Page 100
“I’m a demanding woman.”
“Fortunately, I am a patient god.”
She raises an eyebrow.
“Debatable.”
I kiss her.
Above us, the stars shimmer.
A soft magenta glow spreads through the roses, their petals opening beneath the moonlight.
Wren pulls back.
“Did you do that?”
I smile.
“Perhaps.”
“Show-off.”
“Only for you.”
She wraps her arms around my neck.
“Good. Because I intend to take full advantage of that tenderness you promised.”
I grin.
“Then we should begin immediately.”
I scoop her into my arms.
She squeals.
“Vidar!”
“Yes, my wife?”
Her laughter softens.
“Say that again.”
I kiss her forehead.
“My wife.”
She smiles against my chest.
“That sounds pretty good.”
I carry her toward our new home.
Behind us, the roses bloom beneath the stars.
And for the first time in three thousand years, I have no desire to punish the world.
