"We're not going to do that first one," Khalida told him with a shake of her head and a further softness came over her expression at the thought of his second suggestion. "Oh Issac," she told him softly. "You know I would if could."
When he passed out, Khal squeezed her eyes shut but didn't cry. Instead she took a steadying breath and stroked his leg under the blankets, wishing there was more she could do for this boy she'd taken into her care.