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He made the sign for squid, but she didn’t understand.Crabs. Lobster. Shrimp. Shark. Gulls, sometimes. Sometimes kelp and moss, occasionally urchins. Mostly fish.

“Try the dragonfruit first,” she suggested.

The humans used the spiky piece of metal to stab the fruit, so Kaerius did the same. He stabbed a piece of fruit and popped it in his mouth.

It was indeed mild, like a sweet bit of trout, and he smiled gratefully at the princess.

“Do you like it?” she asked.

He nodded.

The princess told him a little more about the Boravian delegation and the others that would come in the following days while they finished. Kaerius tried the bread alone, with no fig spread on it, and found it palatable, though with a strange texture like that of a sponge at first, until it dissolved into sludge between his strange, flat, human teeth. The tiny nibble of cheese he attempted was still overpowering, but he managed to keep his reaction to a wrinkling of his nose. If he would be here for a month or more, he would need to find a few things he could eat.

Finally the princess said, “I am glad to see you looking better.” Then she looked to Brighton, who stood and motioned Kaerius to do the same.

“I will bring him tomorrow at four, Your Highness,” said the guard, with a bow.

“Thank you.” Her kind smile encompassed them both.

The prince bowed deeply to her, as Brighton had, and then knelt to catch her hand in his and press it to his forehead again. It was an extravagant gesture, especially since he was royaltyhimself, but he felt that a little extravagance was warranted, since he could not express himself with words.

Then, having expressed his devotion as clearly as he knew how, he lifted his face. Ever so gently he flicked out his tongue and licked the back of her hand.

She jerked away with such violence that he flinched in remorse. “What wasthat?” she cried.

I intended no offense, he signed earnestly.It is done among my people between new friends, to learn each other’s scents and tastes.He held out one hand palm upward, for her to taste him.

Brighton said, “I didn’t see what he did, Your Highness. You’re not hurt, are you?” He stood close with one heavy hand on Kaerius’s shoulder to throw him to the floor if necessary.

“No.” The princess wiped her hands together, as if to wipe away the feel of Kaerius’s touch. “I think helickedme! Just a little, like a taste. I’m not hurt.”

Brighton rounded on him ferociously. “You can’t just go aroundlicking people! That’s disgusting!”

Kaerius swallowed and bowed his head, feeling more out of his depth than before. It was one thing to be undone by unfamiliar foods and cold and the relentless pull of gravity. It was entirely another to find that his respectful gesture of affection and friendship was so utterly misconstrued.

“Why would you lick me?” Marin’s voice shook.

The prince looked up to meet her eyes, hoping she could see the remorse in them.I wanted to claim you as friend, and I would be honored if you claimed me as friend in the same way. It is not disgusting among my people; I had no idea you would take it so. I am sorry, Your Highness. I do not wish to displease you.His broad shoulders slumped a little.

“I didn’t really understand that,” Marin said in a steadier tone. “But I take it you were apologizing?”

He nodded.

“You didn’t mean to offend me, I assume?”

He shook his head.

“Is that… is that a normal gesture among your people?” she ventured.

He nodded again and offered his own arm, to indicate that the gesture was expected to be reciprocal.

“No, thank you,” she said in a strange, tight voice. Her lips twitched. “I’m not in the habit of licking new acquaintances.” She swallowed and cleared her throat. “You can’t lick people, Kai. It might be normal where you are from, but it isn’t normal here, and people will take offense.”

He nodded, feeling more miserable by the second.I am sorry, Your Highness.

Marin took a deep breath and let it out. “All right. All is forgiven. I will see you tomorrow.”

Brighton bowed, and only now did Kaerius stand. He bowed more deeply, offering a sign of gratitude.Your kindness is more beautiful than I imagined, Your Highness.