The Shadows Between Us

For some reason, my lovers cease to give me expensive presents once I turn down their proposals.

Alas.

His last word was my name. His last thought was of me.

I won.

I haven’t had many opportunities to make friends, and it has been my experience that most ladies do not like me. Not when I’m their competition for the attentions of men.

All the time in the world is worth nothing if I don’t get to spend it with you.

I laugh gently at that

“Both,” he admits. “As well as the idea of ever having to discuss such things with my mother again.”

I smile into my bowl. “And was it the idea of never getting respect or never getting to do more than look that did it for you?”

“She told me that if I persisted in looking, it was as far as I would ever get with the ladies. And she said no one would ever respect me if I didn’t respect them.”

“What words could have possibly persuaded you not to try again?”

“Oh, yes. When Lady Kalfas spotted me, she ratted me out to my mother, who gave me such a scolding that I was never even tempted to try again.”