Page 26 of A Heart Too Tender

“What language is that?” I breathed, staring at him in awe.

He lowered the book from his face and smiled a breathtaking smile at me. “It’s Goblish.”

“That’s incredible.”

Julian set the book down between us. “Since when do you have an interest in goblins?”

I bit my lip and brushed my hair over my shoulder, the strap of my gown lowered further but I didn’t want to bring attention to it and move it back into place. “There’s just so much to this kingdom I don’t understand. Even if I don’t win the prince’s hand, I would love to learn.”

Julian drummed his hand on the back of the couch and shifted ever so slightly towards me. I inhaled his comforting scent.

“I could teach you,” he offered. “If you’d like …”

I pursed my lips to keep from smiling broadly. “I would love that.”

“This would be a good place to start.” He tapped a finger to the cover of the book. “The are only two clans of goblins left, though.” A frown tugged the corner of his lips down and I desperately wanted to relieve whatever ailed him. “The largest clan resides in Dragon Mountain still, they do all the mining of emeralds for the kingdom. The mountain is long thought to be the source of magic of Wimberley."

“That’s incredible,” I whispered.

“They’re a very proud folk, and are fond of singing while they work. The quickest way to earn their respect is to learn their songs.”

A clatter reached our ears and I shot up straight in my seat. If someone were to find us here, without decent attire, rumors would fly and I would most certainly be asked to leave the trials. Julian cleared his throat as he unfolded himself from the couch.

“I should take my leave,” he said. Although I had been thinking along the same lines, I found myself wanting him to stay.

He turned around at the door, his hand gripping the doorframe, and I found my attention locked onto his fingers as they stroked up and down the wood. Something in me sat up a little straighter as the warmth in my chest flooded the rest of my senses. I held my breath as I studied the firelight glowing across his face and chest.

I opened my mouth to speak, before snapping it shut again.

“Princess,” Julian breathed. “Hope you sleep well tonight.”

My hands gripped the fabric of my nightgown, keeping me in place so that I didn’t rush to his side at once.

“You as well, my lord.”

Then he was gone and I was slumping against the cushions as a breath slipped through my lips.

My mind spun as I made my way back to my room and it was still spinning when the sun rose. But despite the lack of sleep I found myself merrily heading towards the gallery.

The evergreen satin gown Maude dressed me in was stunning and brought out the green in my eyes. Although, she did find it difficult to cover the blue smudges beneath them this morning. Yet all of that paled in comparison when I beheld him, standing just inside the door, a smile stretching across his face. His smile grew as I reached him and it felt utterly natural as he slipped an arm low around my waist.

“Did you sleep?”

I shook my head and it might have been delirium but I could have sworn his smile grew even more before it fell away.

“I’ll be alright,” I muttered. “Hopefully I will nap again today.”

Julian gestured with his head. “Why don’t we take a turn about the room again. But I’m not removing my arm, Princess. We can’t have you falling over again.”

I leaned into his side but gently slapped at his chest. The movement had flashes of last night sparking in my mind. I knew what his chest looked like. Firm, strong muscles, meeting corded abdominals. My tongue darted out and across my lower lip as I tried to get a grip on my thoughts.

“I don’t really have any questions for you this morning,” Julian said. “But I must tell you something in confidence.”

The way his eyes turned dark had my blood heating. “And what is that?”

“I dreamed of you … ” he whispered, his eyes never leaving my face.

“You did?”