He closed his eyes for a moment and told his greatest lie. “I don’t love you. You are an admirable woman, more so than any other person I’ve known save Gurn. But that has little bearing here.” The faintest moan hovered between them before the afternoon breeze snatched it away. Martise clasped her hands together. “Would it matter at all if I said I loved you?” A part of Silhara, the smallest part that remembered his humanity and his ability to love, shuddered. “No.” He raised her head with a fingertip under her chin. Tears coursed down her wan cheeks and dripped onto his hand. He fancied they
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