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“Who bandaged this? A raccoon?” He began to unwind it.

“Hey, Harry did his best.” She watched as his carefully pulled the pad of gauze from her arm and inspected the rash. He tutted, his brow furrowed and creased in concern. “I’m all right. It’s really not bad. It’ll be fine in a day or two.”

“Yes, but…” He sighed. “I know. You aren’t so fragile. I just can’t help but worry. I’m glad this is all you suffered.” He put the gauze back on and re-wrapped the wound. She had to admit, it was a much better and more comfortable job than before. He is a doctor, don’t forget.

“What do we do next?”

“I recommend we rest, order room service, and then quickly leave town tomorrow. If you feel up to it, I recommend taking hold of the talisman and seeing if it gives you another clue as to where the third piece might be.”

Nodding, she looked back out over Istanbul. “Gideon?”

“Yes, princess?”

“I want to see the world. I want to learn about it. I want you to walk me through the streets of old cities and tell me everything you know about them. I want to live. Really live. It might be a nice change of pace.”

He was silent. When he moved close to her, and tilted her head to his to kiss her, she thought she tasted a tear on his lips.