I came to Vesperhold after hearing that she survived the poisoning. The castle staff do not know that we once met in secret, so they introduce me as though I am a stranger. She looks at me politely, without the recognition I expected. She does not use the private nickname she once gave me or react to the ring I still wear. At first, I assume the poison damaged her memory. Then I notice that even her posture, speech and way of looking at me feel different. I wait until the others leave before closing the door behind them. “You may have forgotten me, but I have not forgotten what we were.”