How to Tame a Beast in Seven Days (The Embraced #1)

*

Feeling emotionally drained, Luciana stretched out on her bed. The day was only half over, but so much had occurred. She’d hardly slept the night before, too worried that if she did doze off, she’d miss the seals at dawn and her chance to send a message to her sisters.

Other shocking things had happened, like the assassination attempt, but of all the memories of the day, it was the look on Leo’s face when she’d defended him that had struck her the most. If he were able to touch her, would he act like the dead captain had with Tatiana? Would Leo tear off her clothes and suckle her breasts?

Images flitted through her mind, making her heart race, then with a frustrated groan she shoved the thoughts aside. Why bother to even imagine such things? Things like Leo’s mouth nibbling down her neck, his hands roaming her body. It couldn’t happen. Not unless there was a serious drought. Was she supposed to wish failed crops and starvation for the Eberoni just so she could be kissed?

She punched a pillow. She shouldn’t allow herself to become lovesick over a man she hardly knew. Could he truly be trusted? What if he’d had Captain Booger killed? What if he knew she was an imposter? Would he turn her in to the king? Thoughts swirled in her mind till she finally fell into an exhausted sleep.

When she woke, she slowly became aware that she’d curled into a ball, for the room was chilly. And she was being watched.

With a jerk, she sat up, and her mother’s ghost retreated across the room with a smooth glide.

“Don’t go!” Luciana jumped out of bed.

Her mother, Ariana, hovered by a window, gazing at her sadly.

Tears welled in Luciana’s eyes. “Please don’t leave. I’m so happy to see you.”

A tear rolled down Ariana’s face. “My baby girl. You’ve grown up to be so brave and beautiful.”

Luciana’s heart squeezed and her tears overflowed. When her mother’s form wavered, she reached out her hand. “Please stay.”

Ariana grew solid again. “Forgive me. This is difficult. When I think about all the years that you must have thought you were abandoned…” She wiped tears from her face. “If only I could have let you know how much you were loved.”

“I do know now.”

“I’m sorry I wasn’t able to be with—”

“Don’t say that!” More tears poured down Luciana’s cheeks. “I’m the one who’s sorry. You died giving birth—”

“Hush now.” Ariana whooshed toward her and framed Luciana’s face with her hands.

Luciana reached up to touch her mother’s hands, but her fingers passed through to her wet cheeks.

Ariana sighed. “I wish I could hold you. I held you when you were a baby, and I thought my heart would burst with joy.” Her gaze grew more stern. “Don’t you ever for a moment blame yourself. You were an innocent child, born from love. And I am so proud of you.”

Luciana pressed a hand to her mouth as a sob escaped.

“Shh.” Her mother passed a hand over Luciana’s head as if she were stroking her hair. “You must be strong now. You’re in grave danger.”

Luciana sniffed and nodded.

With a sigh, Ariana glided back a few steps. “My poor Tatiana was killed, and now they’re trying to kill you. How could Lucas bring you here? I’m so upset with him now. You were supposed to always be safe.”

“He begged me to stay on the Isle of Moon. But I couldn’t once I learned the truth. If Father fails to do as he was ordered, he’ll be executed.”

Ariana frowned. “I fear you and Lucas will never be safe. I saw what happened today in the courtyard and the dungeons.”

“The dungeons? What happened there?”

“I only saw the aftermath, and I was so shocked, I didn’t stay long.” Ariana grimaced. “While the second assassin was being chased down, the third one slipped into the dungeon to murder the first one. And he killed the two jailers who were there.”

Three murders? Luciana made the sign of the moons, then fisted her hands. No wonder Leo had insisted she be brought back to the tower immediately.

“The Lord Protector is trying very hard to keep you safe,” Ariana continued. “I like him.”

“You do?”

Ariana nodded, her eyes softening. “I believe you like him, too.”

Luciana’s cheeks flared with heat.

Ariana chuckled. “You remind me of your father. He loved me, even though there were terrible rumors about me and my family.”

“Really?” Luciana sat on the bed. “Can you tell me how you met?”

Ariana moved to the window to gaze at the Southern Sea. “I came from a village along the coast. I never knew my father. My mother and grandmother were feared by all the local people, who called them witches.” She smiled sadly. “In truth, they were great healers and people thronged to them when they were sick. But when they were healthy…”

“They spread rumors about them?” Luciana asked.

Ariana nodded. “My grandmother was famous for being able to predict the future, and that frightened people.”

Luciana’s gaze wandered to the Telling Stones on the table. “Your grandmother could predict the future?”

“Yes. I inherited the sight, too, but to a lesser degree. Tatiana never seemed to have it at all.” Ariana gave her a curious look. “Are you able to see the future?”

“Maybe, a little.” Luciana explained about the Telling Stones. “And it happened just like I said. Two weeks later, I met a tall and handsome stranger with red hair and a black horse.”

“Interesting.” Her mother glided to the table and ran her hand over the stones, her fingers passing through them. “Have you seen anything else?”