Varg’s arms were slower, more comforting, as they drew her into an embrace. She let herself lean into him, let his strong frame take her weight, let the tears and the grief take its course.

When she was done, she leaned back, wanting to see his face properly but unwilling to break contact. He smiled at her, and placed the last bit of stone into her hand.

‘I’m sorry I didn’t get to see him full grown. I don’t know what happened, but I do know you’d have done your best for him, Chand. You never do anything less.’ He looked into her eyes. ‘I’m here now. I ain’t going anywhere.’

‘I’ve thought about you often over the years, too often. It was wrong of me to want this. It wasn’t fair on you and I should have said so at the time. I was selfish and I am sorry.’

The frown appeared as the smile left, as if one was pushing the other off his face. ‘What are you saying?’

‘I can’t be with you Varg. I want to, but I can’t, not yet.’

‘I don’t understand.’

‘If Lord Rochant returns to us, it is up to him to decide what happens to me. If the ceremony fails,’ please let it not fail, ‘then my fate will be decided by High Lord Yadavendra.’

‘Yeah, but that don’t matter for us. I don’t care what job they give you, it won’t stop me and Glider being here.’

Glider barked agreement and Chandni couldn’t help but stroke her head in appreciation.

‘I love you both, and if things were different I would be with you without hesitation.’ She lowered her voice. ‘But you know what I did to keep Satyendra alive. For years I have kept my crimes secret in order to protect my son. Now he is gone, that duty is discharged. I must face the judgement of my lord.’

‘Bollocks. Like you said, it was years ago and no harm has come of it. Why risk exile now?’

‘Because life is nothing without dignity. How can I expect Lord Rochant to restore the house if I am not willing to restore myself? How can we have a new life together, a good life, if I come to it corrupted by my past deeds?’ She shook her head. ‘If I stay silent, I am no better than Samarku Un-Sapphire, no better than Nidra Un-Sapphire. Unlike them, I put my house first.’

‘Just once, I wish you’d put yourself first.’

Her hand began to creep towards him and it took all of her will to put it back by her side. ‘I can’t change who I am, Varg, not even for you. But if my lord is merciful, we might still be together.’

‘Then I really bloody hope Lord Rochant makes it, because that’s the only chance we’ve got.’