The room was rectangular, with windows that overlooked the sea at the other end. Darkness filled the glass as night descended upon the castle. A fire had been lit in the fireplace, and candles burned in the round metal chandeliers that hung above the dining table. The hum of conversation filled the room as those assembled waited for food to arrive.

A servant came by and placed a goblet beside his plate.

“How are you feeling, Lord Damien?” Taegis asked beside him as Damien lifted the cup to his lips.

“Tired. Caiaphas informed me of what happened when I failed to show up for the treaty signing,” he said quietly and took a sip.

“You’ve already heard from him?”

“Yes. It didn’t take him long to send a message. We can talk about it later.”

“And how is your leg?”

Damien let out his breath. “Much better. Amazing how such a tiny thing like an arrowhead can cause so much hurt.”

“So no fever?”

Damien snorted. “Do you think Sildaern would let me walk around if I had one? The man found me only minutes after I left my room this morning and grudgingly acquiesced to letting me get back to work.”

Taegis laughed. “That’s Healer Sildaern for you. And how is Lady Selene?”

Damien took another sip before responding. “I’m not sure. When I went to find her, she was with the seamstress. So I have not seen her all day—” He choked on his words as his eyes went wide and his mouth fell open.

Selene stood in the doorway to the dining room as if summoned by the mention of her name. Her black hair was pulled back to the crown of her head, then spilled down across her shoulders and back. She was dressed in a dark blue gown with silver accents along her fluttering sleeves and neckline. The light caught the edges of her face, accentuating the rare beauty of House Ravenwood within her features.

His heart beat faster as he gazed at her.

“By the Light, who is that beautiful lady?” someone whispered.

“I’m not sure,” someone else answered.

“Is it the woman I heard one of the guards talking about?”

It was then Damien realized the whole room had grown quiet as every eye turned toward Selene.

Damien stood and held out his hand.

Selene spotted his movement and made her way along the path between the table and diners to where Damien stood. Murmurs broke out amongst the guests. Selene did not appear affected by the sound. Her eyes were only on him, which quickened his breath.

She placed her hand in his, then Damien turned toward those gathered around the table. “Because of an injury on my way back from the Assembly of the Great Houses, I was unable to formally introduce you to Lady Selene of House Ravenwood.”

The word Ravenwood spread across the room, and both curious and suspicious looks were sent toward Selene. Damien tightened his grip on her fingers. No doubt they were wondering why a member of House Ravenwood was here in Northwind Castle when the two houses had very little to do with each other. Well, until now, Damien thought. Now they would have a lot to do with each other.