She could not even catalog all the criteria. She had not even realized how many items were on the list, that she herself had put there, when she was not aware of it. But she knew that the man before her would meet all her requirements, would embody them, would be her standard for the next time she would love.

Because she didn’t count this time. He had risked his life to save the gulden, but he had made it clear he had a distaste for the race. He could be kind to them, but he could not love them. And she had been brought up in their houses, consorting with their sons. That was not something he would be able to overlook. She would not expect him to. But he had taught her that the ideal man existed, and she had not even known she had been searching.

“I understand. I understood.”

Oh, if only it were true.

*   *   *

A guard came for her in the afternoon. She had not allowed herself to hope for this favor, but of course it had crossed her mind that Chay might send for her. She had chosen, from the pile of clothing he had provided, the prettiest blouse and the most flattering skirt. She had taken some care with her hair, brushed color on her eyelids. Just in case.

Nolan had come to his feet when the guard entered, and he watched her with shadowed eyes. “Will he send you back here, do you think?” he asked, and she had no way of knowing if that was something the blueskin would welcome or despise.

“I imagine so,” she said coolly. “He’s made it pretty clear that he is not treating me like a daughter this time. He may just want to question me further. This may not be a good sign at all.”

“Well, I hope it means he has forgiven you,” he said.

Not I hope it means he will listen to me. Not I hope it means I am safe. Just a hope that her own life would be eased. Did this man ever think of himself at all?

“Anything you want me to tell him?” she asked casually.

Nolan shrugged. “I have told him what I came here for. You could ask him if he has anything I could read to pass the time. Otherwise, I can’t think of anything.”

Again, amazing. She shook her head slightly. “I’m sure I’ll be back later,” she said, and left.

The guard did not hold her by the arm; that was promising. Kit followed him through the bright corridors, trying to compose her thoughts. This might mean a rapprochement. It might mean an interrogation. She had no choice. She would follow Chay’s lead.