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The nightmare was now nothing more than twisted sheets at the foot of Dorothea’s bed. Snug against Ashe’s side, dozing as his words washed over her, Dorothea couldn’t think of anything but his voice.
”… but then she heard the soft thunk of something against the floor. Olivia was surprised to find it was a ring. A beautiful silver ring that was the perfect size for her finger. Before her, Stahl’s face turned bright red as he…“ Ashe trailed off.
Dorothea opened her eyes, mildly surprised that they had closed without her permission. "Keep going,” she said, tilting her head to look up at him. “Ashe? Something wrong?”
Ashe chuckled. “You were smiling.”
“You stopped because I was smiling?”
“Nothing makes me happier than making you smile.” He kissed the top of her head and Dorothea let out a pleased hum. “How are you feeling?”
“Much better. Thank you for coming to my rescue.”
“My pleasure.” Ashe closed the book, keeping his finger in the pages to mark their spot. “Do you want to talk about it?”
“No,” Dorothea refused to give her nightmares the satisfaction of existing in the real world, even if only in words. This war, a tangible thing they all had to deal with every day, caused enough grief. No need to voice horrors that weren’t real.
That answer didn’t seem to be enough for Ashe, if his frown was anything to go by. But he merely opened the book again. “Do you want more?” He offered.
It was late. Or early, depending on how one wanted to phrase it. And Ashe was still offering to keep going. Dorothea nuzzled closer, pulling the covers around them both and trying to keep her love from bringing tears to her eyes. “Yes. I need to know if Olivia accepts the proposal.”
Ashe kissed her once more, then turned his attention back to the pages. “Before her, Stahl’s face turned bright red as he shifted awkwardly.”
Dorothea closed her eyes on purpose this time. Ashe’s voice, his arm around her, his earnest efforts to keep her happy– all of it was the perfect melody to lull her back to sleep.