“I’m glad to hear it,” Segreti replied, unable to hold back his smile this time. Was it possible Ezra might be interested in his company? Segreti quickly shook that notion from his head. What would a beautiful healer want with a battle-scarred Orso like him? Ezra was merely being hospitable. He leaned back in the love seat as he sipped his tea and studied Ezra, who busied himself returning books to their shelves. “Have you read all those books?”

  Ezra turned to face him, a book clutched to his chest and an endearingly puzzled expression on his face. “Of course. Why would I have them if not to read them?”

  “Some use books to decorate or to appear scholarly.”

  Ezra’s delicate snort charmed Segreti. “Waste of a perfectly good book. Why not decorate with books you enjoy reading? And surely if you wish to appear scholarly, at some instance someone will believe you are and engage in scholarly conversation.” He dropped his gaze to his book, his expression timid. “Do you enjoy reading books, General?”

  “I do.”

  Ezra’s dazzling smile reached his bright blue eyes, making them sparkle. It stole Segreti’s breath. “That’s wonderful!” He rounded the love seat and sat, one leg bent on the cushion so he faced Segreti.

  Segreti chuckled at Ezra’s excitement. He finished his tea and placed the cup on the small table beside the love seat before turning his body enough so he could comfortably face Ezra, their legs touching due to the limited space. “I admit I didn’t have as much time for it as I would have liked, but when you have an army to command, free time is a scarce commodity. When I managed a few blissful moments of rest, I often fell asleep while reading a good book.”

  “What kind of books did you read?”

  Segreti settled against the backrest, enjoying this heavenly moment. The sun’s rays filtered in, catching several of the colored glass bottles around the cottage, giving it an ethereal feel. Birds chirped and sang outside the windows. It was a far cry from his dark, somber quarters, tucked away against one side of the Orso mountain. But as magical as his surroundings were, nothing could compare to the sweet creature before him.

  “I fear you may be disappointed in my response.”

  Ezra looked aghast. “I would never judge someone’s choice in literature.”

  “Very well. I prefer more fanciful tales, often those filled with lovely prose. A happy ending is required.”

  “Love stories,” Ezra deduced, sounding awed.

  Segreti felt his cheeks burn, and he dropped his gaze to his calloused fingers, his frown deep. “They are everything my life has not been.” He shook his head and laughed softly. “Forgive me. I’m not usually prone to be so maudlin. I’ve never regretted my position as general of the Orso, merely some of the actions that have resulted from it.” Centuries of war, years under the command of that vile creature Pavoni meant he had blood on his hands, his soul forever tainted.

  As if reading his thoughts, Ezra placed a hand on Segreti’s, his touch warm and tender. “No need for apologies, my dear General. Anyone who knows you, knows of you, is aware the manner of Orso you are.”

  “And what manner of Orso am I?” Segreti dared to ask. He leaned forward, his body gravitating toward Ezra as if by some magnetic force.

  “An honorable and noble warrior whose fearless deeds have become legend.”

  Segreti bowed his head. “You think too highly of me.”

  “Perhaps you don’t think highly enough of yourself.”

  Ezra’s sweet words stunned Segreti, and he lifted his startled gaze to meet Ezra’s bright eyes. They were filled with nothing but sincerity and what could easily be mistaken for affection.

  “You truly believe so,” Segreti murmured, a smile tugging at his lips. The healer continued to amaze him. Ezra offered no meaningless flattery or hollow words, only truth.

  “I wouldn’t have said so otherwise. Tell me of the books you read.”

  Segreti smiled. “I could lose myself in those stories, in the notion that someone might love another so completely they’d face any threat no matter how great.”

  “I had no idea you were such a romantic at heart, General.”

  “You would not be the first to think so,” Segreti said, a world-weary sigh escaping him. “Immortality can be a curse when all one is good for is war.”

  “That’s absurd!”

  Segreti blinked at Ezra, startled by his outburst. “You disagree?”

  “I bloody well do.” Ezra jumped to his feet and began to pace before Segreti. “You’re more than your position, Gen—Segreti.” He spun to face Segreti. “Why would you believe such a thing?”

  “Experience. Few suitors have lasted. They find me… beastly.”

