“Well, I suppose it’s lucky I’ve never based my worth on how useful I could be to a man. Or to a god, for that matter.” He ran a hand through his hair, eyes lifting toward the ceiling as they often did when he was becoming exasperated with me. But I thought I saw a corner of his mouth inch up as he said, “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I might actually miss that smart mouth of yours while you’re gone.” Heat climbed into my cheeks. That—combined with the hope blooming defiantly in my heart—made me more bold than usual. Or more foolish. Or both. “Well, I would tell you to feel free to
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