The [Princess] corrected Cara. The [Singer] bleakly returned Seraphel’s gaze.

“That’s not an excuse. If I had died there, how many people would have lived? If I had been more honest, if I had done things right. If…”

She turned away, with such guilt that it seemed written on her face. Seraphel saw Cara turn, and the

[Actor] tried to smile.

“They thanked me. Culin and Sasi. Thanked me. They don’t even know they should blame me for everything. For…I’m forgiven. No one says it was my fault. Not Violette nor Idelt. Nor Dalius…they look at me like I helped save everyone. But you understand, don’t you?”

Seraphel du Marquin said nothing for a while. She inspected Sidheag who wore her guilt like a second set of clothes, and shook her head.

“If not for the [Necromancer], I would have never been attacked. If not for chance, you would not have had to break the seal in the tomb. You and I should both know better than to blame ourselves for the actions of others. For misery.”

Cara’s head rose slowly and she met the [Princess]’ gaze. Her eyes widened, and she blinked. The two women looked at each other and then Cara nodded.

“You’re right.”

She took a breath that shook, but nodded again.

“You’re right. I—I can’t blame myself for everything. I could stay. I want to weep forever. I want to—”

She glanced back at the hill where they had laid the [Lord] and [Lady] to rest. Cara closed her eyes.

“I would stay. Stay forever to help and make amends and…”

She looked at the ghosts and Afiele, at Violetta, asleep in her father’s arms. At Seraphel. The [Princess]

waited. Cara shook her head.

“…I want to stay. I don’t want to do this, but—I can’t. Because I think I could bring more trouble on everyone by my ignorance. By what I know and all the questions that will follow. Arteis will ask me tomorrow. And after that? Whoever leads that army.”

She gestured at the mass of tents in the distance. Cara turned, shaking her head. It was so difficult, but she had decided. She waited for condemnation or outrage, but Princess Seraphel just nodded.

“It may be wise.”

“You think so?”

Cara glanced up, surprised. The [Princess] gestured back the way she’d come.

“Calanfer, my kingdom, is known to be rather political. Any lever is pulled, any leverage used. I imagine a young woman with your secrets would be too valuable to pass up, and I very much doubt the [Singer] of Afiele can keep them hidden with so much attention on her. That’s what they’re calling you, you know.”

“It is? That’s—I don’t deserve—”

She stopped, shook her head.

“I have secrets. You’re right about that, Princess Seraphel.”

The woman eyed her thoughtfully.