Page 100 of Shadows and Roses

Perhaps tomorrow he'd be in tears again, but today, right now, this fragile peace gave him hope.

Anais

The door to her study opened. Damon bowed and entered, followed by a servant carrying a soft, cloth-wrapped package. He gestured to the table where she sat.

As soon as the doors closed, he dropped into a chair. "Damned difficult to get a moment alone with you these days."

She sipped her tea, eyeing him over the rim. "One shock at a time, impatient rogue. The court needs to become accustomed to a new member before finding him at my side or council. We can’t have them looking at you too closely."

"Yes, yes, I understand. You should know—the raid returned."

She inclined her head. Trishve’s brief report didn’t mention any problems.

He continued, "I’m told it went well. ‘Surprisingly capable’ were the exact words from Aphaia. She doesn’t compliment easily. You might’ve earned a few friends."

"Good. As was the purpose. How are your people settling in?" The first thousand had arrived in trickles over the last moon.

"Well enough. From what my captains tell me, your military functions far differently than your court. Efficient, strict, disciplined. Curious how you managed that."

She shrugged. "The military has always been our strongest unit. Without it, this nation would not survive; even the nobles are aware of that."

He nodded. "Interesting."

Setting down her cup, she idly traced the intricate patterns painted into its surface. Impatience nipped at her. She spoke calmly, careful to leave out her jealousy. "Octavius also begrudgingly compliments your influence on Escort Castien. You’re a good friend."Tell me everything.

Scowling, Damon said, "Managed to slip a report to my guards, did he? Should’ve expected you to spy on me." That was all he said, then he waved it aside and raised a brow. "You didn’t prepare me very well, you know."

It was her turn to frown.

He smirked. "Yes, you spent days lecturing me about everything, but I didn’t believe half of what you said. I thought you betrayed me at the gate."

Her expression clearing, she sipped her tea without a word. He didn’t seem worried about Castien. He would’ve complained if his friend looked unwell, wouldn’t he?

"Oh, doIneed to apologize for that?" Damon grinned, then nodded at the package. "Please accept this gift, my lady. Not for the guard—I still blame you there."

The corner of her lips twitched up. Removing the thin rope tying together plain cloth wrappings revealed a folded white-grey bundle of fur. Unfurled, the garment dropped into the shape of a thick fur cloak with a loose gold chain at its collar.

Damon lowered his voice. "An overdue apology for the attack in the woods. We folk who know how to survive in the wild shouldhave been more diligent."

The soft fur of the wolf was an indulgent sensation beneath her fingers. A pity the creature had to die.

"It’s a lovely gift, Damon. Thank you." She smiled politely.

"May I help you try it on?" He took a step toward her.

She handed him the cloak and turned around. After gently placing it over her shoulders, he reached past her neck to clasp the chain. His fingers brushed her skin as he drew out her hair from beneath the cloak, then gently smoothed a few loose strands.

As his hands fell away, she turned in his arms.

"Beautiful," he breathed, looking only into her eyes.

The heat in his gaze and his parted lips reminded her that it had been too long since she took a lover. The nobles who feared her were unsatisfactory and Castien… She blinked and stepped back.

"Thank you for the gift, Damon." Formality and dismissal in her tone.

A frown flicked across his eyes but his mask was improving. He bowed again, smiling.

"I’m glad you like it. Good night, lady."

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