If she ever asked to leave, he would…
Well, he would let her. He could deny her nothing, least of all her freedom.
But if he could only continue to avoid Hippolyta when it was light enough to travel, she might never be able to inquire about the location of the gate key. Or inform him she wished to go. He could avoid the terrible moment forever. Potentially.
For the first time in his entire life Konrad thanked the gods for the early dark of winter. As soon as the sun disappeared, making travel impossible, he could leave his hiding place for the day and find his wife. He could see her, speak with her, even hold her if he wished. She never told him to cease touching her, even when he forgot himself and used his twisted hand. Not once had she stared, with disgust in her eyes, at his limping
