He pressed closer to me, indicating, like he always did in some sweet, gentle way when I shared something he liked learning, that he liked learning the spelling of my name before he muttered, “This was probably wise.”
“They were very wise,” I concurred then I said as if to myself, “I wonder if it’s the same goddess in both worlds.”
“This, my wee one, we will probably never know.”
Probably not.
“Though,” Frey went on, “I find, if you pay attention, there are curious links to your world and mine. For instance, the Aurora of this world could clearly be your mother in both.”
This was also true, I’d noticed that too.
I sighed. Then I muttered, “I wonder what the you of my world is like.”
His arms got tight and he said gently but firmly, “This, my Finnie, you will definitely never know.”
I had to admit, his firm response was a tad surprising but the words he said were undoubtedly true.
I brought the conversation around full circle and said softly, “You’re hungry.”
His arms relaxed and he murmured, “Indeed.”
“One of us should rustle up some food and since I haven’t decided how to get Skylar not to be terrified of me, that person should be you.”
“Indeed,” he repeated, again on a murmur but this one held humor.
“We need to eat and then we need to talk about Skylar,” I said softly.
Frey sighed before he murmured, “I had wondered when you’d get to that.”
My head tilted into the pillow. “Get to what?”
“You have been very patient, wife, but I knew eventually you would make your play to win Skylar. I see your face when you note someone is troubled. Atticus is an example, you felt his disappointment keenly, allowing it to settle in your heart, determined to do something about it. It is almost as if you experience other’s discomfort as your own and cannot abide it. Naturally, you bring light into every situation with a smile, an understanding look or a laugh, helping others to be instantly comfortable when they’re in your presence and if you don’t find this reaction, you set about doing something about it.”
God, what a nice thing to say.
And, incidentally, yes, I was so totally in love with this man.
Then he finished, “But I fear Skylar will be a challenge, even for you.”
“You’ll help me,” I guessed.
“I will, my winter bride, but he was gravely mishandled and the way he was, those wounds run deep in very dark places even your light might not penetrate.”
“Can it hurt to try?” I asked.
“Absolutely not,” I answered.
Oh yeah. I loved my husband.
Therefore I melted into him and declared, “So tomorrow, Operation Skylar commences.”
His arms convulsed and he laughed straight out. Then he bent in to kiss my forehead.
He left his lips there when he murmured, “I’ll see about food.”
He kissed me again then slid away but he pulled the velvet and hides over me until I was cocooned in warmth. In the dark, I heard him dress and then he lit the lantern by the door before I watched him pass through it.
And it felt wrong, his leaving the bed after what we’d shared and me not whispering “I love you” and also Frey not returning the sentiment.