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shelves lined the door-side wall.
    â€œI know it’s not much, but you’ll be safe here. I’m sorry I can’t do better.”
    Carter shook his head. “How can you be apologizing to us? Our lives were supposed to end hours ago; but we’re alive, together, and we have a home.” He and Maxon shared a look. “I know that what I did was technically treason, but it had nothing to do with a lack of respect for you.”
    â€œI know.”
    â€œGood. So when I say that no one in this kingdom will ever be as loyal to you as me, I hope you believe it.” Carter winced as he finished speaking and fell into the prince.
    â€œLet’s get you to the bed.” I moved under his other shoulder, and Maxon and I laid him on his stomach. He took up most of the bed, and I knew I’d need to sleep on the rug tonight.
    â€œA nurse will come check on you in the morning,” Maxon explained. “You can have a few days of rest, and you should stay in here as much as you can during that time. In three or four days, I’ll have you put on the official work orders, and someone from the kitchen will give you something to do. I don’t know what your exact jobs will be, but just do your best at whatever you’re asked.
    â€œI’ll check on you as often as I can. For now, no one will know you’re here. Not the guards, not the Elite, not even your families. You will interact with a small group of people on the palace staff, and the chances of them recognizing you are slim. Still, from now on your names are Mallory and Carson. This is the only way I can protect you.”
    I looked up at him, thinking that if I could hand choose a husband for my best friend, it’d be him.
    â€œYou’ve done so much for us. Thank you.”
    â€œI wish it was more. I am going to try to get some of your personal items if I can. Beyond that, is there anything I can give you? If it’s within reason, I promise I’ll try.”
    â€œOne thing,” Carter said tiredly. “When you get a chance, can you find us a preacher?”
    It took a second for me to understand the intention behind that request, and the moment I did, my eyes filled with happy tears.
    â€œSorry,” he added. “I know that’s not the most romantic proposal.”
    â€œYes, all the same,” I murmured.
    I watched his eyes get wet, and I temporarily forgot Maxon was even in the room until he spoke up.
    â€œIt’d be my pleasure. I’m not sure how long that will take, but I’ll make it happen.” He pulled the medicines from upstairs out of his pocket, setting them beside the food. “Use the salve again tonight, and rest as much as you can. The nurse will see to anything else tomorrow.”
    I nodded. “I’ll take care of us.”
    Maxon backed out of the room, smiling as he went.
    â€œDo you want some food, fiancé?” I asked.
    Carter grinned. “Oh, thank you, fiancée, but I’m actually kind of tired.”
    â€œAll right, fiancé. Why don’t you sleep for a bit?”
    â€œI’d sleep better if my fiancée was with me.”
    And then, forgetting I’d been hungry at all, I wiggled my way onto the tiny bed, half hanging off the edge and half squashed beneath Carter. It was shocking how easily I found sleep.

PART II
    I FLEXED MY HANDS OVER and over. They had finally healed, but sometimes when I had a long day, my palms swelled and throbbed. Even my little ring was pulled too tight tonight. I could see where it was fraying on one side and made a mental note to ask Carter for a new one tomorrow. I’d lost count of how many twine bands we’d gone through, but it meant a lot to me to have that symbol on my hand.
    Picking up the scraper again, I scooped the loose flour off the table and into the trash. A few other members of the kitchen staff were scrubbing floors or putting away ingredients. Everything for breakfast was