“I am happy with Daroc,” he said.

“Except that earlier, he seemed to steal your laughter,” I said.

“That is not really fair to say.”

“Then what is?”

Sorin was quiet for a moment. “I only worry that I am not good enough for him, that perhaps he now wishes for someone who is just as disciplined as him and the only reason he does not say it is because he knows he gave me this life.”

“I do not believe that,” I said.

“It is the only explanation I have for why he looks at Adrian the way he does.”

“Does that…make you jealous?” I asked, wondering if we could finish our conversation from earlier.

“No,” he said. “Maybe because I know nothing will ever happen. Daroc knows that too.”

I wondered now if part of Daroc’s coldness toward me was his anger that I had returned.

“Sorin,” I said, quiet. “Are you still in love with Daroc?”

His eyes widened and he answered quickly, “Of course.”

“I did not ask if you loved him. I asked if you were in love with him.”

He was quiet and he swallowed hard, his eyes turning red.

“Whatever the answer, I just want you to be happy,” I said.

He laughed bitterly. “No, you don’t.”

I flinched. “Sorin—”

“We’re out of time,” he said, dragging his sleeve over his eyes. “Have a good day, my queen.”

He bowed and left.

I stood for a few moments in the quiet cold, stunned, regretting that I had said anything at all.

Thirteen

Isolde

I left the training room, stopping briefly to see if Ana was in her makeshift infirmary. The room itself was quiet, now only occupied with three patients, including Petar. Unlike the other two, he was awake, his injured leg resting on top of his blankets, propped up high with pillows. When he saw me, he straightened.

“My queen,” he said, bowing his head. “It is good to see you again.”

“Good afternoon, Petar,” I said, smiling. “Are you feeling well?”

“Very well, my queen,” he said, though I noticed he seemed hot. There was a thin sheen of sweat covering his face.

“You are certain?” I said. “You look…a little pale.”

But pale wasn’t the word. He looked…green.

“It is nothing, my queen. Only pain. Lady Ana replaced my bandages. You just missed her if she is who you were looking for.”

“And what if I came to check on you, Petar?” I asked with a small smile.

“I am not worthy of the honor,” he replied.

“Of course you are,” I said. “You fought to protect your people. There is nothing more honorable.”

“That is kind of you to say,” he said, bowing his head again.

That was the second time he had called me kind.

This time, I did not disagree.