Fallen in Love by Lauren Kate

place. I pray you, do not leave me—do not leave
us
—to go and fight.”
    “Your father has already been too generous. Why should another man take my place when I am young and able? It is my duty, Rosaline. I must go. When our crusade is done, I will return to you.”
    She shook her head, her cheeks pink with fury. “I cannot bear to lose you. I cannot live without you.”
    Roland’s heart stuttered at the words.
    “You won’t have to,” Alexander said. “I give you my word: I shall return.”
    He rose from the bed, helping his wife to her feet. Roland noticed with renewed jealousy that she was pregnant with another child. Her belly protruded under the fine ruched gown. She rested her hands on it, despondent.
    Roland would never be able to leave her in a state like that. How could this man go off to war? What war mattered in the face of love’s obligations?
    Any heartache she might have felt for Roland five years ago paled in comparison to this, because this manwas not only her lover and her husband—he was also the father of her children.
    Roland’s heart sagged. He could not abide this. He thought of all those years between this medieval heartbreak and the present he’d come back from—the centuries he’d spent on the moon, wandering lost through its crags and pocks, abandoning his duties, just trying to forget he had ever seen her. He thought of the void of time he’d surrendered inside the portal that connected July to September, abandoning everything the way he had abandoned Rosaline.
    But now he knew that no matter how long his infinity lasted, he would never forget her tears.
    What a narcissistic fool he had been. She didn’t need his apology—to apologize to her now would be wholly selfish, just Roland seeking relief for his guilty conscience. And opening her wounds anew. There was nothing he could do or be for Rosaline anymore.
    Or almost nothing.

    The young man looked lanky and uncoordinated as he approached the stable where Roland waited. He carried his helmet in his hand, leaving his face exposed. Roland studied it. He hated and respected this man, who clearly felt both obligated and reluctant to fight. Could honor and duty mean more to him than love? Or maybethis confusion of honor and duty
was
love—paradoxes piled higher than the furthest reaches of the stars.
    Who would want to go to war and leave a loving family?
    “Soldier,” Roland called to Alexander when he was close enough to recognize the torment in his eyes. “You are Alexander, kin of my lord John, who holds the title of this fief?”
    “And who are you?” Alexander stepped across the threshold of the stable. His pale brown eyes narrowed as they took in Roland’s formal armor. “What battle have you come from, dressed like that?”
    “I have been sent here to take your place in the campaign.”
    Alexander stopped. “My wife sent you? Her father?” He shook his head. “Step aside, soldier. Let me ride on.”
    “Indeed, I will not. Your assignment has changed. You know the terrain in this vicinity better than most. Dangerous times may be upon us if the battle does not favor us in the North. If we retreat, you will be needed here to guard the city from intruders.”
    Alexander tilted his head. “Show your face, soldier, for I do not trust a man who hides behind a mask.”
    “My face is no concern of yours.”
    “Who are you?”
    “A man who knows that your duty is here amongyour family. All the spoils of war matter not in the face of true love and familial honor. Now, stand down if you wish to live.”
    Alexander let out a soft laugh, but then his expression changed into something harder. He drew his sword. “Let’s have it, then.”
    Roland should have expected this. And yet it galled him. How could this man be so intent on leaving her? Roland would never leave her!
    And yet, of course, he already had. Abandoned his one true love like a callous, stupid fool. He had been alone ever since. Solitude was one thing, but