“A small fortune, but I don’t have much else to spend my coin on these days.”

“I can’t…” She started to pass the book back to him despite every muscle in her body wanting to hold it tight to her chest.

“You can and you will. Do you like it?”

“Do I like it? I love it. I want to read it right now, start and not stop until I’ve devoured the very last word.”

“Then you should. I’ll be as quiet as a mouse, I promise. Spend all day here if you want. All night too. I’ll go finagle some extra oil for the lantern from Madam Silk.”

Bryony’s walls shot back up, creating a fortress around her. “Farrow…”

“It’s just a gift.”