Page 83 of Of Iron and Moonlight

Her expression softened entirely. “That is not true.” There was no hesitation in her answer. “Your father was a great duke. Your brother, no doubt, would have been too. It does not mean you cannot be as well. In your own way.”

Duncan blinked.

“I’ve seen how people respond to you,” she went on. “I’ve heard what your men say when they think no one can hear.” She looked at him, green eyes alight with resolve. “You’re not merely capable. You are an exceptional duke, and Lemierre is fortunate to have you.”

Duncan’s throat tightened. He had meant to coax the coolness from her tonight. Instead, she was the one who had unraveled him entirely.

Not trusting his voice, Duncan rose and crossed to the tray for the biscuits. He lifted the plate, deciding, for once, that he would be the one to serve, and carried it back to the desk, stopping short before her chair. He set it down and remained there, looking at her.

She glanced up at him, hesitant. Perplexed.

Something in his stillness drew her to her feet.

They stood there like that, simply looking at each other, suspended between gratitude and whatever chord had drawn taut between them. Until Duncan, unable to resist the urge, raised a hand and let his fingers rest lightly beneath her chin, guiding her face upward so he could see her more clearly.

Her breath hitched, but she did not step away.

The green fire in her eyes. Her nearness. It drew Duncan forward as he fought to summon restraint from the deepest well of his reserves. And in that instant, he understood there was none left within him. Not where she was concerned.

He leaned in to kiss her.

The door flew open.

“Your Grace!” Garric’s shout cut through the room ahead of his body.

Duncan turned sharply. “What is it?”

Garric stood rigid in the doorway, chest heaving. “Kryovarre.”

Duncan’s pulse surged. “Where?”

“Ardennesse.”

“Which town—”

“All of them,” Garric interrupted, a sheen of sweat glinting on his dark skin. “He was planning a comprehensive strike. Ardennesse is burning.”

Duncan cursed under his breath.

He turned back to Kora. Her face had gone pale, but her eyes were steady, fear contained rather than overwhelming. “I must leave tonight,” he said. “Rhalen and Nelayne will remain with you. I trust Lemierre to you while I’m away.”

She swallowed, then nodded once. Firmly.

Duncan hesitated just long enough to meet her eyes again—long enough for what could not be said. Then he turned and strode from the room, already shouting orders as old training took over, a soldier’s instinct.

The corridors came alive with motion.

Moments later, an alarm bell thundered through Emberglade Castle.

War had come to Lemierre’s gates.

Part Two

Irene Edwards

Chapter 40

Njall