"That I'm stronger than I thought and that … I'm not lost. You were right. I can and do belong here." It was mostly true. If given the choice of returning home or staying here, I would likely have a full-fledged meltdown. But since I had begun to accept returning home was off the table, I wasn't as scared or hurt as I expected. I suspected, but didn't want to admit yet, that the reason behind this was probably the man holding me.
"You wish to stay with me?" he asked softly.
"Yes," I replied then twisted to glimpse his face. "Why? Were you planning on selling me again at the next trading post?"
"No, goddess." He gave a half smile. "You seem at peace."
"Yeah." I settled back in his arms. "I feel that way, too." If anything, I should've been scared after realizing how delicate life was in this time period. But I didn't. I wanted to enjoy the moments I had with Batu even more after knowing how fleeting they could be.
"This is good. You are safe here with me. Rest."
It didn't take long for sleep to creep over and claim me.