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“That’s what you get for lying to your mother. You have had tributes before. They all act this way eventually. Why is Simon’s reaction affecting you so?”

Pressing my lips together, I refused to answer. I didn’t want to admit it out loud. It was selfish to want to keep him merely so I wouldn’t be alone anymore. Simon deserved better.

“You want him,” she said suddenly, like she could read my thoughts. I didn’t like it when she did that. It irked me.

“I don’t. I have no interest in?—”

She raised her hand threateningly towards my hair. “Lie to me again. I dare you.”

With a growl, I forced myself to my feet. At least standing, I was taller than her. It made my hair harder to reach.

“What do you wish me to say?” I demanded, frustrated. I’d come here for comfort. I should have known better.

“The truth,” she suggested, like I was being purposely stupid.

I glared at her. She crossed her arms and glared right back. We stood there wordlessly for a while until I finally caved and threw my hands into the air.

“I am not what he needs! I know this. But I cannot stomach letting him go. I don’t wish to be alone anymore.”

Her glower softened a little, and she sighed, shaking her head. “I know. I see the pain in your eyes when your tributes choose another. However, you are lying to yourself. Youarewhat Simon needs. He needs your strength to deal with his attitude, but also your softness to ease his pain. You still have a chance to keep him. You just need to pull your head out of your ass.”

I shot her a dirty look, but she was unfazed. I’d gained my patience from my father. My stubbornness was a gift from her.

“I’m not—” She raised an eyebrow, and I sighed, trying again. “I have never been with a male. I had no wish to. I don’t know how to keep him happy.”

“I’m sure there are others who will explain it to you.”

“Yes, and ridicule me at the same time,” I grumbled.

I trusted my brothers with my life, but there weren’t many who I would be willing to discuss such a delicate topic with. Had he still been alive, it was my father who I would have turned to for advice.

Again, it was like she read my thoughts. I appreciated it this time when Maman put her hand on my arm, rubbing itsoothingly. “He would have been happy to explain things. I’m sorry he is not here to do so.”

My chest ached when I thought of my father. His loss cut me deeply. I still mourned him, even so many years later. Maman, too, though she’d never admit it. He was her other half. She was heartbroken when he passed.

“So what do I do?” I asked, defeated.

“Speak with the scribe,” she suggested. “He has a tender heart. He will answer your questions without teasing. And speak with Simon. Given his life before he arrived here, I’m sure he’s experienced enough for the both of you.”

Basedon the noises coming out of Rath’s tent, it wasn’t a good time to ask to speak with his bondmate. I left them alone and headed back to mine, only to find it empty. My heart stuttered, and I feared for a moment that Simon had run again, but he poked me in the side to get me out of his way as he came in behind me.

“Move. I’m getting drenched.”

Stepping aside, I allowed him to pass. He was at least smart enough to bring a cloak to protect himself, so he was drier than I was. He didn’t look pleased, though, and he was shivering when he crawled back into bed.

Worry coursed through me, and I quickly stripped out of my wet clothes, pulling on dry legwear before joining him in bed. He was surrounded by furs, with only his face poking out, and he looked so very unhappy. I hated that.

“Can I help you?” I asked, not wanting to touch without his permission. He was right, he’d had enough choices taken from him.

“How?” he demanded, glaring up at me. “Are you going to bring me home?”

I shook my head, not reacting to his baiting, instead opening my arms to him. “I can warm you up.”

He frowned at me, glancing at my open arms and then back to my face almost suspiciously. I waited patiently, and he eventually wiggled forward, bringing the furs with him as he settled into my arms.

“Why are you so warm?” he complained. “You were outside longer than me, but it’s like you were unaffected by this awful weather!”

I hummed, resting my cheek on top of his head. The color was starting to come out, showing the pale blonde underneath. It was pretty, but I liked the petal color more.