Page 77 of Pregnant With Their Babes

“It is,” Dagr said. “But I don’t understand the language. I brought it, hoping someone here in the castle could translate it.”

“Perhaps it spells out the prophecy,” Oz said, smiling. “You’ve done it, Dagr.”

“Not yet. It might be a dead end for all we know. But it’s a place to start.” Dagr cocked his head at Oz. “And you yelled at me when I arrived. I bet you feel terrible right now?”

“I do,” Oz said before stealing another kiss. “I’ll repay my grumblings later—afterwe find someone to translate.” He paused a moment. “Is this the only reason you remained at Clyffsyde so long?”

Dagr shook his head. “No. I had other reasons. My grandfather is unwell.”

“I’m sorry to hear that. I’d heard his health was in decline, but had hoped it wasn’t as bad as I feared.”

Dagr sighed. “He has what the doctors calledcerebral absentia. His memory is failing, as is his physical health. He cannot remember who he is some days. I was lucky enough to have one good moment with him early on—but none since.”

“I struggle to imagine losing myself… my memories… the life we’ve had together.” Oz shivered. “It’s terrifying.”

“It is.”

“How is your grandmother faring through this?” Oz asked.

Dagr smiled. “Better than expected.”

“It must be hard on her… but then, she always was tough, as I remember her.”

“Recall what Llyr said about her outside the witch’s cottage?”

“That she’d been mourning her son through you?”

Dagr nodded. “He wasn’t wrong. She’s changed. For the better. And has apologized for making me think I was a nuisance—though now thinking back I have to wonder if my own doubts helped create that idea, too.”

Oz smiled. “I’m happy for you—that you’ve been able to find a connection now. Before it’s too late.” His smile faded. “Though now I wonder if I held you back from that connection in my selfish desire to have you at my side.”

Dagr stepped closer. “I was exactly where I wished to be. Never think otherwise.”

Oz smiled, grasping Dagr’s hand and squeezing it tight. He brought it to his lips and kissed the back of it. “What’s next for you?”

Silence hung in the air between them for a moment. What they bothwantedto be next was out of the question. That want rendered it hard for him to breathe.

“I’m to be the Duke of Clyffsyde. If I wish to claim the title after my grandfather passes.”

Oz hugged Dagr, joy filling him. “That’s wonderful news, Dagr.”

Dagr’s smile faded.

“Is it not?”

“I struggle to believe I can remain here without you, Oz. To be so close… and not be able to touch you. It mightdestroyme.”

Oz caressed Dagr’s face. “We can still find a way to be together.”

“Dalliances? Adultery once we’re both married to women we’re barely fond of? Having children with them and pretending every moment of the day until we can sneak away and hide our love? That’s not the life I crave, Oz. Is that whatyoudesire?”

“If it’s all I can have? I’ll take it.”

Dagr looked away. “I need more.”

Oz rested his forehead on Dagr’s. “IwishI could give you more. With my whole heart… but I have no idea how I can make that happen and still do my duty.”

“I wish it could be more, too.” Dagr took Oz by the waist. “Now I have to decide if I can survive on little bits and pieces of you after a lifetime of having you all to myself.”

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