We’d arrived at one of the two tents where Khalad and Kalen had stored their belongings. Likh and I were sharing the second. Likh was waiting for us and cleared her throat. “Tea, would you mind if I switched places with Kalen?”

“Huh?” Khalad asked, though he was already blushing.

“Please do,” I said. “I was about to make the same suggestion anyway.”

“Thanks.” Likh shot the Heartforger an inviting, if a shade nervous, smile before disappearing inside our tent.

“So,” I continued once the asha had gone, “you and Likh, huh?”

Khalad was still red. “The morning at the Gorvekai’s…it wasn’t what you think.”

“That would be a shame, because if it was, then I couldn’t be any happier for you two. Why so embarrassed?”

“It isn’t like I’ve got much experience in relationships. I don’t want to move too fast. I don’t want to make Likh uncomfortable.”

From my vantage point, Likh was moving ten miles to his five, but I refrained from pointing that out. “She’s had a horrible crush on you for a while, Khalad.”

“You knew?!”

I shrugged sheepishly. “Just talk with her. Don’t assume what she wants. Don’t make the same mistake Kalen and I made. As I recall, you pointed out nearly the same issues about us once.”

Khalad smiled faintly. “I suppose it’s easier to judge when you’re on the outside looking in, isn’t it? Thanks. I’ll go see if she needs help.”

He stepped into our tent. I was about to enter the adjoining quarters but stopped short when I saw King Kance heading my way.

“Wait.” There were no accusations in his voice, but there was no offer of reconciliation either. “Tea, if I might have a word with you?”

I nodded, not knowing what to say. Kance gestured toward the campsite, where the generals and soldiers sat for their noonday meal. I followed his lead.

He said nothing for several minutes, content to walk in silence, but my nerves weren’t getting any calmer the longer he was quiet. “Where is Kalen?” I finally blurted out.

“He’s talking strategy with General Lode and the other Deathseekers. Given his experience with the Faceless, I thought it best to trust his judgment.” He glanced at me. “I hear that the two of you are together. My congratulations.”

“Thank you,” I mumbled, staring down at my boots. It wasn’t all that long ago when I was congratulating him on his engagement to Princess Inessa and wishing it were otherwise. It was strange how a year could change everything.

We passed a few more soldiers eating their rations and trading stories around the fire.

“And where is Fox?” he asked.

“He’s in Kion.”

“I’m surprised. You’ve always been inseparable.”

“Things change, Your Majesty.”