Chapter Six

Over a game of whist in the tavern below his rented room, Kane confirmed that his lucky streak was indeed finished. Last night he’d lost everything he’d won a few days earlier—and then some. Worse, he was almost certain that the deputy who’d been drinking at the bar had eyed him suspiciously as he’d climbed the stairs, shortly before midnight. For a year or more no one had recognized him, but his magical luck was over and he’d have to be more careful from here on out.

No more gambling, at least for a while. He had to make the cash he had left last. It had to last until he departed the Southern Province and headed north to find Arik. From what he heard in the tavern, that’s where the bulk of the fighting was these days, in the city of Falsha near the Northern Palace where Emperor Sebestyen’s eldest sister and her husband lived.

Since his luck had been so terrible last night, he was surprised when he answered a knock at his door to find not the curious deputy or a gambler from the past out for his blood, but Sophie Fyne, dressed in a pale green gown that hugged her curves to show her fine figure to its best advantage. It was not high-necked, like some of her everyday frocks; the collar dipped softly, draping in spring green folds around her bosom. She did not have the baby with her this morning. He didn’t know whether to be disappointed or intrigued.

“Come in.” He stepped back to give her room to enter and she did, but not without a suspicious glance to his bare chest.

“You’re not dressed.”

“You’ve seen me in less,” he said as she closed the door behind her. For a woman who claimed to be free-spirited and interested only in physical pleasure, she certainly did blush deeply.

“We need to talk,” she said, sitting on the edge of a chair.

“Where’s Ariana?” he asked.

“With Juliet. I thought perhaps we should have a few minutes alone.”

He raised his eyebrows.

“To talk,” she insisted.

Kane sat on the side of the bed facing her, hands on knees, stomach churning. “Talk away.”

Sophie straightened her spine and threaded the fingers of her hands together. She clasped those hands so tightly the knuckles went white. “The next time you want to see Ariana—”

“I was thinking about this afternoon,” he interrupted.

Sophie’s eyes widened. “So soon? You just saw her yesterday. She hasn’t changed or learned anything new. I thought perhaps you’d like to see her once or twice a week and we could make arrangements so that Isadora could be elsewhere or else Ariana and I could come to see you, rather than you making the trip to the cabin.”

He had to smile at her protests. She was so intense and determined. “How would you like to see your child once or twice a week?”

“That’s different. I’m her mother.”

“I’m her father.”

“But until a few days ago you didn’t even know she existed!”

“That only means I have lots of catching up to do.”

“But—”

“Besides,” he interrupted her again. “I can’t stay here indefinitely. I’ll be moving on soon, and I don’t know when I’ll be back. Once or twice a week is entirely unacceptable.”

She had no argument for that. “I did not think you would care at all,” she said softly.

“I do.”

“I can see that.” Her gaze dropped, and she fixed her eyes on his bare chest. “Does it hurt, still?” she asked softly.

He glanced down to see that she stared at the scar he so rarely thought about. How had he ignored that telling mark so completely for the past year?

Magic.

“No.”

“What happened?”

The pale and puckered flesh so close to his heart was not the only scar on his body, but it was the worst. He didn’t want to tell Sophie the details; he knew without doubt that she was not made for tales of war and bloodshed, but for the consolation that came after.

The only spoils of war he’d ever wanted were a safe home, a happy family, and a woman like this one to hold it all together. He’d given up on those dreams long ago.

“It’s a boring story, Angel. Not fit for your pretty ears.”

“I’m tougher than I look,” she insisted, haughtily lifting her chin.

“I don’t doubt it.” She didn’t look tough at all. She looked fragile, feminine. She was everything he had ever wanted and never expected to have. She’d kept him going through hard times long before he’d ever met her, this dream woman. This Angel. How could he look at her and not think about the day they’d met?

“I don’t remember kissing you,” he said, making her jump in her seat a little. “Did I?”

She averted her eyes. “Well, not on the, uh, mouth,” she answered.

He lifted his eyebrows slightly. How much of that encounter had he forgotten? “Where did I...”

