Free Border Lair by Bianca D'Arc Page B

to be cherished. He knew in his heart he would be better for her than pining away after Jared—a man who might never be heart-whole again.
    Darian would make her forget the impossible longing for Jared that showed in her every movement. Darian would teach her the delights she’d find in his arms and the love he would give freely, if she would but accept it.

    “Princess Adora of the House of Kent.” Jared made formal introductions, but Darian could see from the woman’s start of surprise that she wasn’t comfortable about something. “May I present Lord Darian Vordekrais of Skithdron, former ambassador to our land during old King Jon's reign.”
    The woman stopped in front of him and smiled, nearly taking his breath away.
    “I’m not big on formality, milord. I’m a healer and would help you if I could. May I?”
    “Princess Adora, you may do whatever you wish with me. I’m yours to command.”
    The woman blushed so prettily at his daring words he almost wished he could spend the rest of the day making her smile, but he had come here for a reason. He had to get his message out and Jared was just the man to use his information.
    She directed him to lie back on the couch, pulling a wicked looking knife from her waist and setting to work cutting her way through the ruined leather boot and leggings that contained and constricted his swollen foot, ankle, and leg. She was efficient and so gentle he felt little pain.
    Darian shook himself, focusing on his task. No matter the distraction of the woman tending his wounds, Darian knew he had to deliver his message.
    He’d given up his home and country to deliver his warnings, and they had to be heard as soon as possible.
    “Jared, you’ve got to get word to your king. Lucan has gone completely
    ‘round the bend.”
    The knight dragged a chair closer and sat, leaning forward to catch every word. Darian also noted the dragons had craned their necks over near them and listened intently as well.
    “I’ve heard rumors about him, Darian, but nothing concrete.”
    “Jared.” He grabbed the man’s wrist, trying desperately to make his old friend understand the urgency of his news. “I’ve seen it now with my own eyes. Lucan has sunken into dark magics that have twisted him into something not quite human. He keeps skiths as pets and trains them. They are far smarter than I ever gave them credit for being. Jared, the ones he trains go out and teach the others. They’re learning to hunt in packs, in orderly groups, to work together. What you’ve seen so far on this side of the border is nothing. Lucan had them test and train on some of our own villages.
    Every human and animal for leagues around the villages of Vorkrais, Hemdan, Pennrin and Sokolaff are now gone. Skith food.”
    The woman gasped, drawing his eyes. She was white with fear and Darian regretted immediately putting such a look on her lovely face. He let go of Jared’s wrist and—almost without realizing he was doing it—moved to cup her cheek, offering what comfort he could from such dire news.
    “I’m sorry, Princess, to have distressed you. I should have waited to speak.”
    “No.” She surprised him by reaching up and taking his hand in her own.
    He felt a spark between them and his gaze was glued to hers as she spoke.
    “Jared needs to hear what you have to say. I thank you for your selfless act in coming here, breaking with your people and subjecting yourself to the Lair’s questionable hospitality.” She made a face at his swollen and bruised leg. “It’s just that I was chased by skiths not too long ago and almost didn’t make it.”
    His hand tightened on hers. “Thank the gods you got away. I would hate to think of what could have happened.” Darian fought back the amazing attraction that flowed between him and this woman. He had a mission to complete. He had to impart his information. Only then could he concentrate on the gorgeous woman who ministered so tenderly to his wounds.