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"I, unfortunately, never received an extensive education in shit."

I reached for another coin.

Before I could throw it, one struck me squarely on the nose.

"Ow." I rubbed it with a scowl. "That hurt."

"Like your ego the next time I beat you.”

He chuckled, clearly pleased with himself. Then he took another sip of his drink.

I narrowed my eyes.

"You said you didn't have ale. I thought Vaelors couldn't lie.”

"They can't."

"But this isn't ale?"

"It is a brew."

I rolled my eyes.

"Clearly they did teach deceptive semantics in ship school."

His jaw twitched.

"I never attended a ship school."

"Then wherever one learns to become this insufferable."

His mouth betrayed another smile.

"Why am I somehow tired and awake at the same time?" I paused. “And giddy, too.”

"The Arrolyn and the treatment will do that." He leaned back in his chair. "You'll feel more alert at night and exhausted during the day until we can get you the antidote."

"Ah." I nodded. "You did tell me that."

"As for the giddiness..." His grin returned. "I am both charming and amusing, so the explanation seems obvious."

I reached for another coin.

Another flew at me first.

I ducked.

"You nearly took out my eye, Sir Eravic."

He laughed.

I smiled despite myself. Something in my chest warmed. My new knowledge of the past had made something in me lift, as though I had always wondered why the Baron hated me and now I finally understood. The hurt was not gone, but it had certainly lifted.

Moreover, one thing had become very clear these past few days: my mother had loved me.

“I am glad you appreciate my humor," I said. "I had forgotten I still possessed any."

His smile softened.