“Much time has passed,” she said, quietly, “but as he grows, he learns and becomes wiser for it. Look how much he has changed. Look at the affinity he has for his people and his kingdom and how effortlessly and selflessly he shows it. These 19 years have changed him, little by little. One day, I know he will understand that what was done was a mistake, not a deliberate act. What’s more, he is surrounded by people that love him and help him through his hardships…including you. One day, he will see it and his heart will soften from it.

“I know that saying, ‘give him time’ sounds fanciful, but remember that he was a very young kitten at the time and so the bulk of these 19 years were spent in his adolescence. He is only just now blossoming into manhood. He did not understand as a boy, but as a man, I know he will come around. So, please give him more time and just continue to love him. Your love will surely reach him, sooner than you think.”

Artemis sighed, his exhaustion felt in his shuddering breath. He wanted to believe his beloved, but was afraid to raise his hope. Still, he also remembered to have faith in the wisdom of his wife, so even though it was hesitant, he opened his heart to the danger of wishing for something he feared was no longer a thing that was within his reach.

“Avalon…I am so tired.” he whispered.

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