Page 10 of A Reflection of Dusk and Dawn

Breda’s eyes widen when I hold them out to her. “Are they for me?”

“Yes. I want you to have them.”

Gingerly, as if she’s afraid of ruining them, she reaches out to caress the fabric. “Why? I’m just a servant.”

“You’re not just a servant, Breda. You’re a person, and you deserve to feel beautiful and valued.”

Gratitude shimmers in her eyes as she clutches the gowns to her chest. “Thank you, My Lady. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. And please, call me Annora.”

Determined to give her more, I turn back to the armoire and rummage through the shelves until I find a silk shawl and a warm, woolen cloak in a rich forest green.

“Here,” I say, draping the shawl around Breda’s shoulders and handing her the cloak. “These will keep you warm on chilly mornings.”

She hugs the gowns, shawl, and cloak to her chest. “I don’t know how to thank you, My La—Annora. This is more than I ever could have imagined.”

“Seeing you happy is thanks enough.”

Her lips curve into a smile, and with one last thank you, she slips out of the room.

Chapter Seven

Aleksander

I stopoutside Asha’s study, where Commander Titanus stands as still and silent as a statue, his shoulders straight, his chin lifted in that proud way of his.

Over the last few weeks, he’s been Asha’s ever-present shadow—always hovering near her.

I wonder if the man even sleeps or if he just stands there through the night, guarding her door. There’s devotion, then there’s obsession.

Titanus crossed that line long ago when it comes to Asha. Not that I can blame him.

With a nod toward the commander, I step into her study, where she sits hunched over her desk, her eyes fixed on the sketch she keeps close.

My chest tightens, even though I have seen her looking at her son before, but there’s something about the way she stares, as if she’s waiting for a miracle—one that brings her son back to her.

“You know, if you stare at it long enough, the paint might start peeling off.” I slide into the chair across from her, propping my feet up on her pristine desk.

She doesn’t even blink. “Get your boots off my papers.”

“Make me.” I flash her my most winning smile, the one that usually gets me what I want. “Come on, Ashes. You’ve been cooped up in here since dawn.”

“Don’t call me that,” she says, still not looking up.

I shift, reach across, and gently take the portrait from her hands. “He had your eyes.”

“Don’t—”

“—and probably your stubbornness too.” I set the portrait aside. “Which means he wouldn’t want his mother wasting away in this musty room. When’s the last time you went riding? I hear there’s a new stallion in the stables that no one can tame.”

“Are you suggesting I can’t tame him, Aleksander?” There’s that spark in her eyes, the one I’ve been trying to ignite.

“I’m suggesting you need to stop punishing yourself. Besides…” I stand and offer her my hand, “…I bet you five gold coins you can’t stay on that horse for more than a minute.”

Defiance glints in her eyes as she stands and takes my arm. “Ten says I’ll have him gentled by sunset.”

“Prove it,” I say as I walk to the door and hold it open for her.

---