  Ezra tilted his head in observation. “How so? Do you possess a violent temperament?”

  “Oh no. I meant in appearance.” Despite his size and ferocity, Segreti had always been aware of his power and strength. He would never harm the tiniest of creatures, much less a mate. Outside the battlefield, he found violence deplorable. Quite the contradiction for an army general.

  “I don’t understand.” Ezra’s expression showed as much. He truly didn’t understand why someone might be repulsed by Segreti’s appearance.

  “My body carries centuries of battle scars, the worst of which are from the lashings… during capture. I am large, with calloused hands, my hair untamable, my bones ache in the winter, and there is this.” He pointed to the patch concealing his hideous eye. The foggy white had revolted plenty of suitors.

  “May I see it?”

  Segreti nodded. He was quickly discovering he could deny Ezra nothing. The time had come for him to get the silly notion of Ezra becoming more to him out of his head. Ezra was too beautiful and too gentle to be mated to someone like him.

  Ezra resumed his seat and placed his book between him and the backrest. Closing his eyes, Segreti removed the eyepatch and remained still. He’d never hesitated before an enemy, yet he faltered before the healer.

  A tender touch to his cheek made him flinch, and his eyes flew open. He sat stunned as Ezra smiled warmly at him, his hand cupping Segreti’s cheek. Why was he not reeling back in horror or disgust? Ezra’s expression fell, his lashes wet from unshed tears. A deep sadness radiated from him, so much so that Segreti felt it. He covered Ezra’s hand with his.

  “Why such sorrow?”

  “It must have been terribly painful. I wish I’d been there. Perhaps I could’ve healed you, or at the very least relieved you of the pain.” A tear rolled down his cheek, and Segreti wiped at it with his thumb, his pulse quickening. No one had ever shed a tear for him.

  “Forgive me. It wasn’t my intention to bring you sadness. If I’m honest, I expected a far different reaction.”

  “Oh? What sentiment other than sorrow could such an injury possibly evoke?”

  Ezra continued to amaze him. Was it possible he truly didn’t see what others did? “Most believe it to be rather repulsive. Even now I find myself eager to shield it from your view.”

  “Outrageous,” Ezra said, seeming affronted by the very notion. “Your injury and loss of sight is a tragedy. It’s not something to be repulsed by, but to be respected. The mark of a warrior. A general who has survived against the deadliest of enemies. Your eye does nothing to detract from your handsome face.”

  Segreti let out a raucous laugh. “Handsome? My dear Ezra, perhaps I’m not the only one lacking in sight.”

  With a sniff, Ezra folded his arms over his chest. “I don’t see what’s so funny.”

  “Wait… you’re serious? You truly believe me handsome?” It struck him then. A reminder that, once again, Ezra was a Soldati warrior. He might be a healer and scholar, but he’d been raised as a warrior among warriors. His noble title did nothing to change what he was or the battles he had fought in. Most of the nobility Segreti had met over the centuries were not warriors. They had others to battle for them.

  Knowing Ezra found him handsome stirred something deep inside Segreti he didn’t quite know what to do with. Thankfully, Ezra broke into an enthusiastic conversation about books. Segreti listened with rapt attention, offering a comment here and there. He answered when prompted, but mostly listened, which worked for him since he was better at listening than conversing. As Ezra enthused over his favorite stories, Segreti decided he could easily listen to Ezra passionately discuss books for the rest of time. It wasn’t until the room grew darker that he realized the afternoon sun had begun to set.

  “Goddess above!” Seeming to finally notice the time, Ezra gaped at him. “Please forgive me. I’ve been prattling on for hours. I’m certain you have far more pressing matters to attend to that don’t include sitting here listening to me carry on about nonsense.”

  Segreti placed his hand on Ezra’s to steady his sudden fidgeting. “Your fretting is unnecessary. I’m in awe of your passion and hope you will forgive me for my boldness. I’ve enjoyed every moment spent in your company. Perhaps you’ll consider allowing me to join you again for tea and conversation?”

  The smile that lit up Ezra’s face was glorious. “I would very much like that.” His expression grew timid, and he dropped his gaze to Segreti’s hand resting on his. “I hadn’t expected to enjoy your company as much as I have. You’re quite easy to talk to.”

