He studies me, his eyes serious. “I whispered the rumors of the stone to Dimitri.”
“You orchestrated the entire thing?” I demand.
My stomach rolls, and I think I might be ill.
“It was the only future where you didn’t die. I did what I needed to do, when I needed to do it, to keep you alive.”
“You kept me with you until it was finished,” I accuse. “You knew he was going to kill her!”
“If you had gone home early, it would have been you. She loved you and your father very much.”
I swallow another sob.
“I am sorry.”
With nothing left to say, Ergmin leaves me. I glance across the grave at my father. He sits next to the tombstone, staring into the distance.
Thankfully, I doubt he heard any of the conversation.
“I don’t haveto leave today,” Galinor says. “I can stay.”
He wears a winter cloak, and he’s ready to travel. His blue eyes aren’t as bright as usual, his expression not quite as warm.
He’s still the most handsome man I’ve ever met.
I cross my arms to block the chill. “You’ll be missed, Galinor. You’ve been gone a long time.”
He takes a step forward. “How long until I may return?”
“You will always be welcome here. You know that.”
“You know what I mean.” With a quiet smile, he takes my hands. “When will it be appropriate to ask for your hand?”
My heart breaks as I close my eyes and twine my fingers through his. “I can’t leave Father.”
Galinor steps closer, his eyes intent on mine. “You’ll never marry, Anwen?”
“What choice do I have?”
“You can both come to Glendon. We’ll take care of him together.”
I shake my head. “He wants to stay here, where they were happy.”
He sets his forehead against mine and runs his fingers through my hair. “I’ll wait for you.”
I step into him, wrapping my arms around his waist as I lay my cheek against the fine material of his doublet. “You can’t do that. You’re a prince—it’s your duty to marry.”
“But I only want you.” He laughs softly as he says the words, and it’s a heartbreaking sound.
Galinor holds me for the longest time, but I break away first.
I need to let him go.
“I will never forget what you’ve done for me.”
His expression solemn, he says, “You’ve done as much for me. And I’ll never forget you.”
Before he goes, he kisses my hand, holding it to his lips for several seconds as if he can’t bear to let go. And then he’s walking down the steps and out of my life.
