Page 38 of The Curse and the Silver Rose

CHAPTER 17

Amelie and Davron did not leave each other’s side for days.

He made good on his promise to guard her, and showed no sign of relenting. If anything, he became even more stubborn in his role as her protector. Every night, she and Davron stayed together in his bed. They did nothing except talk and sleep, though, much to her chagrin.

She desired him physically more and more with each passing day. But aside from that first night, after he’d watched her bathe, he refused contact with Amelie beyond clothed embraces and kissing. He was adamant that getting closer would compromise his ability to uphold his vow to do her no harm.

“I’ve had an idea,” said Davron as they ate breakfast one morning, several days after her ordeal with the Dark One in the village. “It would involve us leaving my chambers, though.”

Amelie stirred her dark, strong drink called coffee. Davron shipped it to the castle from Zermes. After the drugging of the liquor, he carefully checked every item from Oskar’s delivery. No other foods or drinks were affected. Levissina knew Davron favored Blood Of The Dragon, and had chosen it accordingly.

“I don’t like the sound of leaving your bedroom,” replied Amelie. “But what do you have in mind?”

Davron chewed bacon. The silver cutlery, which felt solid in Amelie’s hands, appeared flimsy in his. Although his command of them had improved, he did throw his fork down for the bacon and used his hand instead.

“I’ve been dwelling on Oskar’s family,” he said. “And the villagers in general. In a few days, you’ve shown more consideration to them than I ever have. The day I rescued you from the Dark One was the first time I’d been down there in years.” He paused. “The children stare at me, and I do not enjoy it.”

Amelie nodded, sipping her coffee. “Well, they are probably afraid of you.”

A flash of indignation crossed his face and she rushed to clarify.

“I was afraid of you too, when I first arrived. But the fear subsided once you allowed me to get closer to you. It is your manner as much as your appearance that scares the children. Have you ever tried talking to them? Playing with them?”

He looked at her as if she’d suggested dressing a piglet in a tutu and teaching it ballet.

“I do not know any games,” he said gruffly. “I would not know what to do with them.”

“Oh, how can that be true? Did you not play games when you were a child?”

“I learned piano and languages and diplomacy and combat. My schedule was rigorous and did not leave time for frivolity.”

Amelie smirked. “Diplomacy, you say? Hmm. Interesting. Do you believe you retained many of those particular skills?”

“Hush.” He grasped her wrist and pulled her out of her seat, drawing her into his lap. “That was in another life.”

She wound her arms around his neck and sprinkled soft kisses down the side of his face, over his jagged scar. He grunted appreciatively and squeezed her waist.

“So, how would you like to become involved in the village?” she asked, leaning back to look at him.

There was a new facet to his wine-red eyes that had not been present last week. A warmth, almost. He was opening up to Amelie, and it only made her want to see more of him.

“We should distribute the medicines in the stores to the villagers,” he replied. “And procure a resident healer for the settlement. If I have to bring one from across the seas, I will.”

“That’s a wonderful idea. Oskar will make a delivery tomorrow, will he not? We can give him some potions then.”

Davron nodded.

“Oh! I have an idea of my own. When I visited his home, I met his children. They are very sweet. Why don’t we invite them along to the castle with Oskar? You have these beautiful, huge gardens. Children would adore them. We could all make a day of it. Have a picnic.”

Davron frowned. “Picnic?”

“Yes. Outside.”

“I have never had a picnic.”

“Never? We must remedy that.” She nodded once. “Good then, it’s settled. We will prepare the medicine stores so that Oskar can take them back with him after we enjoy a day with his family.”

He pulled her closer to him. “Are you ordering me around?”

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