Lailah I wouldn’t pass judgment until she returns. I have never broken my word.”
She studied his angular features as she debated the few options open to her. While their nature was pure, an angel could speak only truth. Would Sariel answer truthfully? “Were your children all born to the same mortal woman?”
“What has that to do with Rosalind?” His gaze narrowed and he took a step back. He obviously did not want to talk about his past. If he spoke truthfully, she’d have some assurance Rosalind would be safe in his care. At least until Lailah returned.
“Answer the question,” she insisted, watching his face closely.
“Why do you want to know?”
“Tell me.”
His jaw flexed and his eyes gleamed. “Nay.”
“Is that the answer to my question or a refusal to answer?”
“Three different women bore my children. Why bring this up now?”
“Can you speak only truth?”
“I am an angel!”
“Pardon my confusion. Most angels would not touch me as you touched me last night. Most angels—”
“Rosalind gains ground with each passing moment!” He forced his voice back to a conversational level. “I still have wings. Would you like me to search for her or not?”
Wings . Sariel had wings.
Had she once possessed wings? Did she have them still? Was there anything left of her angelic nature? Flashes of images assailed her. Sensations emerged from the mist. She soared above the earth, scanning as she flew. Strong currents of air streamed through her hair and resisted the strong flapping of her wings…
“Show me.” Loss constricted her throat and made her temples pound.
Sariel led her into the secluded shadows between two outbuildings. He scanned the area with a quick sweep of his eyes. They were alone. “Stand back. These quarters are nearly too tight.”
Unfastening his fur-trimmed mantle, he tossed the garment to Alyssa. His scent filled her nose and the cloak was still warm from his body. She clutched it to her chest, wrapping the sturdy fabric around her hands.
He faced her and extended his arms. Golden light burst from his back, illuminating the area. She held her breath, anticipation pounding through her blood. Delicately scalloped and emanating Heaven’s light, Sariel’s wings gracefully unfurled.
Awe held her motionless.
“Breathe.” He chuckled as she obeyed. “Where am I going? Tell me anywhere she might have gone.”
“I want to go with you.”
“Rosalind may return. It’s best if you remain here. Besides, I can fly faster without a passenger.”
Alyssa stared at his glistening wings, quickly listing all of the places he should search. Her heart ached and her throat burned. She didn’t want to be his passenger. She wanted to unfurl her wings and soar at his side.
* * * * *
“Milady, you have a visitor.”
Imogene’s words came at nearly the same moment as her perfunctory knock. The door to the counting room stood ajar, so Alyssa dismissed her flash of annoyance. The servant wasn’t really intruding. “Who has come to call?”
“He introduced himself as Sir Diadem. Rather odd name if you ask me. Says he met Lady Rosalind at court last summer and wondered if she were available to visitors.”
Intrigued, Alyssa pushed back her chair and stood. They had met many people during their stay at court, but she didn’t remember Sir Diadem. The dreaded mist again, or had Rosalind not mentioned the introduction? Impatiently tucking a stray curl into place, Alyssa left the counting room.
A tall blond man stood facing the fire as Alyssa entered the great hall. One side of his cloak was tossed back over his shoulder and he was working to remove leather gauntlets. At first glance Alyssa was struck by how much he resembled Sariel.
Diadem. Another name for crown. Crowns was one of the angelic orders. Alyssa struggled to calm her whirling thoughts. Not everyone she met was an angel.
“May I help you?” The man turned to face her and Alyssa reconsidered. This was no