Shame washes through Inej, but she knows better than to lie to a Grisha, and to her friend.

“I’m not upset at you,” she distinguishes, because it is something to distinguish. She is upset, but not with Nina. Never with Nina. Her smile is raw and rare but it is real. “I get to be an aunt, and a life is holy and wonderful.”

Inej sniffles a little, sips her tea. “I’d like one, some day.”