This is aโa proposal of marriage?โ he asked me, and there was the very smallest trace of a smile at the corner of his mouth, something I had never seen before. โI suppose so,โ I said, blushing again. โAnd, as you see, Iโm doing it properly, on my knees.โ โThis would, however, be a partnership of equals youโre offering, I imagine?โ โUndoubtedly.โ (448-49)
Juliet MarillierI know it's hard for you to trust me. If I ever find the man who did this to you, who made you so frightened, I'll kill him with my bare hands. But you can trust me.
Juliet MarillierShe had sacrificed her childhood to save her brothers; she loved her family above all else, and her spirits yearned to return home once more, to the wild forest and the land of mystic tales and ancient spirits whence he had taken her. That was the place of her heart, and if he loved her, he must let her go.
Juliet Marillier