"I meant only depending on yourself."

There were other ways to describe that kind of independence but it wasn't subject to where someone was or who was around them. Kat knew what it was like to be surrounded by a sea of people but feel completely alone. She'd had one person who made her feel like she belonged but that, like so many things, had been alive.

"A food taster?" Her mouth curved into a smile. "He did seem very interested in making pancakes at the forge. Does he cook a lot?"