This is as good as any of the salves or spells the healers have heaped on him anyway. Jesper's hands soothing his back and cheek, his heartbeat against his ear. He's always had a knack for making the things that are too heavy a little lighter. But as bold and romantic as Jesper's wishes are, Wilhelm isn't so light as to get completely swept away.

"Is it really any better in the Free Cities?" he asks quietly, tilting his head to watch Jesper. Not challenging, just curious.

The Summoned there clearly weren't any safer from outside threats. Nothing had stopped the Acolytes from snatching them. As for threats within the faction...they were a country always ready for war, the same as Thorne. Always hungry for an advantage, they would chew up anything — and anyone — that gave them a little more power. Wilhelm may lack an inclination for politics, but he isn't so naive that he assumes those peace talks will hold forever.