Page 122 of Thorns and Echoes

Arranging his plants on the windowsill, he glimpsed his chaotic garden. A servant must have attempted to care for it, but not a gardener. Weeds grew between the lavender. Earthy scents filled his lungs as he imagined burying his fingers in the dirt. Something to work on would be good.

He turned with a smile. “I find Ash to be calming. Look at her – she would never cause such a disturbance. I'm sure you're exaggerating.”

The wolf had padded into the room, sniffing the table legs, around his bed, and nosing her way into his closet. Her ears perked at the sound of her name, and she gave Castien a soft huff before returning to her investigation.

Having sprawled himself into a chair, Darius chuckled. “I don't know how you, Anais, and Jerome managed to train the beast. She never does a thing I say. Maybe I'm losing my touch.”

Raising a brow, Castien said, “There's your problem. She's notthatkind of lady. Ash. Come.”

At his quiet command, the wolf immediately went to his side. Castien bent to whisper, “Good girl. Now, nip him.” He jerked his head at the Escort.

“What–!” Darius leaped out of the chair and sprinted to the door, the wolf growling playfully as she gave chase. “Ash! Down! Sit! Good girl? No? Ah!”

The wolf had a firm grip on Darius’ pant leg, shaking both her head and her tail as she dug her paws into the floor and pulled. Beseeching cries to let go and promises of treats didn't seem to have any effect.

Smiling, Castien let the wolf have her fun. He tucked his clothes into his closet and knelt to dig in the corner. When he found what he was looking for, he frowned. The lid on the box was askew. Within the box, everything had been moved. A few pieces were missing.

“Ash, no. No! Give that back.Ash.” Exasperated noises came from the doorway. Darius had managed to wrangle his leg free, but the wolf seemed to think his shoe would make a good chew toy.

Guards had searched his room. It made sense. He set the box and some tools on his table.

Darius looked up at the thump. His oft-smiling mouth tightened, but he said nothing.

Turning a whetstone in his hand, Castien picked up a knife and began sharpening. “She asked you to look in on me.”

Not the wolf, of course.

Darius shrugged. “She didn't need to ask. She’s not the only one who cares about you.”

“Oh? Did Maddy ask, then?”

The Escort snorted.

The early hours of the morning had been spent lying in bed, staring at the ceiling. None of what he'd said to push Anais away was true. Not completely. But a speck of truth had lent sincerity to his accusations.

Of course, he loved her. That was without question. The fact that she was the Queen made no difference. He would have loved her if she were a farmer with no more authority than over sheep. Their life would be simpler, in fact. So much better.

He would have loved her if she were a House courtesan. Twilight might have suited her before she had been forced into the role of a noble, a Dark Queen. Perhaps a dozen males would have worshiped at her feet, and he would have been glad to be one of them.

In Yelena's dungeons, pain had erased everything. He had forgotten his training, discarded his dignity, lost his mind. But she had come to him in his dreams.

Torture hadn't freed him from her. Nothing could or ever would. There would be no peace in his mind without her.

So where did that leave him?

The room had gone silent. Castien stared unseeing at the knife in his hand. Even Ash was quiet.

Casually, Darius suggested, “Hmm… Care for a spar? I was getting stiff waiting for you to come down.”

Darius was a good dueling partner and the only Escort who liked to spar with words and swords at the same time. The other man was trying to help him return to his life in the palace.

Castien set the carving tools down. He whistled; the wolf dropped her slightly chewed shoe and trotted to his side. “Later, perhaps.”

Darius brushed off his shoe and sighed. “Right. Try not to pass on that dark mood to Ash. She's dramatic enough without your help.”

Allowing a smirk to pull his lips, Castien said, “Who do you think taught her to howl like that?”

Startled laughter barked out of Darius’ mouth. The Escort shook his head and walked away.