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“I am yours,” I whispered in his ear. “Always and forever. Of this I have no doubt. ”

His smile washed away the tension in his face as he firmly kissed my lips. “Nor do I. ”

At last we stumbled back to the bed and reclaimed it as our own. Again, I fell asleep in his arms.

Later-

I woke to the sound of whispering voices. Stirring, I realized I was alone in my bed. I rolled onto my side and gazed past the drapes of the canopy to see Ignatius and Magda speaking. She had apparently brought him a nightshirt and robe, which he now wore. His hair was mussed and his beard more visible, but he was still quite handsome as he smiled down at her.

“And he is doing well?”

“Astir has given him small tasks to do about the haven and has provided a tutor. I wish I could bring him here, but with things such as they are, I dare not,” Magda answered.

I could not help but smile. It is Ignatius’s nature to think of others. It was that aspect of his inner man that had brought us together. He had rescued me from the vampire hunters and sealed our fate. Sitting up, I cast off the coverlet and stretched my limbs.

“Night has come too soon,” I grumbled.

Magda hurried over to help me into my dressing gown, fussing with my tangled hair. “Oh, it shall be unmanageable tonight,” she lamented.

“I like it unfettered. ” Ignatius reached past her to touch one curling lock.

My lips bowed upward as I gazed at him lovingly.

“You’re not the one who has to deal with it. ” Magda gave him a sharp look and continued to try to bring order to my curls.

“He’s the one who mussed it. ” I beamed as Magda threw up her hands in despair.

Chuckling, Ignatius lightly patted Magda’s shoulder. “I’m certain you shall work your magic and it shall be immaculate. ”

“Her hair is just as difficult to deal with at times as she is,” Magda grumbled, but her affection for me tinged the harsh words.

“I am quite lovable. ” I leaped from the bed.

Ignatius sat at my vanity, looking bemused. “Indeed you are, despite your many, terrible flaws. ”

I furrowed my brow at him. He reached out to snag my wrist and draw me into his arms. I pretended to resist, but went to him willingly.

Despite his impending departure, I was happy. Sleeping in his arms and rising to see him fitting so comfortably into my life was a salve to my torture psyche. Though I enjoyed my friendships with Laura and Percy and my training times with Adem, I realized how terribly lonely I had been without Ignatius.

At my insistence, Magda prepared a bath for my lover and I lingered at his side as he sank into the warm water. Our conversation was superficial and lighthearted for we had spoken of the darker things during the day and set them behind us. Dwelling upon the difficulties and dangers of our situation would only dampen our spirits and we both seem inclined to enjoy our last moments together.

Dragging my fingers through the steaming water,

I smiled with contentment.

“I am surprised you haven’t killed the baroness yet. ” Ignatius’s wet hair clung to his neck and shoulders as Magda washed it.

“I wish she would,” Magda sniffed.

“Shush, you. ” I pouted slightly. “It is in my best interests to not slaughter her, but to bring her close to me. ”

“You’re plotting against her. ” Ignatius nodded his head with understanding.

I simply shrugged, watching Magda pour warm water over Ignatius’s hair to rinse it. She was pleased with his appearance in my life, but I could tell she was anxious about his departure. It was Adem’s men who had brought in the water for the bath - not Csilla’s servants - in an attempt to keep word of Ignatius’s presence from reaching the ears of dangerous creatures.

“If I were, would you condemn me?” I tilted my head as I arched an eyebrow.

Shaking his damp head, he answered, “No. Just be wise about it. ”