She buried her face in his bare shoulder. For a moment, he thought she was laughing, but then realized she must be shaking so because she was crying. He felt like a fish out of water. He thought again of proposing marriage. But before he could ponder this, she stepped away, wiping her eyes. It had to be done. ‘You will always be my first,’ Karna said with a smile to take some of the sting from his rejection. ‘Maybe someday, when I have paid my debts—’ Kala pressed a finger to his lips, perhaps to stop him from giving her false hope.

They heard the muted call of the cox. Twenty-six sweeps slid out, blades settling in the water. The Fat Mistress groaned as it lurched forward. The doldrums had finally given way to winds. Shit. It was time to meet Prakar Mardin and get him to hand over the signet and sign the transfer deed. It was now or never.

Hastily, Karna got dressed. ‘Would you happen to know where Prakar Mardin is?’ he asked.

Her face darkened. ‘You aren’t going to tattle on me to that prick of a Highmaster, are you?’

‘I heard he is no longer a…Highmaster. And no, of course not, My Lady. Your honour is mine to guard. I merely have urgent business to settle with him.’

‘Best be on your way then lest he become unavailable later,’ she said with a sly smile. ‘He must be on the deck. But Aradh, before you leave… you said something about a debt. I gather you meant it metaphorically?’

That was a strange word for a cleaning girl to know. An educated cleaning girl! Hastina obviously had much to learn from Kalinga. ‘Aye,’ he nodded, trying to understand the meaning of the word from context. ‘I am oath-bound to my benefactor. But now I find myself lost, and I don’t know the way back. Have you ever found yourself in a situation you just wanted to be out of, no matter how blessed your life seemed to be?’

‘Counting this one,’ she pointed at him, ‘maybe a few times. You are not a child, Aradh. Do what you want. Forget promises and debts. You have just one life to live.’

‘A man is not known by the promises he makes but by those he keeps.’

She gave a shrug. ‘You Greens are funny men, Lamb, with your honour and codes. I have found, at great cost, that the best way to keep your word is by never giving it.’

‘I’ll remember that the next time,’ Karna said, smiling. ‘May the waves carry you.’

‘Ah, I always said you’re a quick learner. May the current bring you back,’ she returned the traditional Kalingan greeting.