“I’m going!” Hani said, but Jainan didn’t care. He shut the door behind him and was enclosed safe in the calm oasis of Kiem’s rooms, finally alone.

He expected to feel relief. He had always counted his time alone in the palace like gold dust. But, somewhat to his surprise, he strode impatiently through the room and rooted through drawers in the bedroom to find Kiem’s clothes, not pausing even to sit down. There were still things to be done.

A staccato tapping on the window heralded the arrival of the doves, who had obviously seen movement and hoped for food. Jainan knew it was Kiem who fed them; he had caught him at it several times. Jainan had no time for them right now but the sound was familiar and reassuring.

His wristband chimed. He tapped it to make it stop and glanced at the messages that had come in while he was out of signal. There were more than he’d anticipated: he could ignore most of the College communications, but the flurry of messages from Gairad caused a sharp pang of guilt. She was still messaging him about the project, trying to work out how Kingfisher had set up their refinery.

He sat down and tried to sort out a reply. Gairad had no idea what Professor Audel was doing. It could be dangerous for her to stay on the project. And yet, he had given his word to Internal Security, for the sake of the Empire—for the sake of Thea.

He spun through to Gairad’s last message. I’ve found some plans I need you to see. I’ll meet you on Carissi.

Jainan’s resolution wavered and gave way. He messaged back, I will see you there. Then he took his wristband off, opened a drawer, and dropped it at the back for the night.

“Hey,” Kiem said from the bedroom door.

Jainan whirled around. “I thought you were in the clinic.” I was coming, he wanted to say, but Kiem was giving him his best hangdog look.

“I flirted my way out of it,” Kiem said. “I was shameless. I just wanted the fuss to stop. Forgive me?” His tone was half-bantering, half-serious, and the serious parts made something odd happen in Jainan’s chest.

“Now you’re trying it on me,” Jainan said as Kiem crossed the room.

“Is it working?” Kiem said, and before Jainan could reply, he kissed him.

It was light and tentative, as if now that they were back in the palace, they had to learn how to do this all over again. Jainan took hold of Kiem’s shoulder and deepened the kiss. There was a long moment of intense silence, and then Jainan took a breath and said, “It’s working. Are you trying to bribe me into letting you use the shower first?”

“Is that working?” Kiem said. There was a laugh in his voice for no good reason. “Promise I’ll be quick.” Jainan waved him in. Kiem stumbled on his next step, but he quickly righted himself and shot Jainan a grin. “Too much mountain climbing.”