“Ophie?”

“Opheliana. She is my youngest sister. She cannot speak, or at least has chosen not to. I think that’s part of the reason Mother keeps her sequestered in another part of the castle with Maura, her nursemaid.” Selene smiled softly as she gazed at the fire. “She is the sweetest little girl you will ever meet. And so kind.”

“I had no idea there were three Ravenwood daughters.”

“Most people don’t know about Ophie.”

“You miss her, don’t you?”

Selene tightened her grip around her legs. “Yes.” She could hardly say the word.

“I understand the feeling.”

Selene glanced over. Yes, Damien understood the feeling all too well. The only difference was she might be able to see her sister someday. Damien would never see Quinn again, at least on this side of the veil.

“So the only memories you have of Amara and your mother are ones of training?”

Selene swallowed. “Yes.” The more she grew to know Damien’s family, the more she wished she could have experienced what he did, instead of the cold upbringing she had been forced to endure. At least Ophie was free of the weight of House Ravenwood. In some ways, her muteness was a blessing.

“You know, we have a chance to make new memories.”

Selene raised one eyebrow.

“Together, you and I. Good ones.” He glanced down at his bent knees and spread his hands across the tops. “We both carry heavy responsibilities as leaders of Great Houses, but I don’t want that to be the only thing we remember when we are old. I want there to be other memories too. I hope we laugh together, cry together, and enjoy the little things.” He motioned to the few crumbs that lay around his boots, alongside his empty teacup, and smiled.

Selene stared at him. It was as if he had offered his hand to her, inviting her to a place of warmth and sunshine. A place like his dreamscape. She bit her lip, her chest aching at his words. “I would like that.”

Damien looked up and his smile spread. Her heart fluttered strangely at the subtle shift in the way he looked at her. “Selene, may I ask you something?”

Her heart began to thud inside her chest. “Yes,” she said, grateful her voice didn’t crack.

Damien paused and leaned in. His eyes grew dark, like the sky at sunset. She could see every tiny scar, every line across his face. The firelight played along his skin, reminding her of the luminescence of his dream world. His face stirred her soul.

“Can I kiss you?” he asked softly.

Her heart missed a beat as her mind went into a free fall. He was asking her for a kiss? Her mouth went dry as her thoughts scrambled for a foothold. “Why?”

He cocked his head to the side. “Why?”

“I mean . . . we’re already married. Most couples have already kissed and . . .” Her cheeks lit on fire.