Ari had insisted, despite Sastra’s enthusiasm that they call an end to their training for that day. But arm in arm they made their way back to the palace, chattering with excitement. It was Harn who greeted them, lent against the entrance of the more casual dining all. Ari broke away, running forward to explain their success in rapid Staven, but was caught. Harn’s fingers easing around her jaw as he bent to kiss her. The woman stilled beneath his touch and Sastra blushed. She ducked beyond the pair and moved to the serving table, where food for a communal meal had been set out.
There was an enormous bowl of curry, set in a metal pan filled with rocks so hot that they were glowing red. Sastra spooned out rice, some of the fragrant mixture and an onion mixture that had been coated in batte
