Chapter 42. Him, Singular

He was pulling me close to him, his wing caressed my side and he kept on kissing me, pouring me with his loving words.

I was standing beside Ranulf, as we were seeing him off. Durwin was clean and covered with the King's royal cloak. I stroked his handsome face and kissed him one last time. Then moments later, Ranulf's dark winged angels were taking him back to his homeland as part of their customary.

Strangely I did not shed a tear, Ranulf was to my side, standing tall and looking as if he was unaffected. His hand was entwined with mine, secretly saying that he was keeping himself strong for me. His thumb caressed my hand, knowing that we would mourn behind his door moments later, that we would cherish our memories in private.

"He would be very proud of you."

We were back to his chamber the moment Durwin was taken away to his homeland. He holds my face and kissed me deeply, I was trying so hard not to break, but eventually falls apart in his arms.