“What did he say?” she asked.
“Did you see him?” Cassian demanded.
“Yes,” Nina answered and hoped that her brother didn’t press for more.
“He claims not to have seen anyone, and his mother has forbidden him from returning.”
Orion had kept her confidence, but Nina’s heart constricted knowing that she’d not see him again.
Her brother settled onto the chair across from her. “What possessed you to go beyond the boxwoods?”
Nina’s eyes widened. How had he known?
“I caught a glimpse of you within the trees near the water’s edge. It was dangerous, especially when there are guests about.”
Her heart hammered in her chest. “Did anyone else see?”
“No,” he answered. “Someone would have said something. I saw and only because I can see what is meant to be hidden better than the rest.”
Nina knew that she shouldn’t have gotten so close but couldn’t help herself. “I wanted to see how others celebrated.”
Cassian reached across the table and put his hand on hers. “I am sorry that you miss so much, but you and I both know what could happen if you leave here.”
She could die. They weren’t certain that would happen, but nobody was willing to take the risk.
“Yes, but the rest of the world calls to me.” It was something Nina rarely admitted to herself as it did no good to acknowledge her desire. “I try to be content with where I must be, but too often I am overwhelmed with the need to be a part of more.”
“That is my fault.” He stood and crossed to the sideboard and poured himself a brandy. “If I would have just listened.”
“Abandoned me.” They had this conversation in the past. “I do not blame you,” Nina assured him. “And I am sorry if I cause difficulties.”
“You do not.”
Cassian smiled but it didn’t fully reach his grey eyes. There was a sadness within, and Nina wasn’t certain if it was because of her or what had happened when they were but children.
“I am back for good now,” he promised. “My education is complete, and I traveled to the one place that I needed to visit. I will not leave again.”
“Please, do not confine yourself to the grove even if I must.”
“Not the grove, but I will not travel far. I will remain close and make my home with you.”
“That is not fair to you,” she said. “I want you to be happy.”
“We will be. Or at least content and grateful that we still have each other and that the Drakos family has been generous in giving us a home and supporting us.” He lifted his glass and sipped again. “Besides, it cannot have been easy living alone in this cottage since Maude passed last year.”
Maude had been Nina’s governess and caregiver since she arrived in the sacred grove.
“Men are not supposed to live in the grove. You are lucky that you are allowed to visit,” Nina reminded him.
“I am trusted. As you will remain here, it was logical that I live with and protect my sister.”
Cassian was always the more reasonable and accepting, but Nina longed for so much more—a life she would be denied, including that beautiful man, Orion Drakos.
Three
His sleep had been fitful and full of dreams of the lady in the grove. Her sunrise tresses danced on the wind as her angelic voice called to him from across the cove, pulling him toward her, arms out beckoning. Orion tried to reach her, but something kept pulling him back. He could not see what it was, but it kept him from moving forward the grip was so tight.
He needed her.