Sophie stood briskly, and the fine fabric of her gown danced around her. “I didn’t come here to talk about that. If you want to see Ariana we need to make arrangements. I can’t have you showing up at the cabin without warning. If Isadora is in a bad mood—”

“I’m not afraid of Isadora.”

“You should be.”

Kane stood slowly, taking a deep breath and letting his muscles uncoil. Yes, he did want to see his daughter frequently, while he still could. But right now he was more concerned with getting Sophie in his bed again. Just once. One time when he was clearheaded and could remember every detail.

“What if I want to see you?”

She shook her head. “I will be there when you come to see Ariana or when I bring her to you, but—”

“That’s not enough.”

She backed away from him until her spine was pressed against the door, and he kept moving until he was directly in front of her. This close it was impossible not to be affected.

“It will have to be enough,” she whispered.

He dipped his head to bring his face close to hers. “Admit it, Sophie. You still want me. We were good together and next time—”

“There won’t be a next time.”

He ignored her. “Next time we’ll be even better than before. I won’t be hungover and wounded, you won’t be a virgin. We can make love all night on a nice, soft bed.”

She licked her lips. “All night? That’s not necessary, or even possible. Is it?”

“For someone who claims to be a woman who’s interested in nothing but sex from a man, you seem to know very little about the possibilities.”

“I know everything I need to know,” Sophie insisted. She put on a pretty good show, but there was more than a touch of uncertainty in her voice.

“Do you?” he whispered. “Are you sure?” With an insistent finger hooked beneath an impossibly creamy chin, he tipped her face up. Blue eyes sparkled, pale cheeks flushed pink, and lush lips trembled just before he touched them with his own.

At first Sophie kissed like a woman who had never been kissed before. Tentative. Uncertain. She held her breath and did not move. And then her lips parted slowly and surely. Her tongue answered his. She made an interesting little noise deep in her throat.

No, on that day they’d first met he had not kissed her. Magic or no magic, he would’ve remembered something as fine and stirring as this. The woman kissed with her body and her soul. She drew him in with every breath, with every taste. She tasted like sunshine.

He ended the kiss because he knew if he didn’t he would take her here, against the door.

Her eyes had gone dreamy; her lush lips looked well kissed. It was a sight to grab any man’s baser instincts and hold on. Hard.

“Your cabin, this afternoon,” he said, his voice gruffer than he’d intended. “I don’t care if your sister is there or not.”

“I can bring Ariana to town—”

“No.” He was still worried about that deputy who had checked him over in the tavern last night. Better to keep his family away from potential trouble.

His family.

Kane’s heart lurched. Like it not, that’s what Sophie and Ariana were. His family. His blood. All he had left in this world.

Do you? Are you sure?

Sophie hurried down the road, her step quick. She didn’t quite run, but she moved at what was definitely more than a leisurely walk. She was anxious to see her daughter, she reasoned, that’s why she walked so quickly toward home.

Her mind was not on her daughter at the moment, but instead was firmly set on the child’s father. What kind of possibilities had Kane been talking about? And what was that nonsense about making love all night? The first and only time they’d had sex, the deed had been over quite successfully in a matter of minutes. The blood rushed through her veins too hot, and her heart beat too fast. All she could think about were Kane’s words, and the way the very sight of him affected her, and the way he kissed...

She felt very much as she had a year ago, when she’d first met Kane Varden. On fire. Incomplete. Wanting. Oh, why had he come back? Why could she still feel his lips on hers? Still taste him, still feel that odd weakness in her knees...

“What a surprise to see you in town again so soon.”

Sophie stopped and took a deep breath before she turned to face Galvyn Farrell. She’d almost reached the edge of town and safety; the main thoroughfare of Shandley stretched behind the man who’d stopped her, bustling as a healthy town should. The people who walked and shopped and played there paid her no mind, except to cast the occasional quick and suspicious glance her way.

She knew they would pay her much more mind if she were walking toward them instead of away.

“You look particularly lovely today,” Galvyn said, his gaze raking over her.

