“Marry me.” She rose from the bed we shared and wandered a few steps away, the moonlight casting a pale glow upon her fair skin. “Why would you ruin what we have by asking me that?” I raised up on my elbow, frowning. “How’m I ruinin’ it? I want you to be mine forever. Do y’not want the same, lass?” Her sigh seemed oddly tinged with sorrow. “Of course I do. It’s just . . .” When she turned her head to cast a glance back at me, I swear I saw a flash of light in her eyes, but it faded so quickly, it must’ve been a trick of my mind. “My father promised my mother forever, love,” she explained. “And then he died. Don’t make me any such promises. Just promise me now. That’s all I require.” My chest tightened at the pain in her eyes. “I’ll promise whatever y’ask.” I extended my hand to her. Without a word, she drifted back to me, slipping under the blanket and letting me wrap her in my arms. “Tell me you love me,” she murmured, her cheek resting on my chest.
