He leaves for the South scarcely a few days after she returns. Aravis had expected that, of course; Khalid had to ensure that her promise would be kept. Ishamiel adds, as a footnote that she never really asked for, that this is how Khalid has always done things—he rides to Tashbaan perhaps once a year to pay his respects and keep a watchful eye on his kin; the rest of the year, he is content to forget about the Northern cities and the Tisroc (may she live forever). He will not be your concern for a while. It was wisely played.

She does not try to put into words the feeling that simmers in her then, or how it bubbles up now and then, when she is being dressed in her armor, when his name is mentioned in reports, when the words she longs to say are too acerbic, even for her.

And so, when Khalid returns only two months later—with no explanation other than there is still business in Tashbaan needing my attention—Aravis says nothing, and allows him to linger. She watches him out of the corner of her eye, through meetings, meals, festivals, and prayers—and does not quite allow herself to wonder what might happen when only the two of them are left.