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I nodded, nuzzling against his chin. “Yes. It is a way to bring the tribute into the clan and show they are bonded to one another.”

Simon tapped the necklace that rested against my chest. “Then why do you have this?”

I touched that necklace, a faint smile crossing my face. “It was my father’s. Typically, fathers give their sons a necklace when they become men and begin taking on duties for the clan. My father was gone before I came of age, so Maman saved it and gifted it to me instead. So that I can carry a piece of him with me wherever I go.”

He gave me a sympathetic smile and a kiss, then surprised me with a pout. “Now I feel bad for wanting you to wear the one I made you.”

My brows drew together as I frowned at him. “What do you speak of?”

He lifted one slender shoulder. “When Maman said men give necklaces to tributes, I thought it was cute. I wanted to make you one too. But I don’t want you taking that one off. That’d make me a jerk. So nevermind. I’ll?—”

“I want it,” I interrupted. “Who’s to say I can’t wear both?”

He faltered a little, then made a face. “I didn’t think of that. Fine. But you can’t judge me for the craftsmanship. It was my first try.”

He pulled a wrapped cloth from his pocket, offering it to me. Carefully, I opened it, and a smile stretched across my face when I saw what lay inside. It was similar to the one I’d made him, formed from clay and tied with a bit of leather. But where mine was more plain, Simon had painted the one he made me to make it look like a flower.

“What is it?” I asked, running my fingers over the painted petals.

“It’s the flower scent in my soap. So that you’d think of me no matter what. I’m selfish about your attention, you know. I always want you thinking about me.”

He said it in a huff, but it drew a smile from my lips. I liked him selfish. Because he selfishly wanted me, and after so many choosing another, I wanted nothing more than to be wanted by him.

“To me, raknar, you will always be everything.”

He gave me a soft smile, leaning his forehead against mine. “And I’ll always choose you. No matter what.”