Instead, he would be sending them to war, and some would not come home.

What kind of man did that make him?

Damien wished Admiral Gerault and his captains farewell before boarding the Ros Marinus three days later. The air was clear and bitterly cold, without a cloud in the sky. Slabs of ice floated along the dark blue waters. If it were anyone other than Captain Stout, then he would be hesitant to travel back to Nor Esen by sea. But the captain was an excellent seaman and the Ros Marinus a fast and nimble ship, able to navigate icy waters in winter.

Despite the cold, they made good time and arrived in port two days later, just as the sun was setting. Damien stood at the prow and stared up at Northwind Castle, above the city of Nor Esen. Lights twinkled along the windows, creating a warm and inviting picture. Home.

He breathed out the word, his breath a wisp in the cold air, and pulled his fur-lined cloak closer to his neck and ears. How many times did he come back to Nor Esen and long for the comfort of Northwind Castle? And even more so now after long, grueling days of talks and strategies with his naval personnel? All he wanted was to shed his heavy cloak, sit in front of the fire inside his bedchambers, and kiss Selene again.

He gripped the railing tighter at his last thought. Had she missed him as much as he had missed her? He rubbed the side of his face. His thoughts reminded him of a smitten young man, not those of a grand lord. And yet he was both.

“It’s good to be home.”

Damien started and looked to his left. Taegis had silently joined him at the prow. “Yes. I never tire of seeing the lights around Northwind Castle at night.”

“Neither do I. But perhaps there is another reason you are happy to be home?”

Damien smiled and looked back up at the castle, despite his earlier misgivings. The sky was dark now with a sprinkling of stars. The ship lurched, then grew still as it settled next to the pier. “Yes. It’s been a while since I had family to return back to.”

“Family? Does that mean you see Lady Selene as your family now?”

Damien paused, then answered, “I believe it does.”

“Good,” Taegis said. “I’d hoped you would find comfort in a life partner. I wasn’t sure at first if Lady Selene would be that person, but from what I’ve witnessed over the last two months, she seems like she is a good match for you. It will be interesting to see what the next few months bring.”

“Yes, it will be,” Damien said softly.

“Will you be giving her a gift for the Festival of Light?”

“Yes. She’s had many questions about the Light and the gifts of the Great Houses. I want to introduce her to both.”

“You’ll take her to raise the waters?”