Cecelia looks at least as nervous as Palamedes feels, but she doesn’t shy away, and for that he is infinitely grateful. He comes forward, moving quickly enough as he walks down the hall that his robes float up behind him, and when he reaches her, he tries, with care, to take one of her hands in both of his. If she resists, though, he certainly will not force it.

“Oh, I’ll insist upon it. No offense, but I like you much better this way.”