It was his air of barely leashed fury that set him apart. That aura that said he was one step away from gutting anyone who came near him. His rage was so potent that it sizzled in the air around him, letting everyone know that he was like a caged beast, ready to attack.
He was ferocious and wild. A creature of absolute beauty, who stood a full head taller than those around him. His features were finely carved as if by a master sculptor. Never had she seen a better-looking man. Nor one who bled such a contradiction of violence and compassion.
She smiled at his confident stride, then looked back at Cecile. A cross-eyed kitten was a peculiar companion for such a fierce warrior. Yet somehow it suited him.
A strange warmth flooded her breast at the mere thought of Valteri. When she’d first opened her eyes and seen his concern, she’d been certain that she belonged to him. That this was her home.
Even now, she had a strange sense of belonging here.
To him.
And she couldn’t explain it.
But she definitely understood wantinghim. He was the most spectacular man she’d ever beheld. His long, white-blond hair reminded her of the brightest snow-covered field.
And his eyes…
One the bright green of the deepest sea. The other, the rich brown of ground cinnamon. While they were a bit disconcerting at first, they were so unusual as to be absolutely riveting. Haunting in their complete opposition to one another and each one filled with intelligence and torment.
They reminded her of someone.…
Closing her eyes, she struggled to remember who. In the back of her mind was a tiny nugget of a memory.
Of another man.
One who was extremely familiar to her, and Valteri reminded her of this shadow man.
She growled in frustration. The memory was so close and yet so vague. “Why can’t I recall this?”
But all she saw was darkness. And a faint tinge of…
The sensation was gone.
Ariel sighed wearily. “Who are you?”
Was that man family?
Or foe?
Was he responsible for her being here?
A knock sounded on the door, startling her.
“Enter.” Clearing her throat, she quickly pushed those thoughts away.
Slowly, the door opened to reveal a youth around the age of fifteen summers with short dark hair and a beaming smile. He shifted the platter in his arms and kicked the door closed with his foot. “Good day, milady.”
She returned his smile. “Good day, my young lord.”
As he neared her, the platter tilted dangerously to the left.
With a gasp, Ariel helped him to right it before all the dishes spilled to the floor.
He looked at her with a shy smile, his cheeks as red as the fading sun. Warm honesty, intelligence, and friendship glowed in the bright blue depths of his eyes, and in that instant, she formed a strong liking for the boy.
“Thank you, milady. I appreciate your assistance. It seems I’m ever plagued with clumsiness.” He set the platter on the table. “Lord Valteri thought you might be hungry.”
Her belly rumbled instantly—as ifithad ears. “I suppose I am.”
