Page 51 of Shadow Queen
“So, they’re generational soldiers,” he said with an approving nod. “Like me.”
“Your father was in the army?”
Titus nodded again. “Yes, and his father, and his father, and on a long line before. Almost as long as the lord justice’s family.”
So much pride in family commitment. She could understand that. “Will you have any children of your own, Titus?” she asked him with a small smile. “To carry on the line?”
The seasoned guard grew quiet for a moment. “Regal High, I…” his voice fell low, keeping his words private. “This isn’t where I would normally make such a request, but when I return to Mercia, it’s my intention to find a wife. With your permission.”
Norah gasped. “Of course you have my permission! I’m so happy for you!”
He smiled bashfully. She almost thought she saw some pink in his cheeks.
“Well, first let’s see if a woman will have me,” he said.
“You’re a handsome man, Titus, and honorably stationed. I’m sure you’ll have no trouble.”
He gave an objecting snort, but she could tell he was happy.
The afternoon sun rose high with Norah’s spirits.
“Why are you smiling?” Soren asked, bringing his horse beside hers.
“Oh. There you are. I’d almost forgotten you had come along to suck the joy out of me.”
“You’ve been grinning ever since we left Ashan.”
“Only you can make that sound like a bad thing,” she said. Then she sighed. Was this how the entire journey would be with him? “I’m just looking forward to this visit,” she explained in an attempt at civility. “These people are important to me. Let me be happy about it.”
To her surprise, he didn’t goad her further.
By late afternoon, the homestead appeared in the distance, and Norah felt a surge of excitement. She urged Sephir forward.
As they approached, Calla emerged from the house, with Cohen close behind her holding his sword. When she saw Norah, a grin came to the girl’s face, and she bounded off the porch to meet them. “Salara!” she cried as Norah slid down from the mare.
“Calla.” Norah smiled as she embraced the girl warmly. She looked over Calla’s shoulder at the boy.Hi, she signed. Cohen smiled shyly and gave a bow, signing back to her.
“He said he’s happy to see you, Salara. So am I!”
“I’m happy to see you both too! Where are Hamed and Marta?”
“In the garden, of course. I’ll get them!” And the girl ran to fetch her grandparents.
Hamed and Marta came from around the side of the house, wiping their hands on their garden aprons.
“Salara!” Hamed said, bowing. “Quite unexpected, but we’re most happy to see you again.”
Norah clasped his hands with a broad smile. “And I’m happy to be here again.” She looked at Marta, and the woman took her hands with a warm squeeze.
“Salara,” Marta said in a heartfelt welcome.
Hamed stopped suddenly as his eyes found Soren. “Lord Commander,” he said as he straightened as much as he could, then bowed.
Soren returned a reverent nod, something Norah hadn’t expected. They didn’t seem to know each other, but she didn’t ask. Soren wouldn’t want her to do so publicly.
“I’ve come on a proper visit this time,” Norah told them, drawing the conversation back. “I wanted to thank you for all of your help. It meant the world to me.”
“You’ve come all this way to thank us?” Marta asked.
