As if reading his thoughts, Ezra placed a hand on Segreti’s, his touch warm and tender. “No need for apologies, my dear General. Anyone who knows you, knows of you, is aware the manner of Orso you are.”
“And what manner of Orso am I?” Segreti dared to ask. He leaned forward, his body gravitating toward Ezra as if by some magnetic force.
“An honorable and noble warrior whose fearless deeds have become legend.”
Segreti bowed his head. “You think too highly of me.”
“Perhaps you don’t think highly enough of yourself.”
Ezra’s sweet words stunned Segreti, and he lifted his startled gaze to meet Ezra’s bright eyes. They were filled with nothing but sincerity and what could easily be mistaken for affection.
“You truly believe so,” Segreti murmured, a smile tugging at his lips. The healer continued to amaze him. Ezra offered no meaningless flattery or hollow words, only truth.
“I wouldn’t have said so otherwise. Tell me of the books you read.”
Segreti smiled. “I could lose myself in those stories, in the notion that someone might love another so completely they’d face any threat no matter how great.”
“I had no idea you were such a romantic at heart, General.”
“You would not be the first to think so,” Segreti said, a world-weary sigh escaping him. “Immortality can be a curse when all one is good for is war.”
“That’s absurd!”
Segreti blinked at Ezra, startled by his outburst. “You disagree?”
“I bloody well do.” Ezra jumped to his feet and began to pace before Segreti. “You’re more than your position, Gen—Segreti.” He spun to face Segreti. “Why would you believe such a thing?”
“Experience. Few suitors have lasted. They find me… beastly.”
Ezra tilted his head in observation. “How so? Do you possess a violent temperament?”
“Oh no. I meant in appearance.” Despite his size and ferocity, Segreti had always been aware of his power and strength. He would never harm the tiniest of creatures, much less a mate. Outside the battlefield, he found violence deplorable. Quite the contradiction for an army general.
“I don’t understand.” Ezra’s expression showed as much. He truly didn’t understand why someone might be repulsed by Segreti’s appearance.
“My body carries centuries of battle scars, the worst of which are from the lashings… during capture. I am large, with calloused hands, my hair untamable, my bones ache in the winter, and there is this.” He pointed to the patch concealing his hideous eye. The foggy white had revolted plenty of suitors.
“May I see it?”
Segreti nodded. He was quickly discovering he could deny Ezra nothing. The time had come for him to get the silly notion of Ezra becoming more to him out of his head. Ezra was too beautiful and too gentle to be mated to someone like him.
Ezra resumed his seat and placed his book between him and the backrest. Closing his eyes, Segreti removed the eyepatch and remained still. He’d never hesitated before an enemy, yet he faltered before the healer.
A tender touch to his cheek made him flinch, and his eyes flew open. He sat stunned as Ezra smiled warmly at him, his hand cupping Segreti’s cheek. Why was he not reeling back in horror or disgust? Ezra’s expression fell, his lashes wet from unshed tears. A deep sadness radiated from him, so much so that Segreti felt it. He covered Ezra’s hand with his.
“Why such sorrow?”
“It must have been terribly painful. I wish I’d been there. Perhaps I could’ve healed you, or at the very least relieved you of the pain.” A tear rolled down his cheek, and Segreti wiped at it with his thumb, his pulse quickening. No one had ever shed a tear for him.
“Forgive me. It wasn’t my intention to bring you sadness. If I’m honest, I expected a far different reaction.”
“Oh? What sentiment other than sorrow could such an injury possibly evoke?”
Ezra continued to amaze him. Was it possible he truly didn’t see what others did? “Most believe it to be rather repulsive. Even now I find myself eager to shield it from your view.”
“Outrageous,” Ezra said, seeming affronted by the very notion. “Your injury and loss of sight is a tragedy. It’s not something to be repulsed by, but to be respected. The mark of a warrior. A general who has survived against the deadliest of enemies. Your eye does nothing to detract from your handsome face.”
Segreti let out a raucous laugh. “Handsome? My dear Ezra, perhaps I’m not the only one lacking in sight.”
With a sniff, Ezra folded his arms over his chest. “I don’t see what’s so funny.”
“Wait… you’re serious? You truly believe me handsome?” It struck him then. A reminder that, once again, Ezra was a Soldati warrior. He might be a healer and scholar, but he’d been raised as a warrior among warriors. His noble title did nothing to change what he was or the battles he had fought in. Most of the nobility Segreti had met over the centuries were not warriors. They had others to battle for them.
Knowing Ezra found him handsome stirred something deep inside Segreti he didn’t quite know what to do with. Thankfully, Ezra broke into an enthusiastic conversation about books. Segreti listened with rapt attention, offering a comment here and there. He answered when prompted, but mostly listened, which worked for him since he was better at listening than conversing. As Ezra enthused over his favorite stories, Segreti decided he could easily listen to Ezra passionately discuss books for the rest of time. It wasn’t until the room grew darker that he realized the afternoon sun had begun to set.
“Goddess above!” Seeming to finally notice the time, Ezra gaped at him. “Please forgive me. I’ve been prattling on for hours. I’m certain you have far more pressing matters to attend to that don’t include sitting here listening to me carry on about nonsense.”
Segreti placed his hand on Ezra’s to steady his sudden fidgeting. “Your fretting is unnecessary. I’m in awe of your passion and hope you will forgive me for my boldness. I’ve enjoyed every moment spent in your company. Perhaps you’ll consider allowing me to join you again for tea and conversation?”
The smile that lit up Ezra’s face was glorious. “I would very much like that.” His expression grew timid, and he dropped his gaze to Segreti’s hand resting on his. “I hadn’t expected to enjoy your company as much as I have. You’re quite easy to talk to.”
“I’m pleased to hear it,” Segreti replied, his thumb stroking Ezra’s soft skin. His pulse fluttered at the flush that came onto Ezra’s cheeks. He lifted his gaze to Segreti’s, his eyes searching for something. Segreti would have given anything to know what thoughts occupied Ezra’s mind.
“Segreti, I—”
A knock sounded at the door, making Ezra jump. He let out an annoyed huff Segreti completely agreed with.
“Yes?”
A Soldati entered and bowed. “General Segreti, His Majesty requests your council.”
“Of course.” Segreti stood and bowed his head at Ezra. “Thank you for the tea.”
“You’re welcome.”
Feeling bold, Segreti bent down and kissed Ezra’s cheek. Color flared through Ezra’s face, and he touched his flushed cheeks.