Silently, the woman began to unwrap Bitterblue’s bandages and apply the salve to her frostbitten toes. The relief from pain was immediate, and consummate. It was also throwing Bitterblue’s hunger into such sharp relief that she was almost nauseated. She was finding it difficult not to lean out of the bed and stare at the bowl of stew on the tray by the door. She hoped it was thick with meat. It smelled thick with meat.

She was trying to decide how much to say. Bitterblue seriously doubted that this woman, who was young, closed-faced, and avoiding her eyes, was in charge. Every time Bitterblue spoke, she looked more unhappy. “I want to know your plans for me,” she said.

“We have one rule,” the woman said.

Bitterblue was so startled to hear her finally speak that it took her a moment to be sure of the translation. “One rule?” she repeated.

“One rule you must follow,” said the woman, her mouth tight with a misery that made her look very young indeed. She hates this, Bitterblue thought. Could I turn her into an ally?

“What’s the rule?” she asked.

“If there’s anything you want,” said the woman, “you will ask for it. I gave you the salve without you requesting it this time, so you would know what it was, but if you want it again, you will ask. Understand?”

“Certainly,” said Bitterblue, who was beginning to feel a quiet, low hum of panic. Her captors weren’t going to give her whatever she asked for. This rule was a trick.

“There’s nothing you want?” said the woman.

Bitterblue wanted so many things. She wanted her heartbroken friends to know she was alive. She wanted to know who was holding her here, and what their plans were. She wanted to know where Giddon, Hava, and her advisers were right now, and if they were safe. She wanted rescue or escape. She wanted to kill whoever was in charge. The pain was returning to her feet, so she wanted more salve, and most of all, she wanted the stew on the tray.

“There’s nothing I want,” she said.

“Very well,” the woman said, standing, striding to the door. Bitterblue watched, aghast, as she returned the pot of salve to the tray, then lifted the tray in one hand. She reached for the doorknob.

“Wait,” said Bitterblue.

The woman turned back. “I forgot to add,” she said, voice flat, “that you should always ask politely.”

Bitterblue took a breath. “Please,” she said, “would you wait?”

The woman nodded. “Go on.”

“Please,” said Bitterblue, “may I have something to eat?”

The woman lifted the bowl from the tray and placed it on the rug beside her feet. Then she stood there, waiting.

“Thank you,” said Bitterblue.

“I’ll stay until you’ve eaten it,” the woman said.

“Please, would you bring it to me?” Bitterblue said. “I’m in a lot of pain.”