Pal’s expression softens as he swallows his spoonful of ice cream, his gaze going distant and a little sad. He thinks about Cam every day, of course, but speaking about her with Gideon makes her seem closer—and less reachable—than ever. “Ah, well. Cam has always been a unique talent,” he says, not about to reveal just how unique Camilla Hect’s skills are among Sixth House fighters. Even here, a long way from the Houses and the empire, that feels like something worth keeping close to the chest.

“The world is your oyster, Nav,” he says, gesturing back at the row of ice cream flavors. “But if you haven’t tried chocolate yet, I highly recommend it.”