It’s exhausting to act against my protective instincts, and I’m far too tired to fight the mating . . . He faced the front. The thought of you in danger without me there to defend you will drive me mad. You have no idea how much effort it took to keep up the pretense while you were in the castle. When I said nothing he added, I was only able to do it because the alternative was so much worse. If you wish to continue, I’ll stay with you for as long as I can, but I cannot leave you alone and unprotected. I took a final glance around. Unless you wish to help me? he asked.
