"I know," she said miserably. "I know you did all of this for me and I know you would be willing to die for me. If I could have just fought a little harder..."

Mercy wrapped his tunic around her a little tighter, but she couldn't stop the shivering. "I don't ever want you to die for me. I want you to live for me. I'd rather be dead myself than have you throw away your life for me. I love you that much too. So... I can understand why you agreed to their terms. I'm just... so terrified of losing you."

She looked up at him finally. "Could you just hold me for a while?"