Azriel inhaled sharply, then went to retrieve it.
They sat down on the settee, the nerves tightening like screws in Galen’s stomach.
Azriel’s hands shook as he broke the seal and unfolded the sheet of parchment. Heads bent, they pored over Mr. Blackburn’s words together.
Dearest Galen and Azriel,
The moment I saw you gaze into each other’s eyes, I knew you were meant for each other. That your love would burn bright and never be extinguished.
Madam Langley recognized it too, though she might’ve needed some convincing. I don’t blame her; she has many responsibilities and much to worry about.
By the time you read this, I will already be gone, off to spend eternity with my beloved. Do not be saddened by this news. I was ready to join him.
I was born with a weakened heart and knew my days might be cut short. I’d always prepared Arthur for the possibility. As it turned out, I was the one who needed preparation when Arthur was taken from me too early.
And once Arthur passed, my heart weakened irreparably without him.
I have bequeathed to you my cottage and enough of my good fortune to help you live comfortably. Mr. Browning will have the papers I had drawn up. You are safe with him. He will not betray your trust. The only thing I ask in return is that you give him the same dignified send-off he provided me when it is his turn to reunite with his wife.
Azriel, Mr. Browning is growing older and will definitely need your help in the apothecary. Anyone would be lucky to have you. And Galen, there is plenty of beautiful countryside to sketch, and I know of several gentlemen who would pay handsomely for an original work of art.
Believe in yourselves. Be gentle with each other.
I wish you an eternity of joy and peace and love.
Yours,
Frederick Blackburn
The words grew fuzzy through Galen’s tears, and no amount of swiping would stop them from falling. Frederick, that was his name. To finally know it after all this time felt…tangible. He wondered if Arthur had a nickname for him. Perhaps he affectionately called him Freddy. The ache in Galen’s heart only deepened.
“Come here,” Azriel said, and Galen fell into his arms, openly weeping. “Shh…I’m feeling wretched as well. But also pleased that he got his wish.”
Galen nodded. “He was suffering from a broken heart. But perhaps he was able to leave this world on his own terms.”
“That is certainly how it sounded to me,” Azriel said. “And perhaps Arthur was there to greet him when he passed.”
“I like the sound of that,” Galen whispered.
After a time, his sniffling subsided, but he didn’t leave Azriel’s arms. He felt weakened from heartache and exhaustion and wanted him to remain close.
And as if understanding exactly what Galen needed, Azriel stood with Galen in his embrace, carried him to one of the beds, and laid him down on the soft quilt. Ever the caretaker.
Galen dragged Azriel into his arms and begged him to hold him tighter as they drifted into slumber, and they slept the morning away, more drained than they’d realized.
They were awakened midafternoon by Galen’s growling stomach.
Azriel chuckled. “I think a trip back into town is in order. We have cupboards to fill and bellies too.”
“Just a bit longer,” Galen said with a sigh. “I still cannot believe I’m able to touch you so freely. I might never grow tired of this.”
Azriel hummed. “I should hope not.”
They found a well outside the cottage, near a large maple tree, and filled an ewer with water. Azriel placed the Dragon’s Blood he’d brought in a spare teacup he’d found while rummaging through the kitchen, hoping to feed its roots. He seemed excited about sharing his knowledge with Mr. Browning, and no doubt the man would have his own experiences to lend.
They washed, dressed in the spare clothing they’d brought, and headed back toward the path, Galen envisioning all kinds of possibilities for their new home—perhaps even their own conservatory for herbs and flowers.
The shops were busier than when they’d first arrived, including the apothecary. But as they walked through town, they noticed the residents seemed less formal in their greetings and attire than in Lunar’s Reach. It helped Galen relax further, though he knew they could not let their guard down.
There would be inquiries made of them, and perhaps Mr. Browning would know the best excuse to use for their arrival and eventual settlement. They could pretend to be distant relatives of Mr. Blackburn, or traveling companions hoping to escape the sickness. That might hold for a while, but it was those details they needed to iron out sooner rather than later.
Since Mr. Browning was busy with customers, they set off to purchase necessities for the cottage from the general store, and promised they would return the following day. No need to burden the man with visitors when he’d not even expected their arrival.