“Lady Selene, welcome to Lux Casta,” Lord Leo said a moment later.

Selene bowed her head. “Thank you, Lord Leo.”

She could still feel the animosity from the two older Luceras brothers and wondered if Damien could feel it also. If he did, he didn’t show it on his face. She glanced at him from the corner of her eye as he stepped forward to speak quietly to Lord Leo.

A servant came minutes later from one of the side doors, an older man with thick silver hair and light grey eyes. Lord Leo stepped back. “Oswald will escort you to your rooms. If you need anything, please let him know. Dinner will be at seven.”

Damien bowed. “Thank you.” Then he turned, and Selene followed him until they reached the doors, where Karl and Taegis joined them.

Oswald led the group from the audience chamber and down another broad hallway. As they passed by a wide window, a shadow passed over the sun, darkening the corridor for a moment. Selene glanced out the window, but the sky had brightened again.

They rounded another corner, and once again the sun dimmed outside the windows. A smile tugged on Damien’s lips, which puzzled Selene. Did he know what was happening? And why would it make him smile?

After two more corners, the servant stopped in front of a light-colored door and pressed down on the handle. “These will be your quarters during your stay. There are rooms for both your personal use and for your party. I will direct your belongings to be brought here. As his lordship said, my name is Oswald. Let me know if you need anything else.”

“Thank you, Oswald.”

Oswald gave them a brief bow, then left the same way he came.

Taegis entered the room first, then he and Karl split up to check the quarters. Damien and Selene stood in the middle of the common room. It was nothing like the rooms back at Rook Castle, or even Northwind.

Everything was trimmed in white molding and gold. The furniture was ornate and perfectly positioned. Bright sunlight poured in through high windows surrounded by a curved railing outside. Along the cream-colored walls hung paintings of pastoral landscapes.

It was beautiful, and yet Selene found herself longing for home. For Northwind Castle, with its cool stone, dark furniture, and furs.

She stilled. For the first time, she had called Northwind home.

Damien took her hand, then lifted her fingers to his lips and kissed her knuckles. “I’m glad you’re here with me,” he said softly.

All it took was that one look from his eyes to release the tension inside of her. She had no desire to be anywhere else but here, with him. Even if she felt like an outsider. “Thank you.”

He dropped her hand and pulled her in for a lingering kiss before they were interrupted by a knock at their door.

Taegis left one of the adjoining bedrooms and answered. A woman’s alto voice filled the doorway.