“That went away when I realized what I held for you in my heart was true love. And then we made vows to one another that reaffirmed my belief. God no longer tortured my mind.” I held all his attention now. “But when you came to me last night, and I enjoyed your body, the physical demonstration of your love, I experienced it again—the disapproval of my Master. According to my laws, you legally belong to someone else now, a woman. And that is the natural order of things.”
Cut shook his head slowly. “According to our laws, I still belong to you.” He clasped me to his breast, oblivious to the warriors who watched from a distance. “Oh, Billy, what have I done? I did not understand your struggle. Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Because I settled it. Because I had no idea it would intrude again. Because I love you, and because I love the Yanube, I will do what I can for as long as I can endure it. But I have to fight another battle and come to an understanding with my Lord anew.”