[ The way she flinched and drew her hand back moments before is the reason why he doesn't take her hand again, and it almost surprises him when she reaches out to connect with him once more, smiling a little in relief. ]

Maybe this is the second Little Palace, the Darkling's summer home. [ Mal snorts, making a joke to cover up the fact that he's seen the similarities between the two so far and it concerns him, too. ]

Stop worrying, Alina. [ How many times has he said that since they joined the First Army? And how many of those times did she not even utter a single word, yet he still read her like an open book? ] I'll go back up soon. [ Maybe an hour, give or take.

Of course, as soon as she mentions food, his head swings to look at her in a way that's almost comical. ]

If I'd known Grisha women were this hungry all the time, I'd have chosen another best friend. [ Which is his way of saying: of course I'll avoid imprisonment to bring you snacks. ] At least I won't have to flirt with anyone to feed you this time.

[ Because flirting with Zoya had been so awful... ]