Darkness at Dawn by Elizabeth Jennings

Author:Elizabeth Jennings [Jennings, Elizabeth]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Suspense, Romance, Fiction, General, Contemporary
ISBN: 9780425242124
Publisher: Penguin
Published: 2011-07-04T04:00:00+00:00

NHALA THE PALACE

Lucy rushed into the room, straight into Paso’s arms, and hugged her tightly. Paso was holding her just as tightly, and they rocked together.

Oh, it felt so good to hold her friend again! They were both babbling in Nhalan, nonsense words of affection. Lucy rested her forehead against Paso’s and whispered how much she’d missed her. Paso stroked her hair, then wiped the tears from her eyes and then the tears from Lucy’s eyes. Lucy hadn’t even realized she’d been crying.

A soldier of the Royal Guard, a captain, was standing behind Paso. Lucy recognized his face. He’d been the head of the Royal Guard at the welcome ceremony. He stood behind Paso stolidly, at parade rest.

Finally Lucy pulled back and held Paso by her shoulders at arm’s length and looked at her. Oh, how she’d missed her!

Her friend was still a beautiful woman, with the clear, smooth, golden olive skin Lucy had envied so much as a girl. But Paso also had swollen eyes with deep circles under them. Instead of the elaborate ceremonial robes she’d worn at the greeting ceremony, Paso was wearing slim jeans and a white shirt, her uniform as a girl. Lucy was happy to see that she could shed the princess persona that had so chafed her as a girl.

“I am so happy you could come, my friend,” Paso said softly, in the musical tones Lucy remembered so well. “I need you so much.”

“Of course I came,” Lucy said. “You knew I would.”

Lucy released Paso and took Mike’s arm, walking forward. “My fiancé insisted on coming with me. Mike, meet my dear friend, Princess Paso of Nhala. Paso, my fiancé, Michael Harrington.”

Lucy looked briefly at Mike, the merest flicker of a glance. It was never a good idea to give away more information than necessary, even to friends and allies.

Would he understand?

She’d underestimated him. He held out his hand to Paso, body language casual and relaxed. “Princess Paso, it’s a real pleasure. I sort of invited myself along. I hope that’s okay with you.”

His face was unsmiling, though, and there was a very strong subtext. If it’s not okay with you, that’s too bad. His tone, his entire demeanor, was immensely protective. He put a heavy arm around Lucy’s shoulders and squeezed.

It was playacting, Lucy knew that. But it felt so incredibly good. She’d never had a protective boyfriend, and her parents hadn’t been the protecting kind at all. For the first time, Lucy understood the appeal of chivalry. Of having a strong man at your back. She was filled with warmth and strength. She told herself she was a fool, but she felt the warm mantle of protection settle over her. As if it were the most natural thing in the world, she leaned against him, her entire left side heating up, soaking up the warm, steely strength of him.

Paso looked up into Mike’s face, studying him, her own face troubled. She switched her gaze to Lucy. “Is he trustworthy?” she whispered.

“Yes,” Lucy answered firmly.

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