“My pleasure.” A smile appeared, causing him to look far younger than the forty or so she thought him to be.
“I’ll be right back.” Echo got to her feet and dashed off.
“Let me settle the sire.” Hedori crossed to the huge bed. Nia jumped up and followed him. “Finish your meal, my lady. I’ve got this.” With an ease she envied, he carefully moved Lore to the pillows, leaving him on his belly. She grabbed the throw and pulled it over his hips again.
Hedori’s gaze flickered over Lore’s glaring wounds. “He will be fine.”
“I hope so,” Nia whispered, moving to the other side of the bed. “He’s lost so much.”
“Indeed, but he has you now. Don’t let guilt cloud the sacrifices made for the life you both fought for. Be happy.”
His expression held compassion. No wonder Echo loved him.
Nia sat on the bed, longing to move closer to Lore. But she had a visitor?—
Heck, she still had a castle full of people to meet. Her belly heaved at the thought. She looked up and found Hedori watching her.
“Pardon me, my lady, but your resemblance to Echo is uncanny.” A wry smile. “Even knowing you are twins, it’s still quite a shock.”
“For me, too. I always thought I was alone. Now I have a brother and sister.” Her gaze lowered to Lore. “And I have him. I’m so sorry for hiding out at the boathouse. Everyone must think me unsociable?—”
“No apologies necessary. I promise you, no one will hold it against you. Everyone here has been where you are at some point in their life.”
The door opened, and Echo hurried inside. “I brought you clothes. There’s more in the dressing room.” With a smile, she set the pile on the bed’s bench. “I know you’re exhausted. So, I’ll say goodnight then.”
With a little wave, she and Hedori left.
A tired yawn escaping her, Nia drew the drapes, shutting out the approaching morning light.
Ten minutes later, her shower over and clad in a tee and underwear, she stopped in the turret room and retrieved the glass of water from her dinner tray. She set it on the bedside table, then crawled into bed next to Lore, facing him.
His warmth surrounded her. With a deep sigh, she swept his hair away from his face, shut her eyes, and finally let sleep take her under…
A low growl dragged her out of slumber into a gloomy room. Prickles cascaded through her, and her heart thudded.
“Nia!”
She bolted upright, her sleep-fuzzy mind tracking online in seconds. “It’s okay, I’m here. You’re okay.”
Lore sat up and panted harshly, chest rising and falling. “I thought… I thought he killed you?—”
“It’s a dream. I’m right here.” She pushed back his dull hair.
“I don’t dream—” He grimaced.
“Your back’s hurting?”
He shook his head as if to clear it. “I’m fine.”
“Here.” She handed him the glass of water from the table.
He frowned, then took it and drank, finishing it in one go. And her heart squeezed, knowing he had to remember he could no longer survive the way the angels did. It didn’t matter. Soon, he would discover the sheer decadence, sensuality, and utter comfort food brought.
She took the empty glass and set it aside.
His gaze roved over her face. “Are you all right?”
“I am, see?” She took his palm and placed it on her cheek. His thumb gently caressed her chin.
