Heat filled Damien’s face. Why hadn’t he thought of that? It seemed Taegis was more aware of the needs of his wife than he was. “You’re right,” he said, swallowing down his hurt pride. “But what would the servants or guards say if they saw Selene fighting?”

Taegis snorted. “Does it matter?”

No, it didn’t matter. What mattered was Selene. “I’ll see if she is interested. In fact, I’ll look for her once I’ve had a chance to wash up. Do you know where I can find her?”

“She was in the library this morning.”

“Then I shall head there shortly.”

Taegis bowed his head. “Very good.”

Damien headed toward the table, then stopped beside Taegis and placed a hand on the older man’s shoulder. “Thank you, Taegis. I sometimes feel like I have no idea what I’m doing when it comes to this marriage.” He hadn’t meant to be so open, but with Taegis it was easy to do.

Taegis turned and looked at him. “As you know, I have no experience with that kind of bonding. But I imagine that for any marriage to work, it’s about the relationship. Study her, know what she likes, dislikes, what makes her heart race, and what would make her heart break. You cannot work or fight alongside someone you do not know and care for, and that goes for marriage as well.”

Damien laughed and dropped his hand. “Why didn’t you marry, Taegis? I think you would have made some woman very happy.”

Taegis smiled and shook his head. “My desire has always been to serve House Maris. And I always will, wholeheartedly.”

Damien let out his breath. “I’m thankful for your service. I don’t know what I would have done without your advice and guidance.”

“You would have been fine. You have a good and strong heart, my lord. Just like your father. And you have his faith.”

His father’s faith? Damien mentally shook his head. Hardly. Father had believed in the Light more than anyone he knew, and it had showed. If he could have half the faith his father did, then perhaps he would not worry so much about leading his people.

Damien quickly washed up and changed his clothes before crossing Northwind Castle to the first-floor library. At the door, he spotted Karl.

“My lord,” Karl said with a quick bow of his head.

“Karl, I didn’t realize you were back.”

“Yes, my lord. Sten and I returned last night. We reported everything to Captain Baran.”

“And the men?”

“Locked up in Clonah until Captain Baran can send a contingent of soldiers to pick them up.”

Damien nodded. “I’m interested in finding out who exactly they were. Let Captain Baran know I would like to be informed the moment he discovers who those men are.” He glanced at the door. “Is Lady Selene in the library?”

“Yes. I was assigned to her today.” His face remained passive as he reached over and opened the door.

Damien entered the room. Rows of bookcases stood on either side of the room. Ancient parchments rolled up in protective metal tubes, thick tomes, and leather-bound books lined the shelves. Between the shelves were narrow windows, allowing a small amount of light into the room—enough to see by, but not so much that it would damage the books. The room was cool and smelled of wood and parchment.