Page 8 of Stolen Princess's Secret

Civilised behaviour seemed to sit only lightly on this man. Boy Tomas had been softer.

Maybe if she stopped mapping every curve and plane of his face for traces of the child he’d once been, she could concentrate more on breaking the ice with him, although, to be fair, he was studying her just as closely.

‘And you? I heard about your father’s death in the papers and that you’d taken over here and were doing good things. You’ve been well? Life is treating you well?’

I never forgot you, she wanted to say. I thought of you so many times. I never factored in that meeting you again would involve me wanting to fling myself into your arms, but here we are.

Probably best not to mention any of that right now.

‘I knew you’d grow up to be a falconer, of course.’ Small talk was her friend. ‘I did think you’d talk more and scowl less, but maybe you’re just shy.’

‘I’m not shy.’

‘Standoffish, then, but that’s okay too. I haven’t forgotten any of your kindnesses. I’d like us to be friends again.’ Start small. Build from there.

‘I see.’ He nodded as if they’d reached an accord. ‘No, that’s not going to happen.’

She reached out instinctively, her hand over his, and felt the sting of attraction rip through her skin and into her veins. He swiftly withdrew his hand from beneath hers and his eyes flashed fierce warning before he shielded them with long black lashes.

‘What was that?’ She knew exactly what it was, but did he?

‘Nothing.’

‘Then you won’t mind if we try it again.’ She held out her hand for him to shake, put it right in his line of sight. ‘Hi, I’m Claudia.’

‘No.’

‘No to a simple handshake?’

‘It’s not a handshake. It’s not simple. I’m not the boy you used to know.’

Maybe she needed a different approach.

‘You should know that I don’t give up on people easily. I’m so used to not being wanted at first glance. At second glance too. Even at tenth glance. I’m very persistent.’

‘That’s okay,’ he murmured, echoing some of her earlier words with a smile that made ice look warm. ‘You may be persistent but I’m as stubborn as they come. If you need someone to drive a team of oxen up a mountain, I’m your man. If I can be of service to you in any official or professional capacity, I will be. But I don’t weather surprises well and I hate messy emotions and right now you’re blasting both at me. I’m glad you’re back, don’t get me wrong. Surprised as hell, but glad you’re alive and relieved your captivity wasn’t terrible. God knows I never wanted you dead. But I don’t have the time or the inclination to renew old friendships or go tripping down memory lane with you. I hope you can understand my position.’

‘I don’t understand your position.’

‘What a shame. Maybe understanding will come to you in time. Now, if you don’t mind, Princess, it’s almost three a.m. and I have a sick falcon to see to. He stood and she looked up, up into pitiless eyes. ‘You know the way out.’

Well, damn. Ildris had been right.

The King’s Falconer was proving elusive.

Again.

In the three months she’d been back she’d caught up with the falconer only a handful of times, and every time he’d remained perfectly, excruciatingly polite and completely closed off to her overtures of friendship. This didn’t stop her returning to the winter fortress whenever Cas could spare her, though. She loved it here on the edge of a cliff face, with her beloved mountain in the distance and a chill in the air even on the sunniest days. And this time she’d come armed with a missive from the King, all signed, sealed and soon to be delivered.

To Tomas.

Lor said he was in residence.

Her interest in the royal racing falcons and breeding and rehabilitation programmes was real, no need to pretend. She might not have the experience Tomas’s apprentices were getting, but she had enough knowledge to ask sensible questions and be of use when it came to handling the raptors currently in royal care. Not that anyone ever let her help. They were under strict instructions not to let anyone near their charges without the King’s Falconer’s approval.

She’d tried asking nicely, but he’d been on his way to collect a falcon. Bad timing, he’d said.

She’d put her request to have access to the aviaries in writing and received no reply.

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