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“Did she make these?” I ask, tucking my hammer into my belt and slipping the treat from his hand.

He nods. “They’re really good.”

I look at him and frown.

“I know. I’m just as surprised as you.”? Korvin descends the ladder. My eyes follow him down and land on my mother, waiting at the bottom. She wears a flour-stained apron and a soft smile. Both become her.

I sink my teeth into the pastry and close my eyes. I’ve never tasted anything so delicious.

“Belwyn?”

I open my eyes. My mother is no longer alone, but in the company of two young women and a child. I get a sinking feeling. Korvin goes down first, and I follow him, my twisting stomach making it hard to keep my footing.

“This young lady says she knows you.”

I wipe my hands on my tunic and turn around. Amyrah and another girl watch my every move. They both carry several books. I evade Amyrah’s eyes, looking instead at my stained garb. Warmth rises under my collar. Clearing my throat, I approach them.

“Yes, Mother,” I say, keeping my eyes fixed determinedly away from them. “This is Amyrah. We’ve met, uh, a few different times.”

My mother raises an eyebrow at me, and the grin I force on my lips feels more like a grimace. She turns to the young women. Amyrah’s necklace glints from her throat, brighter than ever.

“And your friends?”

The other girl tugs the child closer. “I’m Wehna, and this is my brother, Arvo.”

I nod at them. The little boy stares around me at my brothers, a shy smile dimpling his cheeks.

“Hello, Belwyn,” Amyrah says softly, and I can no longer avoid her.

Her cool eyes, which I expected to heap condemnation on me, act more like a balm, stilling my accusatory thoughts.

“We should talk,” she says.

I can do nothing other than nod dumbly.

Picking up the hint, Wehna motions at the books in Amyrah’s hands. “Here, between Arvo and me, we can take those.”

With a grateful smile, Amyrah hands the volumes over.

“Thanks for helping me get them,” Wehna says, letting Arvo take ownership of the lantern. “I wouldn’t have worked up the courage to do it without you.”

Amyrah hugs her friend’s neck, then watches as brother and sister move down the street.

“Would you care for a spiced bun, Amyrah?” Mother moves toward the entryway, looking back in question.

“No, thank you.” She smiles. “But would you mind if I took your son for a walk?”

Now, I can feel my cheeks heating up as well.

Mother smiles. “Well, since he’s been a good boy and finished his jobs for today, I don’t see why not.”

I mumble something that sounds like ‘thanks’ as she hands me a lantern. I catch up with Amyrah, hoping she won’t be able to see my burning face.

We stroll quietly for a while, weaving through the streets without a destination in mind. When we step into the open air outside, she breaks the silence.

“Belwyn, the way we parted—”

I put out a hand, finding her forearm. “Please, don’t. I deserved that response.”