Was Damien always this early of a riser?

She frowned. It was something a wife should know about her husband. And yet the only time she had spent in his bed was when they had first arrived, and she had helped him with his fever-induced nightmares.

They had been married for a month and yet nothing had happened between them. She sat up as heat spread across her cheeks. Her stomach felt like she had fallen down a flight of stairs. She wasn’t sure if she was ready for anything yet. They were only now speaking to each other again.

However . . . She remembered her declaration from a few days ago. I would like to know the kind of man I will be living with the rest of my life.

The rest of my life.

There was no place for fear in her future. She threw back the quilts and furs and stood. The cold floor and air swept across her exposed feet and thin nightgown. The sun appeared through the window with the pale light of winter. Today was the first day when she would learn more about Damien Maris. He said he wanted her advice on the other houses, and she was ready to hear what had transpired after they left Rook Castle.

And . . . she wanted to know more about him. Perhaps in her study of Damien, she would discover why his soul was the way it was. She might even discover how to change her own soul.

If that was possible.

After Essa brought her morning meal of tea and an egg, Selene headed out of her room and spotted Karl standing across the hall. “Good morning, Karl.”

He looked up. “Good morning, Lady Selene.”

“Where is Lord Damien this morning?”

“In his study.”

“Could you take me there?”

He frowned slightly, then nodded. “This way, my lady.”

Selene followed Karl along the hallway, passing by the windows that overlooked the sea and the cliff where Damien raised the water and communed with the Light. For one brief moment she glanced outside the glass panes and wondered if he would be out there today. And if so, would it be possible to join him sometime? If only to see how he did it, how he used his gift and spoke to the Light.

Ten minutes later, Karl stopped in front of a door on the other side of the castle and knocked.

“Yes?” came a muffled voice.

Karl opened the door and looked in. “Lady Selene wishes to see you.”

A chair scraped across the floor. “Please send her in.”

Karl stepped back while holding the door open. “My lady,” he said with a stiff bow.

“Thank you, Karl.”

Selene stepped into the study, her gaze moving across the room. Bookshelves lined both sides, each filled with books, tomes, artifacts, and small sculptures. In front of her stood a massive desk with one large arched window behind, filled with light blue sky.