He gave his head a little nod. "Yes, you are right," he said. "On both counts." He stayed as he was, head bowed, feeling curiously defeated, of all things. Well, how else was a man to feel, when he'd committed some great wrong--but it wasn't his fault he wanted to wait, yet it was--and been given reprieve only with grace.

Life had been so much simpler when he hadn't cared about such things at all. It really had. Though for the most part the trade had felt like a good one.

What was wrong with him, that this was an issue to begin with? That he felt as if he loved these other people, but did not love Rogue at all less?

Not something he could ask her about, obviously. Maybe there would be some helpful books in the library. It was better than no resource at all.