Sitting in the courtyard, Bae waited for Caspet. She was enjoying the five minutes of peace she had found. Feet on the chair in front of her and head buried in a book, she almost missed the moment Adelaide exited the palace. Adelaide made to turn back inside but Bae stopped her with a single word.

"Wait."

Adelaide did not speak. She didn't turn to face Bae.

Frustrated, Bae sighed, "You really are being very childish." That had Adelaide spinning on her heels, her ...