"My bride has no fear. She's like all the brides rolled into one without the incessant whining," I say to Bastian.

He doesn't reply immediately. I've spoken of my bride for an hour and not shut up. Finally, he responds with more reserve than usual. "I don't understand why she's sleeping in the tower room, Laryn. This truly baffles me."

A touch of spite enters my tone. "Of course you don't. You have Acasia for eternity. You can love her without risk of heartbreak. I ...