I ignored the sting of that. Because it was likely a sting I deserved. Of course, she would not want to be near me. Of course, she would not want to accept me as a husband. She was beautiful and capable and had likely seen more worlds in the span of one cycle than I could dream up over my entire lifetime. I had little to offer her but the weight of the metal ring in my hand. But I held it up anyway, no matter how inadequate.
Aw oaken
