They spent many evenings after that beneath the flowering palms, where Merenrys would sit cross-legged upon silk carpets and comb her teal hair while Adrewine nibbled on figs beside her.

“Why do you live up here, so far from everyone?” Adrewine asked one evening, watching Merenrys’ reflection in a basin of water.

“Because it is easier to hear the world’s truth in silence. This was how I found you after all,” Merenrys said. “also because loss teaches solitude.”

Adrewine tilted ...