Sophie had chosen her gown with Kane in mind, though she had not admitted as much to herself as she’d taken it from her wardrobe. She wanted him to think she was pretty and desirable and worthy of affection and admiration. She had not dressed nicely for Galvyn Farrell.

She was going to have to get past this silly infatuation with the father of her child. Had her mother mooned over a man, ever? Of course not. Had she been so foolish as to fall in love? Never.

“Mr. Farrell,” she said, trying to make her heart be still. “How very nice to see you again.”

He gave her a surprised and charming smile. “You must call me Galvyn, Sophie. We are friends, after all. Aren’t we?”

“Of course.”

He looked her up and down as if he appreciated what he saw. Sophie pushed aside the initial impulse to be insulted.

“There’s going to be a town dance tomorrow night,” he said.

“I didn’t know.”

“I was afraid word hadn’t reached everyone on the outskirts of town. I do hope you’ll be there.”

For a moment, Sophie didn’t know what to say. No one had ever invited her or her sisters to participate in any of the town socials.

“There will be music and dancing,” Galvyn said. “I was hoping if I asked soon enough you’d save a dance for me.”

Sophie shook her head. She knew what kind of reception she’d get from everyone else in town, if she were so foolish. "That’s very sweet, but I can’t.”

“Please,” he said softly. “I so have my heart set on a dance with you.”

Sophie looked at Galvyn in an entirely unbiased way. It was true she had never liked him much, but perhaps she’d been hasty. He had some unpleasant qualities, but he had good qualities, too. A handsome face, well-groomed hair, a healthy-looking body. If she were to stand Galvyn and Kane side by side, would she really find her daughter’s father so much more appealing? If the beat of her heart and the low roil in her belly were telling her that it was time to take another lover, would Galvyn not do as well as Kane—or any other man? If she approached her newfound life with complete abandon, what did it matter whether or not she liked him?

Somehow she knew that falling in love would never be a danger with this man.

“Perhaps I will stop by, for a short time,” she finally agreed.

“And you will dance with me?”

“Yes.” Sophie tried to forget about Kane’s kiss. She was a grown woman, much too strong to have her will tested in such a simple way.

“I know you have not been involved in the town’s social activities in the past, but it’s time to remedy that oversight, Sophie. At the summer dance, those ladies of a marriageable age who are looking for a husband wear white frocks to let the townsfolk know they’re ready for that important step. If you were to wear white...”

“I don’t own a white dress,” she said quickly. “And even if I did I would not wear it.”

“I have a few ready-made white dresses in my store, one in particular that I think would be lovely on you. I can have it delivered this afternoon.”

“No one delivers to the cabin,” she argued. “It’s too far.”

“If I ask, it will be done.”

Sophie shook her head quickly. She most certainly did not want to advertise the desire for a husband when she had none!

Galvyn took a step closer to her. “The gown will be my gift to you. All I ask in way of thanks is that perhaps after the dance you’ll allow me the honor of walking you home.”

Her heart lurched unpleasantly. Surely her mother had never been intimate with a man she didn’t even like. Besides, Galvyn had mentioned marriage on more than one occasion. It wouldn’t do to encourage him in any way. “Actually, I’m not sure that I’ll be able to attend.”

In spite of her protest, he seemed very pleased with himself. “I understand Sheriff Kynyn might stop by tomorrow evening. He’s an old friend, you know.”

“I believe I’ve heard you mention that before.”

“He’d love to meet you. There’s not a woman in the capital city who can rival your beauty, Sophie.”

She averted her eyes. “I’m sure that’s not true.”

“I’m just as sure that it is.” Galvyn glanced over his shoulder. His shop was located at this end of town; she’d walked right past it on her way home. Galvyn also owned the livery and a sweet shop and a couple of other businesses, though he did not run those himself. He had purchased them from merchants who found themselves down on their luck, and now paid those former owners a pittance to see to the operation of the businesses, while he took the profits.

“I must get back to the shop,” he said. “When I saw you pass I wanted to ask you about tomorrow night.”

Relieved that the encounter was almost done, Sophie said, “I’m sure you have more important things to do, and I really must get home.”

