Rose grabbed Nathaniel's face and moved so she could look at him. She looked over his face and saw no change in him other than his skin was paler than it ever had been. She kissed his lips and placed her forehead against his.
"I still see the man I love, not loved, Nathaniel. My heart still belongs to you. I do not understand how you are here when I saw you die, but I will take whatever time I can have with you."
"No. I belong to her now. It is the only way I can keep you safe."
"You have lain with her?" Rose asked, feeling her heart break.
"Yes. I'm sorry, Rose. I could not risk her coming after you. But, I could not bring myself to walk away from you this night. I had to see you. I should not be here now. It puts you in grave danger."
"I would have willingly given my life for you, Nathaniel. I would rather you have let me die than to know that you no longer belong to me."
