Free Blaze by Kate Hill Page B

wait to see you," she said. "I can stay for two whole days."
    "Excellent. I have so looked forward to seeing you, Sweet Music." He nudged his horse closer and leaned over, kissing her lips.
    "Glenna will be coming to supper tonight. Is everything arranged?"
    "Yes. Three members of my faction are currently in Rubyshire. They'll be there. So will Mahir, Torn, and Honey Wine. I only wish my daughter and her family could join us."
    "Have you sent her a message?"
    "Early in the week, but it will take months for it to reach her in the Kennas."
    "I can hardly wait to meet her. The other Dames speak highly of her."
    "I know you'll like each other. The year I brought her to the Dames must have been the year you left for your island."
    "I believe so."
    The conversation drifted to trivial matters as they plodded toward the fortress gates. Blaze could scarcely keep his eyes from Melody. Each time he was with her somehow outshone the last. He'd taken a night shift in the infirmary and completed his rounds and training early that morning in order to take the afternoon off.   Though he should have felt somewhat tired, seeing her rejuvenated him more than sleep ever could. He could scarcely wait for them to be alone in his room.
    He'd prepared it for her using the techniques learned from Etah's book and hoped that they would please her as much as the ancients claimed.
    At the stable, they cared for their horses, then he brought her to Mahir's garden where his mentor awaited them.
    The garden had always been one of Blaze's favorite places in Rubyshire. Cobbled paths wove throughout patches of lush grass, plants, and rose bushes filled with some of the most beautiful flowers of the northwest.
    "This is lovely," Melody said, gazing around the garden. She clasped the arm he offered and he covered her hand with his. For the first time he remembered, something paled the garden's beauty.
    To him, nothing was as gorgeous as the woman beside him.
    "It's a good place to meditate."
    "Yes, though I must say I find meditation difficult with Tara around."
    Blaze laughed. "Most times it is impossible for me. Some of the spirits truly understand the importance of it and at times convince the others to let me rest."
    They paused in front of Sir Mahir, leader of the Ruby Order. In spite of his age, the Knight had retained a strong physique. Of medium height, Mahir wore his gray hair to his shoulders. The style fit him well. Wise blue eyes glanced at Blaze and Melody.
    "Ah. She has arrived." Mahir extended his hand and Melody slipped hers into it. The gallant older man kissed the back of it.
    She blushed the slightest bit. "I should be saluting you, Sir."
    "You're not here as a soldier, but as my son's betrothed. I am pleased to meet the woman I have heard so much about of late."
    "Thank you, Sir."
    "Blaze tells me you and he have much in common."
    "More than I ever could have imagined."
    "Nor I," Blaze added, falling into step beside Mahir and Melody as they walked towards the great hall.
    "I'm looking forward to talking with you more over dinner. For now, I'm sure Blaze wants you to himself. I know if our roles were reversed, I would."
    Melody offered a smile and bid him goodbye as the elder Knight left them alone.
    "He likes you," Blaze told her.
    "Are you sure? He's very charming, but difficult to read."
    "I know by the way he looked at you. When Mahir dislikes someone, those eyes of his are more piercing than those of a wildcat poised for the kill."
    She chuckled. "Then I'm glad he likes me."
    "I have a light meal prepared in my chamber."
    "Wonderful. I'm starving." She squeezed his hand and gazed at him through her lashes. Standing on tiptoe, she whispered in his ear. "Starving in every way."
    Blaze's own appetite was raging. Still, his steps were slow and his manner collected as he guided her through the great hall. Several people approached them, and he took his time with introductions. In spite of his insatiable need to bed her, he knew the value of