The road to Greenland cut through pines heavy with snow. Villagers at the border paused in their work to watch the sled pass. Some nodded, like weather had finally turned in their favor.
Ella walked beside it, hand resting lightly on the runner. Liam slept under furs, face pale against the dark wool.
At the gate, Gilbert stopped, turning toward her without reaching.
“I won't belong," she said first.
“You'll stand beside," he answered. “Equal voice, equal brief, equal name."
---
From his coat pocket, he pulled two items: a storehouse key and a folded set of council agendas—grain routes, ward training schedules, stipends for orphans.
“No necklace?" she asked.
“No chains," he said. “Love after loss isn't thunder. It's work."
Snow dusted his hair, caught in the lines of his gloves. He
