Krem found Hild's hand and laced their fingers together. The weight of the ring he'd given her pressed into his skin, warm and soothing as her fingers between his, as her body pressed against his own, as her breath.

Today could be a better day. As with so many things, Hild was there for him, a constant, unrelenting support that he likely had not earned but that he appreciated nonetheless. The past year had been a hectic whirlwind of emotional and romantic ups and downs, but Hild had been there, whenever he needed her.

He lifted her hand and pressed a kiss to her knuckles.

"He seemed contrite, at least," he said, turning her hand over to nuzzle her palm. "When I told him who she was. I think I just need to be angry about it for a moment. It still feels stupid."