The next days passed quickly, and I couldn't believe how different it felt to be a part of Corvax's life. Everyone in the castle seemed delighted when it became clear that I would be staying in Corvax's room.

It was, admittedly, a little embarrassing for my love life to be the focus of a whole island's gossip, but since they seemed to be cheering me on I decided to put up with it. Not that I had any choice in the matter: the servants were all too keen to spread the good news, and I doubted that even Corvax could have kept them quiet.

The only problem was that Corvax did have to work. After the first breathless day, a day in which we were scarcely out of each other’s arms, I realized that I had to give him space. Otherwise nothing would get done, and his clan was relying on him.

Our clan, now. Or nearly, at any rate. The final ceremony would have to wait until the Jester's Last Laugh was in port and I could finally say that I was staying. My mind was made up already though, and I looked forward to that day eagerly.

For now, though, I could take some time to see the island that would be my new home. The Rohar were happy to let me wander, though I noticed that this time whenever I left the castle someone was with me. It was done subtly, but I was being guarded.

I'd be offended if I hadn't nearly gotten myself killed the last time I was left to wander alone, I thought after a day of that. Turning to face my shadow, I beckoned to him and after a moment he made his way over, looking a little sheepish. I vaguely recognized him as one of Corvax's warriors, though if we'd ever spoken I didn't remember it.

"If you're going to keep an eye on me, you can at least be a useful guide," I told him. "What's your name?"

The young man smiled slightly at that. "I'm Jarax, my lady," he said. "What do you want to see?"

I thought about that, looking around the island and trying to pick a destination. I'd seen the beach, and even if they'd let me go up again I had no intention of trying another flight. Once had been quite enough for me! And the port... well, it looked impressive from a distance, but I didn't want to spend my time on an alien planet in an automated industrial district if I didn't have to.

"Show me what's left of the farmland," I said eventually. That was something important to the Rohar, after all.

Jarax nodded solemnly and took the lead, showing me the way through the grove of trees. He was a silent guide and I appreciated that — while I was getting better at the language it still took an effort to concentrate on my words, and I'd rather be looking around.

It was a beautiful walk, and I was starting to be able to tell the difference between the types of trees. Small animals hid amongst the branches, looking almost but not quite like monkeys. Their limbs were too long, for one thing, and when one jumped across the path I saw that it had gliding membranes under its arms.

So many new things to see, I thought as I watched it with delight. Then it was gone, vanishing back amongst the red leaves. Maybe someday I'll be able to get a better look.

The path left the trees and started down towards the sea, only to stop with an awful suddenness at a drop into the water. The road was broken, cracked and ruined, and I stopped at the edge to look at the ruined land below. A big chunk of the island had fallen into the sea, as though the ocean had taken a bite out of it. It must have been terrible, I thought, to be working on this land when the quake hit.

Work at reclamation was beginning, I could see that. A framework of girders closed the gap at the seaward edge of the bay, but there was a lot of work left to do before the sea could be held back and the water pumped out. If that was even possible: looking at the damage, I could scarcely believe that it could be undone.

But these people built a tower to orbit, I reminded myself, glancing back at the skystalk behind me. This ought to be easy in comparison.

Waves crashed over the remains of buildings and sharp rocks rose from the ocean. Jarax crouched beside me, looking down as well. A grim expression settled over his face and I wondered if this was personal to him.

"Are you alright?" I asked. He blinked as though surprised that I was there.

"Sorry," he said. "This is a cursed place, and every time there's a big storm the damage gets worse."

I looked at the framework again and saw that the metal had twisted in the grip of the winds that blew me out to sea. Some of that damage had been repaired, but it looked like the Rohar were losing ground. Not enough resources to both feed themselves and repair the damage, perhaps. No wonder the trade deal was so important to Corvax, and no wonder the Rohar were vulnerable until it was done.

"Did a lot of people die here?" I asked.

"Not as many as you'd think, perhaps," Jarax said quietly. "The old Protector saved many. He got my family out before..."

He trailed off and threw a stone out, hard. It vanished into the waves as he watched silently. When he didn't seem inclined to continue, I prompted him. "Before what?"

"I'm not sure I should say, my lady," he answered. "This is the Protector's story to tell."

"He's never talked about it," I said quietly, remembering the look of pain on Corvax's face when he told me about the quake. "What happened?"

Jarax looked torn and shook his head. "Ask him, my lady. Please. All I'll say is that there's a reason we're all loyal to Protector Corvax and his family."

I relented. It really wasn't fair to push the poor man, and I didn't want him to anger Corvax. "Okay. I'm glad your family got out when this happened."

Jarax smiled slightly, tension going out of his shoulders. "We lost everything that day, but it could have been so much worse. At least we survived to rebuild, and someday we will have our farm back. If I have to fight the Mother of Storms to get it."

Later, when the stars were out, Corvax found me on the castle battlements. I was at the same place he'd shown me on my first day on Crosos, looking out at the ruined farmland again.

"What brings you up here, my love?" he asked, his powerful arm settling around my shoulders. I snuggled into his warm embrace, feeling the comforting strength of his heartbeat.

"I went to see the farmland today," I told him quietly, feeling him tense as I mentioned it. "What happened there?"

"I've told you," he rumbled. "An unexpectedly powerful quake tumbled the land into the sea."

"There's more to it than that," I said, holding him. "I know there is."

For a long moment we stood silently, looking down into the darkness. The ever-present sound of the skystalk and the wind rustling through the trees provided soft background noise as I waited for Corvax to speak.

"It was a nightmare," he said eventually. "The quake hit in the middle of the night. I remember waking up, not knowing what was happening. Everything was moving, and people were screaming, but the castle was built to withstand worse. We were fine."

His voice was quiet, distant, as though he was back there rather than with me. "My parents were up and reassuring everyone when the news came. The seawall had collapsed, and the water had rushed in. They didn't hesitate, none of us did. We all ran to help out, and my parents were in the lead. We flew into the affected area, pulling people out of collapsed buildings, getting them to safety.

"Then the wave came. We'd expected it. A quake like that will often send up tidal waves, and everyone knows to get to high ground. Father told me to lead the refugees up to the skystalk, where they'd be safe. But my parents..."

He trailed off, and I hugged him tight. He didn't need to finish that sentence, he'd said enough. One last rescue, one last attempt to get someone out. If they were anything like their son, they'd have given their own safety no thought as long as even one of their people was in trouble. I could picture it, and it was like a hammer-blow to my heart. No wonder everyone here loves him and his family. His parents gave their lives for the people, and they all know that Corvax would do the same.

Standing on tiptoe I kissed him on the cheek, holding him close. And no wonder he's afraid of something happening to those he loves.

"I'm sorry," I whispered to him. "So sorry, Corvax."

He nodded, silently holding me tight. And in that moment, I promised myself that I would do whatever it took to keep him from feeling this pain again.

Together, we turned away from his painful memories and went inside.