Having had a similar conversation more than once before, Maria knew they could argue (and she would stubbornly argue) about who was right to be thankful. But as she thought about it, she supposed they were both entitled to it, having done some good to each other’s lives, and though Aligoté seemed to have risked a lot more by moving to a completely different universe, she’d given just as much for them to get to where they were.

His comment about the castle reminded her of their present situation, however, and that it had to be dealt with. “Oh, right.” She straightened up. “We’re in Aquios, capital of the Sacred Kingdom of Aquaria. This castle is not only the home of the queen, it’s also the holy site of the Church of Apris - and a runological lab.”

She glanced at the doorway behind them. “We should probably go and look for Fayt, before we get arrested.”