Chapter 20: Unsettled

Tavin waited in the town square just before dawn. No one else was around. He hoped he was going to train with Chalea again; he was ashamed to even show his face in front of Valina. He would have to play it off somehow, but he had no idea exactly how. Tavin thought she was smart, beautiful, and strong, and his breath still caught when he saw her.

But as the day had gone on yesterday, and Aleanna kept him rapt in conversation, the more awkward he felt going to check on Valina. And before he knew it, he found himself back at his front door having never gone to see her. He knew he should have. She had faced Baelon and lived, even if she was injured in the process. He didn’t even know how bad it was.

The door to The Scattered Flower opened, and Chalea walked out, Valina close behind. Her leg was tightly wrapped in cloth, and she limped with each step, though she tried to hide it. Chalea’s glare could have sliced him to pieces. Tavin averted his eyes before they could meet with Valina’s.