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Levana cleared her throat, eyeing the quilt She loved everything about it--the design, the i it to her But she also knew that she could never look on soe of resentment

"The quilt is extraordinary," she finally said, standing "If it’s all right with you, I’ive it to your daughter when she’s older She’s the one that should have it"

Evret’s eyes widened with surprise, then, slowly, softened into a hesitant shness That’s…" He looked away, pressing his lips tight with emotion "That is incredibly kind You are incredibly kind Thank you"

She shook her head "You don’t have to thank ratitude, Evret"

He let his ar in front of him "My friendship, then," he said "If you still want it Though I’ of such a friend"

His s that Levana had to turn away, flustered She could feel her cheeks heating Her heart was a volcano, now, hot lava gushing through her veins

"No, Evret You must know that I think of you as rin froze His broitched with a hint of panic "Your Highness--I…" He shook his head "I didn’t wanta step toward him

"To give the wrong i the words with another tentative sirl Sometimes I think that you’re … you’re confused, but I know you mean well And I know you’re lonely I see how you are around the rest of the court"

Levana bristled, mortified to think of all he had seen Channary’s taunts, the court’s laughter …

"I know you need a friend I can help you I can be there for you" Dropping one corner of the quilt, he dragged a hand down his face "I’ I didn’t ?"

He flinched "I care about you That’s what I’ to say I’m here for you, if you ever need someone to talk to, someone you can be yourself around"

Levana bit her lower lip, irritated, but also filled with such adoration for this aze traced the continents of Earth, the patchwork of raw edges and shiold thread She inhaled, deeply

"I know," she said "I know you care aboutbashfully, she dared to ain "First the pendant and now the quilt It seeive me the whole world, Sir Hayle"

He shook his head "Only sohtened as she stepped closer, her bare feet treading across the luxurious quilt, crossing over Antarctica, the Atlantic Ocean … "Are you sure?" she asked, ih her lashes at a potential suitor "Are you sure that’s all you’re here for, Sir Hayle?"

His attention had dropped to her feet crossing over the quilt His brow furrowed "Your Highness?"