  “I’m pleased to hear it,” Segreti replied, his thumb stroking Ezra’s soft skin. His pulse fluttered at the flush that came onto Ezra’s cheeks. He lifted his gaze to Segreti’s, his eyes searching for something. Segreti would have given anything to know what thoughts occupied Ezra’s mind.

  “Segreti, I—”

  A knock sounded at the door, making Ezra jump. He let out an annoyed huff Segreti completely agreed with.

  “Yes?”

  A Soldati entered and bowed. “General Segreti, His Majesty requests your council.”

  “Of course.” Segreti stood and bowed his head at Ezra. “Thank you for the tea.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  Feeling bold, Segreti bent down and kissed Ezra’s cheek. Color flared through Ezra’s face, and he touched his flushed cheeks.

  “Oh dear.”

  “What is it?”

  “I think perhaps I should make myself some herbal tea. I fear whatever might have ailed you may have taken ahold of me.”

  Segreti held back a smile. “Is that so?”

  By his bewildered expression, it was clear the poor fellow had no idea. “Do you think it could be catching?”

  “One could only hope so.”

  Ezra opened his mouth to reply, then closed it. “I don’t understand.”

  “You will,” Segreti said with a chuckle. He lifted Ezra’s hand to his lips for a kiss. “Should you need my assistance again for any matter, you have but to ask.” Segreti turned and headed toward the door, but Ezra called out to him.

  “Segreti?”

  Segreti turned with a smile. “Yes?”

  “Perhaps you might join me for tea tomorrow?”

  “I’d be honored.” With another bow, he left the cottage, unable to contain his smile.

  He accompanied the Soldati back to the castle and down the brightly lit stone corridor, the red and orange hues of the setting sun making the place glow. Soldati Castle was a far cry from his own realm’s fortress. Although vast improvements had been made since Queen Verity had inherited the monstrous palace built into the stone mountain, remnants of Pavoni’s putrid influence remained within its walls. Whereas the Soldati castle had always been filled with light and laughter, the Orso fortress echoed with the horrific screams and cries of those who’d had the misfortune to catch Pavoni’s eye or invoke his wrath. The place was haunted by ghosts of the souls Pavoni had touched.

  Shaking those morbid thoughts from his head, he turned his attention back to the brightly colored flowers painstakingly arranged in intricately painted vases, the eye-catching tapestries, and the cheerful conversation of the servants as they went about their duties. Perhaps Khalon would honor him with an extended stay in his kingdom. After thanking the Soldati who’d silently accompanied him to Khalon’s study, he stepped through the doors. He bowed his head toward Khalon, who sat behind his desk, and the Soldati Prince, who sat beside him.

  “Rayner,” Segreti greeted his old friend with a nod. Why did Rayner always appear as if he were up to something?

  “Thank you again for accepting my invitation and for arriving early, as requested,” Khalon said, drawing Segreti’s attention.

  “Think nothing of it. In truth, I’ve always enjoyed visiting the Soldati realm.”

  Rayner leaned his hip against Khalon’s desk, his arms folded over his chest and his amber eyes glowing with mischief. “Where have you been hiding yourself all day?”

  “I’ve spent the most delightful afternoon with Ezra. He’s wonderful company. Quite the chatty fellow, isn’t he?”

  Khalon stared at Segreti. “I beg your pardon?”

  “Ezra. He’s a chatty fellow.”

  Khalon and Rayner exchanged glances, and the prince broke into laughter.

  “What? Is there something on my face?” He instinctively touched his eyepatch. No, it was secured in place.

  Khalon peered at him. “Ezra? Are we speaking of the same Ezra?”

  Was there more than one? “Pretty fellow with blue eyes, usually followed around by a floating magical orb.”

  “Yes, that would be him,” Rayner agreed, his expression puzzled.

  “He is actually a talkative guy,” Prince Riley said, and Khalon’s eyebrows shot up. With a soft laugh, the prince patted Khalon’s cheek. “When he’s talking about books. Or Segreti.”

