Note: Also featured in "Jar of Promises".

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He told me he would,

no matter what.

He told me he would,

at the cost of his life.

But a life's more worth than anything,

ever.

"No," I tell him. "Never.

Never promise that."

"Yes, m'lady. I understand."

Day in, day out,

he slaves away for me.

Anything I ask is possible,

somehow making it work.

"How did you...never mind," I shrug it away.

"For you, m'lady, anything," he says with a bow.

One day I realize he's been hiding

the bags under his eyes.

One day I realize he's been lying

about how much sleep he gets.

He told me he would,

no matter what.

He told me he could,

at the cost of his health.

But that's not what I want.

"Yes, do my bidding.

No, don't kill yourself doing it."

He gives a small smile,

as though he can't make such a promise.

"For you, m'lady, anything."

"Rest," I say and point to his door.

He begins to protest. "But I—"

I glare at him, sternly,

stopping him.

I use my commanding voice.

"I order you to rest."

He gives a small smile,

as though he would rather not.

"Yes, m'lady."

Five minutes later,

I still hear him up and about.

"Because I have promised anything," he shrugs.

It's my turn to give a wry smile,

"Rest," I order again.

"You stubborn thing."