The Soldati warrior also confounded him. Segreti had never known a more puzzling creature. Ezra went about collecting herbs from his many tiny pots, absorbed in his task to the point Segreti wondered if Ezra remembered he was there. He’d accompanied Ezra to a sizable cottage-like structure behind the castle, one whose walls were covered in winding vines of ivy and beautiful flowers.
Inside, it was bright, the sun coming in through the large open window on each wall. Several levels of wooden shelves ran along the walls, all heaped with little pots, glass vials, small boxes, and trinkets. Beneath the shelves, several oak tables were covered with stacks of books, parchments, paper, stationary, more pots and vials, and an array of knickknacks. In front of the stone fireplace sat a comfortable-looking love seat with scattered throw pillows and a warm blanket, and beside it was a stool with a square pillow, where Ezra placed the orb. He scolded the magical artifact and wagged a finger at it in the most adorable fashion.
It was clear Ezra spent a good amount of time in here. He mumbled to himself as he worked. On what, Segreti had no idea. As far as Soldati went, Ezra was somewhat smaller than his brethren, but not by much. Segreti was under no illusion Ezra wasn’t as fierce. All Soldati were fearless warriors.
Not one hair was out of place on his head, not one wrinkle on his clothes. Ezra smoothed down the front of his tunic, its blue leather bringing out the brilliant hue of his eyes. Despite being covered from neck to toe—except for his hands—the regal attire left no question a sensuous and delectable figure lay beneath the soft cotton and leather. The black leather trousers fit snug and had a habit of drawing Segreti’s gaze. Thankfully, the weather in the Soldati realm was always perfection. Segreti couldn’t imagine wearing so much leather in the heat, or the long sleeves Ezra wore beneath the finely detailed jerkin.
A kettle whistled from the fireplace, and Ezra hurried over. He turned and cocked his head to one side. “Please, do sit.”
Segreti took a seat at the end of the love seat, though his great frame took up a good portion of it. Ezra turned to carry on, and Segreti inhaled deeply. The scent of Ezra mixed with the aroma of flowers and herbs stirred him deep inside. Perhaps accepting Khalon’s invitation for an early arrival had been a mistake. In truth, he’d accepted in the hopes of catching a glimpse or two of the lovely healer. He hadn’t expected the pleasure of spending time with him, much less being alone with him.
“Here you go.”
The sweet sound of Ezra’s smiling voice startled Segreti out of his thoughts, and he gave Ezra a rueful smile as he reached for the teacup held out to him. Like Ezra, it was delicate and beautiful. He feared causing it harm.
“It’s all right, General. The porcelain is the finest the Soldati realm has to offer. It can withstand far more than one would expect.”
Segreti arched a questioning eyebrow at him, and Ezra smiled knowingly.
“Your concern was written all over your face.”
“For a moment I wondered if you’d read my thoughts.” He frowned down at the golden liquid in his cup. “What is it?”
“A recipe of mine.”
“It smells… flowery.”
Ezra chuckled. “It tastes like honey. You’ll enjoy it.” He winked at Segreti, who almost choked on his first sip. The healer was going to be the end of him. Segreti coughed, and Ezra reached over to pat his back.
“Are you all right?”
“Yes. Went down the wrong way.”
“Do be careful, General.” Ezra turned and headed for a round wooden table strewn with all manner of herbs, some of which Segreti had never seen before. He proceeded to clean the mortar and pestle he’d used for the herbs in Segreti’s tea.
“Well, if I choke, at least I’ll have a healer close by.”
Ezra shook his head at him. Once he’d finished cleaning, he went about tidying a stack of already tidy books. How very intriguing. “How long will you be staying in our realm?”
“How long would you like me to stay?”
Ezra’s head shot up, and Segreti hid his smile by taking a sip of tea—more carefully this time.
“It’s not my place to say,” Ezra replied, matter-of-fact.
Segreti hummed. “I won’t take offense if you wish me to leave once the festival is over.”
Ezra wrinkled his nose. “You’re free to come and go as you please, General. However…” He paused, seeming to take great interest in the leaves of a small herb plant. “Should you wish to extend your stay, I would not be opposed.”
“I’m glad to hear it,” Segreti replied, unable to hold back his smile this time. Was it possible Ezra might be interested in his company? Segreti quickly shook that notion from his head. What would a beautiful healer want with a battle-scarred Orso like him? Ezra was merely being hospitable. He leaned back in the love seat as he sipped his tea and studied Ezra, who busied himself returning books to their shelves. “Have you read all those books?”
Ezra turned to face him, a book clutched to his chest and an endearingly puzzled expression on his face. “Of course. Why would I have them if not to read them?”
“Some use books to decorate or to appear scholarly.”
Ezra’s delicate snort charmed Segreti. “Waste of a perfectly good book. Why not decorate with books you enjoy reading? And surely if you wish to appear scholarly, at some instance someone will believe you are and engage in scholarly conversation.” He dropped his gaze to his book, his expression timid. “Do you enjoy reading books, General?”
“I do.”
Ezra’s dazzling smile reached his bright blue eyes, making them sparkle. It stole Segreti’s breath. “That’s wonderful!” He rounded the love seat and sat, one leg bent on the cushion so he faced Segreti.
Segreti chuckled at Ezra’s excitement. He finished his tea and placed the cup on the small table beside the love seat before turning his body enough so he could comfortably face Ezra, their legs touching due to the limited space. “I admit I didn’t have as much time for it as I would have liked, but when you have an army to command, free time is a scarce commodity. When I managed a few blissful moments of rest, I often fell asleep while reading a good book.”
“What kind of books did you read?”
Segreti settled against the backrest, enjoying this heavenly moment. The sun’s rays filtered in, catching several of the colored glass bottles around the cottage, giving it an ethereal feel. Birds chirped and sang outside the windows. It was a far cry from his dark, somber quarters, tucked away against one side of the Orso mountain. But as magical as his surroundings were, nothing could compare to the sweet creature before him.
“I fear you may be disappointed in my response.”
Ezra looked aghast. “I would never judge someone’s choice in literature.”
“Very well. I prefer more fanciful tales, often those filled with lovely prose. A happy ending is required.”
“Love stories,” Ezra deduced, sounding awed.
Segreti felt his cheeks burn, and he dropped his gaze to his calloused fingers, his frown deep. “They are everything my life has not been.” He shook his head and laughed softly. “Forgive me. I’m not usually prone to be so maudlin. I’ve never regretted my position as general of the Orso, merely some of the actions that have resulted from it.” Centuries of war, years under the command of that vile creature Pavoni meant he had blood on his hands, his soul forever tainted.