“Tomorrow night, then,” he said as he backed away. “I’ll have that gown delivered this afternoon, just in case you change your mind.”

Sophie forced a smile as she shook her head. “Please, don’t. Your kind invitation is gift enough.”

It was ridiculous to be so skittish where Galvyn Farrell was concerned. What better way to erase one man from the mind than to embrace another?

Surely her mother had been with more than three men in her lifetime. Not every encounter had left her with child, and it would be that way with Sophie. With some men, the rendezvous would be entirely about pleasure.

Sophie wrinkled her nose. When she tried to imagine taking such a step, she felt nothing. No excitement, no yearning. And yet, loveless encounters were all she could ever have, where romance was concerned.

She had to consider the possibilities that would come with such encounters. Would the herbs Juliet gave to those women in town who wanted to prevent babies work for Sophie? She didn’t think so. She was different from other women in more ways than one.

Did it matter overmuch? There were four years between Isadora and Juliet, two between the middle Fyne sister and Sophie. But there was no reason for her to follow her mother’s example exactly. Her children might be closer together in age than she and her sisters were. Think of what fun they’d have growing up together!

Sophie’s step slowed as she approached the path that turned and twisted up the side of Fyne Mountain. She could only fool herself to a certain degree. She wasn’t ready for another child. She kicked at the dirt at her feet. And hadn’t she just promised herself that she would not take another lover who knew where to find her? Galvyn had already expressed an interest in marrying her, for goodness’ sake. Taking him as a lover would be foolish beyond belief.

She had never dreamed of those dark brown eyes.

To be honest, she wasn’t ready to sleep with another man. Not yet. But maybe if Kane believed she would take that step, he’d quit kissing her until her clothes felt heavy and scratchy, and he’d stop looking at her as if he knew something she did not. And he wouldn’t talk about making love all night and...possibilities.

Do you? Are you sure?

Somehow Sophie had gotten rid of her sisters. Kane didn’t ask how. He didn’t care. Today the three of them—his woman and his child and himself—were alone, sitting in the parlor this time instead of the more intimate bedchamber.

“Ariana sleeps a lot,” he said as he rocked the slumbering baby.

“She’s three months old,” Sophie said softly. “Of course she sleeps a lot.”

For as long as he could remember, this was what he’d wanted. A cabin far away from war, a woman, a child.

But the cabin wasn’t his. Neither was the woman. The child was his, though. Beautiful and heartwarming proof that no matter how bleak and hopeless his circumstances had become, life continued on.

He already knew he couldn’t take her from Sophie. The Fyne sisters were witches, and there was magic in this cabin. But Ariana was well-loved. Besides, it would destroy Sophie to lose her child. He wouldn’t do that to her.

“I’ve been invited to the town social tomorrow night,” Sophie said, her voice too quick to be casual. “A local gentleman asked me to attend, so that we might dance.”

“What man is this?”

She blushed. “A very important local merchant. He’s good friends with the sheriff.”

“And is this merchant to be your next lover?”

Sophie hesitated, but not for very long. “Perhaps.”

He could not bear to think of Sophie with another man. His reaction made no sense, since there were no bonds between them but for Ariana. But then, what did make sense these days?

“Would you do me a favor?” he asked gently.

“If I can.”

“Don’t take up with another man until after I’m gone. I don’t want to watch you dance with someone else, much less think of...” He stopped. No, he could not bear it. “I won’t ask you to wait very long. I’ll be leaving soon.” He rocked in time with his own steady heartbeat.

“Where will you go?” Sophie asked softly. He’d expected happiness at the news that he wouldn’t be around much longer to harass her and annoy her sisters, but she sounded almost disappointed.

“I need to find the leader of the rebels. Arik.”

“You’ve been gone more than a year. Won’t they wonder where you’ve been?”

Kane laughed lightly. “Oh, yes. They’ll wonder.”

He glanced up to watch the woman who sat just a few feet away, her hands in her lap and her eyes on the baby who slept in his arms. How could he be so sure he’d miss Sophie Fyne with all his heart, when in truth he barely knew her?

