Page 13 of Under the Lion Star

While I loved living in Galvord, I visited the countryside often. The golden fields of wheat stretched as far as the eye could see and helped me gain some introspection that made my struggles seem less insurmountable.

The beauty of Fjorn made it easy to find peace. The Skolas Mountains in the distance, still capped with snow despite the warmth of summer, reminded me of the amount of the realm that I had yet to explore. There was something out there for me, but my mom was right. I needed to be willing to take some risks.

I tried to contemplate what I wanted out of life but never got further than the fact that I wanted to make an impact. I wanted to help people. I just didn’t know how. I supposed I would start with fixing up Grandma’s house and go from there.

A few carts passed, not uncommon despite the setting sun. People often traveled to and from the city, most having to head into Galvord at some point to procure supplies and services that couldn’t be found in more rural areas. Most passersby smiled or waved—pleasantries that told me they weren’t city dwellers.

So, when I noticed a rider approaching, wearing a permanent scowl, I couldn’t help but stare.

The sight was rather picturesque. A man in soldier’s colors, though no armor, atop a large black stallion. Even with the lack of plate mail he cut an imposing figure, all broad shoulders and thick thighs. I imagined every muscle had been hard-earned while away in Krannar.

Grandma would have been disappointed that he was wearing a tunic, but even fully clothed, I found my mouth drying as I took him in with each moment he drew closer.

Despite sitting atop his horse, I could tell he was tall, with silver hair that fell in loose waves just below his shoulders. Half had been pulled back, revealing pale blue eyes and angular features. His strong jawline only enhanced the scowl that continued to mar his otherwise beautiful face—dusted with a hint of stubble that matched his hair and brows pinched over his narrowed eyes.

Even his horse was handsome. His clothing was high quality, adding to the mounting evidence that this man was not part of the farming families that lived in the landscape around us.

His eyes met mine, narrowing further as his gaze trailed over me. His mouth was set in a disapproving frown. In response, I dropped my smile, unwilling to offer social pleasantries to someone who couldn’t be bothered to return the courtesy.

As he came closer, his eyes flicked over me again before meeting mine and deepening his frown.

“You shouldn’t be wandering alone as a woman,” his voice was deep and smooth, but his words made my skin prickle.

The fucking audacity.

I tilted my head before looking out around the fields that surrounded us. Shielding my eyes with my hand, I made a show of scanning the countryside before lifting my feet one at a time and checking the ground beneath the soles of my boots.

When our eyes met again, he had one brow raised in question.

“Oh, I’m sorry,” I held my hand over my chest. “I was looking for who the fuck asked you.”

He blinked in surprise, but the corner of his mouth twitched slightly before the scowl returned. I hadn’t missed the flash of intrigue in his eyes, although I’m sure he wished I had. I smirked despite myself, knowing I’d almost cracked his tightly wound countenance.

With his broody aura securely in place, he looked down at the ground where I stood before returning his focus to my face again. It was a shame that someone so beautiful was such an ass. We stared at each other for a few moments, and as I studied him closer, I couldn’t help but notice that his eyes seemed a bit dim. I wondered if he found the same solace among the wheat that I did.

What are you hiding from? I thought as I tried to see into his thoughts.

“Right,” he ran his hand over his face and sighed in exasperation. “Safe travels, then.”

I stood my ground until he continued his journey, riding his horse further into the countryside. My eyes remained on his frame to ensure that he was leaving, not to stare at his toned thighs stretching the fabric of his trousers. Not at all.

Shaking my head, I turned back toward Galvord and continued my journey home. I wasn’t going to waste my time or mental energy dwelling on some self-righteous elf.

Chapter 3

Zialda

With an indignant tug, I forced the duvet over my head, blocking the thin slices of sunlight that assaulted me from between the curtains. The morning rays that streamed through my bedroom windows had always been a source of frustration, but this particular morning, it wasn’t the primary disturbance.

Another shriek came through the door, muffled but so high-pitched that it was a wonder my elven ears could pick it up at all. Arguments followed, and then more shrieking.

If I hadn’t heard my sisters bicker seven hundred thousand times before, I might have worried they were in danger, but I knew better.

Resigning myself to the reality that solitude wasn’t in the forecast, I rolled out of bed and swiped my hands over my face.

As I brushed my teeth, I recounted the mental to-do list I had assembled the day prior. I had a standing weekly meeting with Aunt Stella to help her prepare teas and tinctures, and given Nima was going to be busy with Pullam’s family, I couldn’t back out and leave my aunt to fend for herself. Afterward, I could gather the necessary supplies to fix Grandma’s house.

She might prefer a shirtless man do the job, but at least I would actually get it done.

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