"No."
Ragnar hadn’t thought about the word before it slipped from his mouth,
hadn’t anticipated the weight that would settle over his heart as he let it.
He smiled a little and looked back out over the sea.
There was no point in pitying himself, all that accomplished was losing face in front of the Gods.
She did not feel regret as strongly as she had a few years past, but she knew what it felt of and thought she felt it when he answered. That smile upon his face looked misplaced and Amalthea could sense a weight upon his shoulders. Maidens and prince’s all would line up for her presence, the sweet air she carried and the spring she brought with her. He would die for he was mortal, he did not need time to wither him. Lithe arms drew to him and timidly she laid her palm on his shoulder blade, unsure to embrace him.
“I’m sorry.”