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So he does not have the sight of the Garra, and perhaps I’ve not made my feelings for Hilla obvious after all. He knew because she sought his help. His protection. To sail away from me.

“Why, Hilla?”

Her eyes are strong, and clear. Tis obvious she’s given the matter much thought.

“Because I love you, Aiken.”

The answer nearly fells me as if she struck me with a sword, and I am unarmed and unprepared for such an attack.

“How I can love a man I did not truly know, I am still uncertain. But with you, my resolve is weak. Had I told you my plans, and had you asked for me to join you, I would have done so.”

So there is hope still. “Then come with me now. We can speak on the journey. Do not leave this way, Hilla.”

She is resolved. I know it from the way she stands before me.

“What would we speak of? Our future together?”

I blink, unsure as ever what to say.

“I do not stay in any place for long,” I admit. “And am often surrounded by danger.”

“Go on, Aiken. Say it.”

I cannot. I will not.

“Tis no place for a woman, for a wife, by your side. Ahem is that what you wish to say?” she goads, and I take the bait.

“How often were you put in danger on this journey?”

“And yet, I am here. Hearty and well,” she snaps back.

“You should be at court,” I argue, “safe and well protected.”

“Aye? Is that where I belong?”

“Hilla . . .”

“What would you say to me, Aiken? Shall we prolong our goodbyes until after I land in Meria, in the midst of a war?”

Grinding my teeth together so hard my jaw hurts, I say nothing. She is a princess. I am no more than a mercenary, albeit one who fights for something more than coin. I fight for peace, for love. For all that Hilla wishes for this Isle. But I say nothing, because she is right. It is selfish of me to want to extend our goodbye when neither of us know what Meria will bring. Even if Hinton has besieged the capital, it would be safe still. But would it be safer for her to avoid it? Aye.

Can I have a future with the Princess of Edingham? Nay.

Tell her you love her anyway.

It will only make our parting more difficult. She is right. Hilla is best off to go home now.

“So this is where we part?”

She simply watches me in response, as if I should say more. Instead, I laugh.

“You’ve learned more from me than I would like, Hilla,” I say, referring to her silence. But clearly, she misunderstands. And I think of us, our limbs entangled, sleeping beside one another. Can I let her walk away, to board a ship bound for Breywood? This battle could take months, years even.

“I truly hope Kipp is successful. He will find friends at Breywood eager to treat with him. With his people,” she says sadly.

Tis something, at least. It seems as if a new path for the Isle, not only for Meria alone, may have been forged if Hinton can be held off. Even so, never in my life, not on the streets as a young child, not standing before Silvester, worried my identity may have been discovered, not during my training, never has my chest felt so heavy. As if my life’s blood was being drained from my body.

“Farewell, Aiken.”