Grey paused for a moment, and then, without conscious thought, his feet propelled him forward, toward her.

“Hi,” she said when he got close. Gesturing to the chair beside her, she added, “Will you take a seat? I ordered us both hot cocoas, just in case.” There were two cups topped with whipped cream on the table.

Grey took a seat, noting that Jaya looked relieved.

“Grey… I’m so sorry. What I said up there, that was cruel. I was defensive and angry and—” She broke off and shook her head, running a hand along her forehead. “You got under my skin. You have a tendency to do that; I’m not sure why.” She didn’t say it as an accusation, just as a statement of fact. It almost seemed like she was talking to herself. Grey felt a warmth in his chest. He liked that he got to Jaya Rao. Not much did. “Anyway,” she continued, “it was vicious and mean-spirited, and I’m really sorry.”

“There was no lie in it.” Grey brought the cup of hot cocoa to his lips and took a sip, feeling the burn of the scalding liquid as it slid down his throat. “I’m exactly what you said I was.”

“No, you’re not,” she said, sounding stricken. Leaning forward, she put a small hand on his. Grey stiffened, unsure what to do with the physical contact. It felt perfect; it felt dangerous. Noticing his reaction, Jaya withdrew her hand smoothly, a mistress of social graces. “You’re not, Grey. You’re scared, as anyone would be, in your situation. The truth is, that’s not the first time I’ve wondered if that’s what I am. A sock puppet for not just my father, but for my country, for a society that has a very narrow view of what a royal woman should be. Am I doing more harm than good by going along with it, by perpetuating the stereotype? And sometimes I get so tired of being the ‘old guard’ as it were, of playing ‘keeper of the rules’ with my free-spirited sister. I’m afraid it’s hardening me into something I don’t want to become.” She shrugged her thin shoulders. “I don’t know. I try not to consider all that too deeply—it’s easier that way—and that’s why your words struck a chord.”

He studied her, surprised. “That’s very honest of you,” he said finally. “I appreciate honesty in people.”

Her cheeks stained a deep red. “I don’t know about that,” she mumbled.

Grey settled against his chair, cradling his cocoa in his hands, and, after a pause, Jaya settled back against her chair too. They sat watching the fire together for a bit, until it was time to go.

Jaya