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“She let me go,” I admit finally. “My world is not one for a princess.”

“Hmm. Being raised with Edrys, and Aedre . . . I’ve thoughts of love more unique than most men.”

I tear my gaze from Hilla to look at the man who will be king of Meria.

“Take that damn hood down. I cannot see you under it, Aiken.”

Laughing, wondering what Baldric would think of Kipp’s boldness, and knowing, as surely as I know my own name, that he would think fondly of Kipp, I do take it down. Blocking out the world is the only part of being an Elderman I will miss.

“Unique thoughts of love?” I ask, in spite of myself.

“In Murwood, we don’t marry for advantage. There is no ruler—”

“Some would argue you have assumed that role.”

He ignores me.

“No need for pretense. For posturing. We aid each other. We survive together. And . . . we love. Without apologies.”

Assuming Kipp does know my feelings for Hilla, I still have little notion what the Voyager ways have to do with the princess and me.

“Surely you must know, having given your life to their protection, the Garra notions of love?”

I watch Hilla as she speaks to the captain, not once looking back.

“They believe it has the power to heal,” I say. “They resist the idea the Isle was broken because of love. They believe that Lady Edina would have found a way to be with King Onry if they were fated to be together. They say, instead, the Isle will become one again only because of love, not that it was broken because of it.”

“Do you believe them?” he asks.

I think of my mother then, of the many men she has been with. She does not believe in love. To her, it is a liability for her profession. But what of my own notions of love?

“I know not. I’ve had too few examples of love,” I admit, unable to take my eyes from Hilla.

“Master Baldric and Lady Hilla excluded?” he asks.

She turns this way, finally. Looks at the dock where Salvi and the others departed moments ago. I cannot see her expression from this distance. But I can see that she continues to stare at that spot.

“What are your unique notions precisely, Kipp?” I turn from Hilla to look at him.

“I believe in the power of love, as Aedre does and Edrys before her. I’ve been witness to its strength. To its ability to overcome obstacles. Someday, I will love as intensely as Aedre and Vanni. As my parents loved one another.” He blinks. “As you love the woman you’re letting sail away.”

“I do not let her sail away. Hilla has her own mind. This is her choice.”

“Why do you believe she made such a choice?”

When I turn back, Hilla still stares at where the Merian ship had been. Her shoulders sag. She is sad. I do not need to see her face to know it.

“I asked Hilla that very question.”

Kipp does not answer. Because he likely already knows. Only a fool could not see it.

Would she have come with me? Given up life at court to travel the Isle, more often in danger than not. For me?

Aye. She would have. I know why she made the choice to leave, because she told me.

Because I love you, Aiken.

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