““I wonder if it’s meant to be punishment for something one can’t forgive oneself for. Or an external expression, Lady Queen, of an internal pain? Or perhaps it’s a way to realize that you actually do want to stay alive.” “Don’t talk about it as if it’s a life-affirming thing,” Bitterblue whispered, furious. Madlen studied her own hands, which were large, strong, and, Bitterblue knew, infinitely gentle. “It’s a relief to me, Lady Queen, that in your own pain, you take no interest in hurting yourself.” “Why would I?” Bitterblue flared. “Why should I? It’s foolish. I would like to kick the people who do it.” “That would, perhaps, be redundant, Lady Queen.””
