Thayet padded down the stairs. She loved the palace best when it was quiet, which only happened late at night. Now, she didn't feel as though she was being scrutinised, as though she had to put on a front, or a show for the Court.
She was heading to the library. Unable to sleep, she figured she'd seek solace in the place that had offered her so much comfort in her early days in Tortall.
Entering the library, she found a redheaded boy slumped out over one of the tables. She smiled, wondering if Jonathan had been reduced to this in his youth.
Studying the boy, Thayet felt an odd surge of emotion filling her. But that was probably because of how late it was - she hoped she'd eventually manage to sleep.
Gently, she placed her hands on his shoulders, and shook him - unable to place him in the palace, she was at a loss for what his name might be.
He stirred groggily, and looked up at her. "Dreaming?" he asked, frowning.
"No, you've fallen asleep in the library," Thayet corrected. "I thought you might be more comfortable in your own bed."
"Must be dreaming," the boy said sleepily. "You're still here."
Puzzled by his comment, Thayet decided to leave him to himself.
Cleon rubbed his sore neck, vowing never to fall asleep in the library again. Never mind that - once he passed his Ordeal, he wasn't sure he'd set foot in the library again.
"Cleon?" There was a rapping at his door. He pulled it open to discover Kel. She smiled fondly at him, but it didn't thrill him the way it used to. "Cleon, are you coming to lunch?"
"Of course," Cleon replied. "I'm just finishing a letter to my mother - I'll be five minutes."
Kel's face fell slightly, but he shrugged it off. "All right. I'll see you in there, then."
Cleon nodded distractedly, and Kel closed the door behind her.
Five minutes later, and there was a rapping on the door again. He rolled his eyes, and opened it to discover-