Eliana's POV
Later that day, Astrid came to visit.
She came in like a tornado wind-raided hair, keen eyes, and what she plainly had no business carrying. She flopped herself on the edge of my bed disregarding what the healer said and without a second thought. Just Astrid, full of attitude and secrets she never quite tried to hide.
“Contraband,” she announced, producing a large, slightly crushed cookie wrapped in linen. “I had to bribe two kitchen apprentices and threaten one guard, so enjoy it.”
I took it slowly, hands still shaky, and gave her a look. “This better be good.”
“It’s molasses spice,” she said with mock offense. “You’re welcome.”
I managed a laugh. Just once. It hurt—low in my ribs—but it also helped. And that moment of normalcy, of irreverent humor in an atmosphere of g
