Redhawk Caldera And I've been working there myself

Her eyes widened a bit at 'prince.' It reminded her of the stories Ibis had told her—namely the one where she'd detailed how Akavir and herself had fallen in love. It was too bad Maia hadn't also found her prince. . .but, actually, she had.

Lilitu smiled at her friend's description of Eljay, but it was tinged with a little sadness. Had anyone opened up to her like that? She considered herself a pretty friendly person, but when it came down to it—who did she truly know?

Even Arielle, so long gone, seemed a stranger.

Easy looking back on it now, she said, teasing. It probably took a lot of courage for him. And who would be courageous for her? I'm so glad you two have each other. Really glad you were able to work everything out, she added, thinking of Maia's consternation long ago, when their future had not been so steady.

She walked on, her smile fading with each step. Sometimes I think it would have been easier in the place where I was born, she remarked. Maybe they would have married me off to one of the princes. There were a few, I think.