Penelo found herself unable to breathe, or withdraw her hand, watching the ring slip onto her finger with no difficulty at all. No difficulty because it was made for her, or because somehow she felt detached from her own body, watching this unfold before her, as if trapped in a dream.

Yet there was something so final, so heartbreaking in what Larsa said, that she followed his back as he retreated into the crowds until finally he vanished from sight. Only then did she lift her hand, studying the band on her finger.

I can't.

Those were the only words that came to mind, although she remained uncertain whether it was regarding the gift or the giver. With haste, she slipped across the room to seek solace alone in a darkened alcove, to think and whisk away tears she didn't want to show.