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"A widow," I told him. "Ela's glorious, Papa. He's so brazen and flamboyant. Right now, he's making her feel like she's the center of the world, as if she's the most beautiful woman he's ever seen. It's the kind of confidence boost that will stay with her, which is why Zeal asks us to do this. For just a moment, he's showing her how she deserves to be treated. What she then does with that knowledge is up to her."
"And you're not jealous about that?"
I shook my head. "Sex is nothing more than a physical act," I explained. "We all touch. We all deserve to feel connected. Love is different. It's what starts in the chest and blooms in the mind. It's a connection that has nothing to do with bodies. Sex is fleeting. Love is what holds us together, and I know he doesn't love her. Papa, this is what we do. We show people that it's ok to let go for a bit - in whatever way they need - and we're good at it."
"I never doubted that," he assured me. "You were always a strong girl. I convinced myself that taking you to the temple would be ok because you'd be miserable as some man's wife. You, my beautiful little girl, were born to walk with gods. I just can't believe that's more than a saying." He looked away and wiped at his eyes. "I'm so proud of you, Nariana, and I'm so very sorry I failed you."
"You didn't fail me, Papa," I promised. "You did the hardest thing imaginable to make sure I could succeed. You sacrificed your happiness for mine." I tilted my head to catch his eyes. "I missed you, but I promise I never hated you for it. My temple parents made it clear just how strong you had to be to do this. All I can do is thank you for giving me the chance."
He sniffed, and his eyes couldn't hold back the tears anymore. "Oh, thank you, baby girl." Then he threw himself into my arms, hugging me as tightly as I'd hugged Bunny that first night. "I loved you too much to let you die."
"I know, Papa," I promised. "That's why you're a good man."
