Page 115 of Shadows and Roses

She rolled her eyes. "I'll go dip my Queenly toes in the stream."

She and her guardian picked their way through the trees and underbrush. There was a small, slightly overgrown trail to the stream. As the camp noises faded, she glanced behind her.

"Jerome, whatbothers you about them?" she asked.

The captain frowned. "My Queen? They don't bother me."

"Damon, then. What don’t you like about our rebel lord?"

"I’ve voiced my concerns in our council."

She glanced at his unreadable face. Unreadable to most, but she knew him. "Speak your mind, Jerome."

Silence for several steps. "He’s overly familiar with you."

"He’s fond of me," she agreed.

"Perhaps."

She raised a brow. "And would that not be acceptable?"

A small, frustrated sigh. "I don’t know, my Queen. It doesn’t feel right."

The burble of the stream reached their ears. Jerome wasn’t wrong, but she didn’t quite understand it either. "Try not to hate him simply because he’s fond of me."

"Yes, my Queen."

Jerome turned at a loud rustling behind them, but it was only Damon rushing to catch up.

"Thought I'd join you and wash up a bit."

They followed the high bank of the stream for a short distance before finding a path down. The bank was only a few feet up and would be filled with water after heavy rain. This time of year, it was low.

"We'll be fine without you, Captain," Damon said.

Anais nodded at Jerome’s look.

"I don't think he likes me," Damon mumbled once they reached the bottom of the cliff.

"Sometimes, I'm not sure he likesme," she murmured back quietly.

Damon chuckled as they approached the water. The low waters revealed a small sandy bank with a dried, old log bridging the stream. The log lay just slightly above the waterline. It served as the perfect seat.

Anais tested the log and found it sturdy. She removed her boots and climbed on, letting her feet dip into the cool stream.

Damon waded in to stand beside her, twirling a small bundle of white flowers. He reached out a hand to pluck a leaf from her hair, replacing it with a flower. "It’s a lovely day. Aren't you glad you joined us on this hunt?"

She examined him as he weaved another white flower onto her head. "It is a pleasant distraction."

His hand wandered from her hair to her cheek, his eyes fixed on her lips. The rough skin of his hand was more welcome than she wanted to admit. She turned into his palm and closed her eyes.

A warm breath fell on her lips before he kissed her. She inhaled sharply and let her lips part, tasting his tongue sweetened by the smoke of fire. The hand on her cheek grew firm as he leaned into the kiss, his other hand grasping her waist and quickly sliding down to her thigh.

The Panther’s Hunt. That’s what Castien’s sword practice had reminded her of. He had been dancing with the sword.

She pulled Damon’s hand from her face as her heart beat faster. Her head angled to the side and she leaned away, but he only lowered his mouth to her neck.

"Damon, stop."

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