  Khalon frowned; then something seemed to dawn on him. “Oh. Oh!” A slow smiled spread across his face. “Well now, isn’t that something.”

  Rayner clapped his hands and rubbed them together in glee. “Well, I’ll be damned.”

  “What in the name of the Gods above is the matter with all of you?”

  “My dear Segreti,” Khalon said, sounding amused, “Ezra is not a chatty fellow. In most circumstances, you’d be lucky to get more than a few words out of him.”

  “Really? That hasn’t been my experience. We’ve had a lengthy conversation about books, among other things. He’s quite forward, but I find his approach rather refreshing. No false niceties, even if I do believe him to be a little daft at finding me handsome.”

  Rayner gave a hoot. “Oh, this just gets better and better!”

  Khalon shook his head at his dearest friend. “Whatever mischief is percolating in that devious little brain of yours, I suggest you bury it.”

  “Come now, Khalon. Think of Ezra. How often has such an event occurred?”

  Khalon frowned.

  “Exactly,” Rayner pointed out enthusiastically. “Never.”

  Segreti looked from Rayner to Khalon and back. “What is this about?”

  “Rayner’s trying to play matchmaker,” Riley informed him. “Other than his books, Ezra hasn’t shown this much interest in anyone or anything. I think he’s interested in you.”

  In him? Heat flooded his neck and face. He spun toward Khalon. “I vow I’ve not laid hands on Ezra. Merely a peck on the cheek.”

  Khalon lifted a hand, and Segreti pulled in a deep breath. In his experience, showing interest in someone who belonged to the king was a deadly mistake. “Calm yourself, Segreti. We have been friends for a very long time. I know you to be an Orso of honor. Should you feel affection for Ezra, and he feel the same, I fully support the match.”

  Segreti stared at Khalon. “But… he’s yours.”

  Riley whispered in Khalon’s ear, and Khalon’s expression softened as he turned his attention back to Segreti.

  “Ezra does not belong to me. He isn’t my property, but my dear friend, my family. He is a trusted member of my council.” His gaze hardened. “Don’t get me wrong. I’ll protect him fiercely should anyone attempt to harm him.” His warm smile took Segreti by surprise. “But he is free to choose his mate, as is everyone else in our realm. What Ezra gives of himself is done so out of choice. His choice.”

  Segreti bowed his head, the backs of his eyes stinging. “You are a good and noble king.”

  Khalon stood and rounded his desk. He put a hand on Segreti’s shoulder and gently patted his cheek.

  “You are free of that nightmare, Segreti. And as I’ve said to you many a time, you’re always welcome in the Soldati realm.” He went back to his desk and resumed his seat. “Now, on to business. I’ve called you here in the hopes we might be able to ease some of my prince’s worries.”

  Riley arched an eyebrow at Khalon before moving his gaze back to Segreti. “Khalon thinks I’m overreacting, and although I know that along with overthinking, it’s a talent of mine, this time I have very good reasons for it. Hundreds of guests are about to flood our realm, among them Orso loyal to Pavoni who want revenge. No way are they going to miss out on an opportunity to get to Khalon.”

  “Agreed,” Segreti said, thanking Khalon and accepting the offer to sit in the comfortable-looking wingback chair to the side of his desk. “Any threat to the king would surely be seen by his Saugur.”

  “So Khalon insists, but these Orso have stayed hidden this long. They’re smart and calculating. They’ve managed to evade my Spidey senses so far.”

  Segreti eyed the prince. “Your… spider senses? I’m not sure I follow.”

  “It’s a human thing,” Khalon said with an amused smile. “It means his powers. The Orso have managed to keep themselves hidden from Riley’s Saugur powers.”

  “Which is annoyingly impressive,” Rayner pitched in.

  “But as I’ve told my prince, the moment any of those Orso begin to form a plot that would genuinely pose a threat to the Soldati, he’d know. As that has done little to ease my prince’s mind, I have asked you here in the hopes that you might offer insight to the Orso in attendance, primarily those most loyal to Pavoni. Can you think of any in particular who might attend whose loyalty you question?”

  “I can think of several.” A few individuals came to mind. They’d been the most vocal over the Soldati handing the Orso realm over to Queen Verity.