Speaking of . . .

He sighed and looked down at his desk, barely seeing the scattering of parchment across the wooden surface. It was time for him to approach Selene about her gift and find out what he could. He only hoped she would be willing. She had become cold and silent over the last couple of days, and he wasn’t sure why.

He shook his head and carefully stacked the parchments into one pile, then placed them on the right side of his desk. Perhaps she was in a state of grief and missing her home and family. Or perhaps the nightmares had returned.

“My lord?”

Damien looked up and found Taegis standing in the doorway. “Do you need me for anything this morning?”

“Yes.” Damien stepped around the desk. “I need a break. Would you care to spar?”

“How is your leg?”

Damien glanced down and rubbed the fabric above the area. “I’m still amazed at what Healer Sildaern can do. It’s completely healed, save for a small scar on my thigh.”

“That’s good to hear.”

Damien straightened up. “And he’s given me leave to go back to my usual routine, including exercise.”

Taegis took a step back and motioned for the door. “You lead and I’ll follow.”

The two men headed down the corridor toward the training room. “How is Lady Selene doing?” Taegis asked as they walked.

Damien let out a long breath. “She’s been quiet the last couple of days.”

“Ever since the announcement?”

“Yes.”

“Have you spoken to her?”

Damien shook his head. “I think she is grieving. I didn’t want to intrude.”

They entered the training room. Three guards were exercising near the back, beneath the high windows above. The smell of sweat and steel filled the air, along with the occasional grunt and pant. To the left of the doorway stood a table with practice swords and a jug of water.

The guards paused in their training and bowed toward Damien, who nodded in return. The guards resumed as Damien chose his sword and held it up in the air, inspecting the nicks along the wooden surface. The wooden weapon was not the same as his own sword, but it would do for today. Taegis chose the one next to it. Then they took up their position on the wooden floor, away from the guards.

It didn’t take Damien long to fall into the rhythm of sparring. With each move, his muscles grew warm and limber and his chest expanded. It felt good to exercise, to give his mind a break and feel the strength of his body.

“Have you thought about sparring with Lady Selene?” Taegis asked after acquiescing to one of Damien’s moves an hour later.

Damien lowered his sword and blinked. “Lady Selene?”

“Yes.” Taegis wiped his brow before continuing. “Do you remember seeing her ladyship exercise in the small training area when we were at Rook Castle? Perhaps doing something familiar would help her with her loss. And it would give you a chance to spend time with her.” He eyed Damien as he spoke those last few words.