Kieran knew that he was dreaming, knew the sorrow and rage he felt was not his own. Still he woke gasping and sobbing. “I’m trying,” he whispered. “I’m doing everything I can.” Knowing sleep would not come again, he lay awake in the dim light of morning, waiting for the solace of Alban’s company. # One of the maidservants, not Alban, brought Kieran his breakfast. As usual, she answered his smile and friendly greeting with narrowed eyes and stiff shoulders. He contemplated a more outrageous flirtation just to see what reaction he’d get, but he found enough trouble without seeking it deliberately. Had he offended Alban in some way? The Leas had reacted oddly when Kieran suggested the mental bond, but once within the link he seemed fine. More than fine. Sublime. If Alban had been upset in those moments, surely Kieran would have sensed it. Why had Alban left so abruptly, then? And where was he now? He’d said last night that his father had cleared him from other duties so he could focus on healing Kieran’s new injuries.
