Francis looked curious then understanding. He stroked his hand and kissed his knuckles. "Then we are new and our past is another life. It has nothing to do with us. Do not let your old troubles haunt you."

He smiled and leaned forward to let his forehead rest against Edmund's. "Just let me linger in your presence for as long as you'll have me." His voice was barely a whisper, yet he yearned for the other to listen and draw him into his world. As strange and complicated as it appeared to be.