Those memories were burned into me. Once, when he suffered a severe stomach infection, I requested leave from the physician and brought remedies to his training grounds. Rain fell without mercy along the route, soaking my coat and hair, leaving me unkempt and mocked by his men. Darian had not silenced them. Later, he told me never to appear before his enforcers like that again, claiming I had embarrassed him.
“Are you feeling better now?” I asked, rubbing sleep from my eyes. “Our supply of remedies may be low. You can collect more from the physician at first light.”
For a heartbeat, he stared at me, silence hanging heavy between us. Then anger flared, hot and sudden. Gripping my arm, he demanded, Liora, how long will you persist in quarreling over Selara? I swear on the family name, there is nothing between us!
I met his gaze calmly. “Very well.”
My composed response only fueled his fury. With a harsh movement, he stormed from the room, the door slamming against the frame with authority.
When the echo faded, an unfamiliar peace settled over the suite. The silence felt lighter, freer, than his presence had ever been.