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"But not his love"

"Exactly You yourself just said he'll never stand still long enough to put down roots or—heaven help him—fall in love"

"All theenough for that to happen"

"What?" Aurora's head came up

"You heard me," Courtney stated flatly "Aurora, you, better than anyone, know that winning Slayde over was a e He was deter with that detestable curse, to die with hie and children I was desperately in love with hiether You're the one who told o after my future, because ultimately it was Slayde's future as well"

"I did say that, didn't I?"

"U it out, especially when it'an immovable rock', is hard Dae The question is, do you love Julian enough to seize it, to hang on until you conquer it?"

"You ask arduous questions" Aurora ed her temples "But Lord help me, I think the answer is yes"

"So do I" Courtney's lips curved "Let's explore these emotions of yours You once asked me what it felt like to be in love Now 'tis my turn to ask you Tell me how Julian makes you feel"

"How Julian makes me feel?" Aurora sucked in her breath "Like a storm-tossed sea Like the branches on an oak when the wind sweeps through thee of a cliff and crashing to a swirling pool below Like…"

"All right, all right," Courtney interrupted, laughing "I should have expected that"

"It's nothing like the description you gave me"

"Perhaps that's because love is different for each of us ForFor you it means exhilaration, adventure Aurora, we both know you'd never be content with a serene and quiet life"

"Nor do I seem destined to have one Certainly not once I've conveyed s to Julian"

"You're so convinced he'll react badly?"