Ashrac almost changes my mind. And, "Give her time," are the nearly forgotten whispered words from my last bride. "She will love you sooner and you will have more years to enjoy one another."

I shake my head, which sends water flying from my freshly washed hair. The dragon who held and loved sweet and innocent Maleah no longer exists. Twenty-five years of loneliness have hardened all feelings of love. If I don't love my new bride, it will hurt less when she dies. I have a plan ...