Chapter Thirty-Seven 

Melinda came to. She was in a soft bed in a richly appointed room. It was warm, and the smell of wood smoke and cloves filled the air. A fire crackled in the stone hearth, the mantel carved with flowers and vines. Where was she?

More importantly, when was she? She sat up, putting a hand to her head to stop the spinning.

"Please don't let me barf."

When Melinda opened her eyes again, Lucy knelt beside the bed.

"I thought I'd lost you, Mellie."

"The voices told me the choice was mine."

Lucy hugged her so tightly, Melinda squeaked.

"Okay, let me go, you're choking me."

Both of them had tears streaming down their faces. At least she didn't have to worry about looking like a raccoon. No makeup, no mess.

"Saints be, what happened?"

Lucy helped Melinda sit up then moved away from the bed. Melinda looked to James. His hand shook, his normally golden skin pale as hers. He fell to his knees, threw his arms around her waist, and rested his head against her chest.

"Do not ever do such a thing again. I thought I lost you to the future."

She sniffled. He looked wavy through her tears.

"I saw you reach for me through the voices and the lights."

Melinda glanced up to see Lucy quietly leaving the room.

"I kept you from returning home."

Melinda pulled him up to look him in the eye. "You are my home. I wanted to stay."

"You are certain?"

Anger rose within her. She slid off the bed, looking for something to throw. But it was Lucy's room, and she'd feel bad if she broke anything, so she'd settle for yelling.

"Why would a woman as intelligent, kind, and beautiful as you want the beast of Falconburg?"

Melinda turned and punched him in the stomach. It was like hitting rock. "Ouch, that hurt."

His head jerked up.

She would try to make him understand. To see the man she saw so clearly. Put it in words he could relate to.

"Why do you hide in shadow and darkness? Come into the light." Melinda took his face in her hands. "Can't you see? All your life, you have used your looks as a shield. Something to hide your true self behind. Now that shield has been broken, cast into the dirt. And you must rely on what is inside."

She pulled him to the bed, sat beside him, taking his hand in hers.

"As your face is your shield, your actions are your sword and the code you live by. Powerful and sharp. We use what we are given in this life. If something is lost, we use the other tools given us. Can't you see how much others look to you, value you?"

His insecurities had become a crutch. She kicked it out from him.

"I love you. People age, looks fade, and all that remains is what is inside. You are no beast."

Melinda touched his face, tracing the scars with a finger.

"You see me for who I am. Why can't you believe I see you for the man you are?" She held her hands up. "Look at me. I have no title, no money, no lands. You should not want me. I would make a poor match."

A fierce look crossed his face and something flickered in his eyes.

"I would be the most fortunate man in all the realms to have you for my own."

"So why can't you believe I feel the same?"