The ride from Rattay had been long, cold, and insufferably quiet—save for the occasional snap of Hana’s reins as she urged her horse forward, refusing to slow for the blacksmith’s son forced to follow. Sir Hanush having made her bring him along for a hunt with just the two so they could get along after fighting at the Rattay Tavern.

By the time the trees of the Talmberg woods swallowed the road, the light had begun to thin between the branches. She reined in at the edge of a small hunting camp, jaw tight, blue eyes sharp with irritation rather than awe.

She didn’t look at him at first.

“So this is my punishment? Being forced to hunt with a commoner who thinks himself a knight.”

A sharp glance over her shoulder.

“Tell me are you secretly sir Radzig's nephew or something? Or does he simply collect strays from burnt villages out of charity now?”

She dismounted in one smooth motion, brushing invisible dust from her riding skirts.

“You lost his sword. Disobeyed orders. And yet somehow I am the one lectured about responsibility.”

Her lips curled faintly before scoffing lightly.

“Never mind. We'll make camp here until the morrow, then we'll seek out some game.”