I roll over Lee’s body, a snowflake suspended on his eyelash, his cheeks red from the cold. He doesn’t seem bothered by it, nor my chilled palm as I cradle his face in my hand.
“This and every life,” I repeat. My own promise. My own vow. The absolute and utter truth. “I am yours, my warrior. And I will love you until everything goes dark.”
Epilogue
A bell is rung as a vessel docks at the harbor, tradesmen loud as they hawk their wares. Nets are brought ashore, the smell of spoiled fish strong here.
I continue toward the center of town, the walls surrounding the stalls and households far off, my own private home farther still. My sword sits at my left, the metal never far from my grasp if I can help it.
Children run in the space between merchants, minders attempting to corral them. A few mutter apologies my way, but I simply nod and continue on. It’s no bother to me.
I’m nearly to the shoemaker when I see a new stall set up, a man I’ve never met before standing behind a table. His hair is golden, shining in the sun, his skin tanned and his muscle lean. I move his way.
He spots me approaching, his eyes running quickly from my face to my sword. I’m not in full armor, but he recognizes me for what I am.
“Greetings,” I say, stopping before his stall. There are small cakes set out, dainty morsels I daresay I’d finish in two bites.
“Welcome.”
“Are you selling these?”
He makes a short sound. “You do not want those.”
“Do I not?”
“No.” He lifts a lid from beside him, pulling a slim rectangle of bright yellow out. “Here.”
“Will it cost?”
His lips quirk. “Of course.”
Taking his wrist in my hand, I bring the offering close. The merchant’s eyes widen when I snag the food from between his fingertips, my lips brushing his skin. My own eyes widen as I register the taste on my tongue.
He clears his throat, reclaiming his hand. “Honeycomb.”
“It is delicious. You have a hive?”
“Yes.”
“And the cakes?”
“Baked myself.”
I hum, licking honey from my bottom lip, a move he follows with his gaze. “Do you have more for me?”
His lips press into a smile, even as he busies himself with straightening his stall. “Perhaps tomorrow.”
“And what if I do not wish to leave as of yet?”
His eyes meet mine, startlingly blue, far more beautiful than the waters off our shore. “I hardly believe I could force you.”
He pointedly eyes my sword, and I huff a laugh.
“I think you doubt your power,” I tell him. “Where are you from?”
“Not far.”
“But you are staying?”
