He stood at the window in her parlor, shoulders slumped. "I'm leaving," he said. "With the elves. I'll never heal here." He took a shuddering breath. "I'm sorry."
"I understand." She tried to keep her face brave, but inside she felt her hopes and dreams shatter. "We made no promises to each other."
He turned his sad eyes on her. "Thank you. For understanding. For giving me strength. For..." He shook his head and came to her. He kissed her sweetly, then left forever.
She put a hand on her still flat belly. It was better that he didn't know.