Page 24 of A Heart Too Tender

Colette

Iawoke refreshed from my nap—but then failed to sleep again during the night. Shifting from foot to foot outside the gallery door, I waited for my turn to answer Julian’s morning questions. I had failed the trial and that reminder felt as heavy as my exhausted body.

“Princess Colette,” he called, as Gisela slipped through the door. Her shoulder slammed into mine as we passed and I almost stumbled through the door, but Julian was there to catch me.

“Making a habit of this are we?”

I breathed him in and the scent of pine soothed my frazzled nerves. He smelled of the crisp air upon the battlements and I closed my eyes letting the comfort wash over me.

“Would you believe me if I told you I was actually sure of foot?”

He laughed and the sound had a smile curling my lips as my eyes met his again.

“It’s true,” I giggled and explained to him my favorite pastime at home.

“I find that inconceivable,” he replied and led me around the room.

“It’s my lack of sleep, I promise.”

Julian grinned. “You didn’t sleep again? But I thought you napped yesterday?”

Our footsteps were in sync as I leaned into his warmth. “I did, but when night came—sleep fled again.”

“We’ll just have to try another mattress,” he mused. “And have you been reading?”

I paused in front of a large window that overlooked the source of my failure. “Yes, without sleep, what else is there to do?”

He nodded, a grin still on his face. “What have you been reading?”

“Well,” I looked from the patio to Julian. “I’ve been reading about the witches from Dragon Mountain.”

He looked surprised, his eyes widening a fraction. “And what did you learn?”

I frowned and he followed my change of expression with unmatched intensity. “The witches have been widely mistreated.”

Julian nodded. “I would agree.”

“You would?”

“Of course. I read the same book ages ago.”

“Have you had any encounters with witches?” I asked.

His smirk fell away and a divot formed between his brows. “I have. And you?”

“Yes, I had an incident as a child and was lucky enough a traveling witch had just what we needed.” It appeared to be a topic that caused him great distress, so I changed direction.

I bit my lip and leaned my back against the window casing. “Can I tell you a secret?”

“Always.” He leaned towards me and I found myself wanting to reach out and grab the lapels of his navy jacket.

“I have drafted a letter to King Odo with a list of things I think would repair the witches’ social status.”

Julian blinked, and then the corner of his lip twitched. “Plotting your victory so soon?”

I gasped and swatted at his chest. “Don’t be absurd!”

His eyebrow arched and his tongue darted out across his bottom lip. I followed his movements and felt a tightening in my stomach.