“You've become my friend, and I love you."It was right and true and that made saying it easy.She heard the surprise in the intake of his breath."And I, you, Helen. I think I've loved you since the moment you first stood on my doorstep." He paused. "But now, I really must insist that you sleep. My love will still be here when you wake up.”

“I love you anyway, Lia," he calls after me. "Until time tells, I mean."I turn to him and smile, loving him more in this moment than any other. "Until time tells, then, Henry, and beyond. I love you as well.”

“Don't you see, Helen? There would be no life for me now without you in it."He covered her hand with his own, bringing it to his lips."I need to know that you're mine. That I alone have your heart.”

“I think I should learn to jump on my own soon, don't you?''And deprive myself of the opportunity to be near you?' His voice was husky in her ear, his breath tickling the tender skin of her neck. 'That seems foolish on my part, but if you'd like to learn, I'll teach you.'She nodded, her voice stuck in her throat.'Very well,' he said. 'But not tonight. Tonight you'll stay with me.”

“Excuse me," Helen interrupted. "Did you say sewage tunnels?"Darius grinned. "That I did, Princess.”

“I am not my mother. I love her, but I am not her.”

“I'm only trying to pull my own weight. I don't want to be a liability.' She reached out, smiling. 'And I would imagine I'll still be required to maintain close contact with you while I learn. At least in the beginning.'He looked at their joined hands before turning his eyes to hers, a slow smile spreading across his own lips.'It would be, ahem, wise to maintain physical contact while learning, that is true.”