“Before you go, I want you to talk to Juliet,” Sophie said, her voice too quick. “Let her hold your hand for just a few moments, and she can tell you where future dangers might be lurking for you along the road. And perhaps Isadora can cast a protective spell over you. If we ask nicely and I make her something special to eat and we assure her that you’re really leaving, maybe we can convince her. I’m not sure how effective the spell will be once you venture away from Fyne Mountain, but it would be worth a try.”

“Why?”

She raised her eyes to look squarely at him. “I know little of war, but I do understand its dangers. If you know where peril awaits, you can avoid it. And a simple protective spell might bring back a touch of the good luck you’ve enjoyed for the past year. If all goes well, someday you might return here. To see Ariana, of course,” she added quickly. “I never knew my father. Since you’ve found us and there’s nothing to be done for that, then you might as well be a part of her life.”

She would not admit as much, not out loud, but she wanted him to survive. He wished he could tell her that was likely. “I don’t think your sisters will do anything to protect me.”

“They will if I—”

“I don’t want you to beg for me, Sophie. I’ve survived this long without magic. Maybe I can survive a while longer on my own.”

She did not look convinced. “At least ask Juliet for a warning or two about your immediate future.”

The sight, Gudny had called it. If Juliet Fyne was indeed psychic, why did she live here on a mountainside far away from everyone and everything of importance? Magic was revered in the big cities, not feared as it was among simpler folk like the ones who disparaged the Fyne sisters at every opportunity. She could make a fortune if she aligned herself with the right people. Perhaps her talents were weak. Perhaps she wasn’t psychic at all.

“I’m more interested in the past than in the future,” he said absently. If he could discover who had betrayed his unit, then gather the evidence to prove that he was innocent, he’d soon be in Arik’s good graces.

“Juliet says the past is much easier to see than the future,” Sophie said. “Some parts of what is to come are potentially open to change, whereas the past is set in stone. Done and done, she says. But what good will looking into the past do you?”

It might be worth a try. Wouldn’t hurt. “There are a few things I need to know before I rejoin the rebels.”

Her face went very pale. Was she worried? Why, when she proclaimed to care nothing at all for him? “When I first saw you, you wore a cloak adorned with the rebel emblem.”

“I lost it, shortly after leaving this place.”

Of course he had lost it. Anyone who saw that design would know he was a rebel, and that would’ve put a quick end to his streak of good fortune.

“Why do you want to rejoin them?” she asked, almost impatiently. “Most of the fighting seems to be in the Northern and the Western Provinces, so I have heard very little about the revolution, and to be honest I know nothing at all about warfare. But I know your forces are too small to defeat the emperor’s army. It is a lost cause, Kane. Are you willing to sacrifice your life for a fight that cannot be won?”

A year ago, the answer had been a resounding yes. Holding Ariana, he had to hesitate before answering. “Yes.”

“That’s...that’s silly.”

“Silly?”

“You cannot win,” she said sternly. “It would be foolish to sacrifice your life because the illegitimate son of the old emperor thinks he should be on the throne rather than his legitimate half-brother. What difference does it make to your life who sits in the royal palace?”

“You have no idea,” he said softly.

“Then tell me,” Sophie whispered. “Make me understand.”

He had never shared the dark moments of his life with anyone. In the past few years, he and Duran had stopped talking about Valdis and Stepan. They never mentioned Liane and the possibility that she might still be alive. It had been such a long time. Would they even know her if they saw her?

Not they, not anymore. Duran was gone, too. Duran, who fought harder than any of them. Duran, who had cried when they’d buried Valdis after the battle of Lyliantha and then fought all the harder the next day.

Duran, who had lost his head to the blade of an imperial infantryman who wished to put it on display.

“Do you really want to know?” he asked.

Sophie nodded her fair head.

“Promise me that you won’t take up with another man until after I leave here, and I’ll tell you everything.”

She agreed quickly, before he had even finished his sentence. He stared into her intense blue eyes as he began to speak.