I shock myself with the request. I’ve never taken a serious lover, preferring casual one evening affairs or clear physical-only relationships. Boundaries between my sex life and my personal life have always been firmly in place, a necessity considering my position in Thayaria. And even though I know I’m not in love with Genevieve—not yet, at least—I know that she’s the first female who’s ever made me care this much. She’s the only person who’s been able to crack me wide open and start healing all the parts of me I’ve hidden away. The promise of what we might become in Thayaria, away from Velmara’s rules and customs, gives me so much hope for the future. It ignites something in my chest, making me hold my breath as I wait for her answer.

She hesitates, clearly unsure how to respond. I can understand her fear—her entire life’s been spent in the archives. Not to mention, she’s been pulled into a scheme to leave by someone she trusted before, with her governess, and it cost her so much. Leaving must be a terrifying prospect for her, but she nods in agreement, and I release a sigh of relief.

“Meet me in my room the night I dine with Mazus. Pack a bag, but pack light. Until then, we shouldn’t be seen together.” She only nods. I give her one last squeeze, then return us both to a sitting position. “You shouldn’t stay here tonight. Go back to your rooms and make a point to not be seen in my company for the next few days.”

Genevieve dresses quickly, and with a brief kiss, she departs. I only hope I can get us both out according to plan.

I pass the remaining days pouring through the books Mazus gave me, trying to get every possible detail locked away in my memory in case the books don’t make it out with me. I plan to pack them into a bag, but I also want to be prepared if something goes amiss. I’ve found an air channeler willing to take a significant bribe to aerstep us back to Thayaria. Once the dinner is over, I need to collect Genevieve, then get us safely to the Floating Market. True to her word, Genevieve stays away, and I don’t see her at all, not even in the archives.

When the evening of the dinner arrives, I dress in the scrap of fabric Mazus sent as my gown, this one even skimpier than the first. Like before, I wear fighting leathers underneath and use ivy vines to weave more coverage over my chest and arms. I sheath multiple daggers to my person, both visible and hidden. I spent the afternoon in my room, packing a single bag with my belongings and the books I hope to smuggle out with me.