" Don't die on me," she whispered when the clock struck midnight and he still had not moved. " It's only a little shoulder wound. Goddess, George-don't die on me." His eyes flickered open and he smiled. " I didn't know you cared," he whispered. " And why insult me? I won't die for a wee nick like this; I've had worse in my day." Alanna wiped her wet cheeks. " Of course I care, you unprincipled pickpocket!" she whispered. " Of course I care. "