"I know. I am tempted to wait for the Watch, as I should have done back at the ship. I'll be a long time regretting that." Her voice broke, but she plowed on. "There are some questions I need answered. Cerest has the knowledge, and I think he'll give me what I want."
"I'll go with you," Ju Feng said, "in case he proves reluctant."
"Thank you," Chang Chang said. "I know it's more than I deserve, after the way I've used you."
"Don't," Ju Feng said tersely. "You don't owe me anything."
"I never should have kissed you," Chang Chang said. "I made you feel my death, and you weren't ready for that. It was a very unromantic gesture." She put her head on Fa Mu's chest. It took several breaths, but when she was strong enough, she looked up at Ju Feng. "How long have you known? You said you'd never touched me—"
