Read Online Tempered Hearts (Hearts of Valentia Book 1) by Starla Huchton, S. A. Huchton - Free Book Online Page B

nudged her with an elbow to encourage the conversation.
    “I wonder, then, if you’d have some advice for me. I don’t wish to pry, or break any confidences you two might have, but maybe you can help me gain a little insight on him.”
    He lifted an eyebrow and leaned up against a stall. “That depends entirely on what you wish to know.”
    Deflating a little, she couldn’t help feeling guilty about getting information that way. “Well, the first time we spoke, I felt like I upset him a great deal, but most of my missteps seemed to be in asking about him. Our last conversation was almost entirely about me and went well enough, but I haven’t a clue how to ask him anything without upsetting him again. Is there any topic that would be, well, safe, I suppose? Any interests he has that don’t strike at some old wound I’m ignorant of?”
    Vennic chuckled. “I’m not sure any topic is truly safe where Darius is concerned, to be honest. There are certain lines even I can’t cross, and we two weathered some very difficult times together. But…” He trailed off, thinking it over. “If you’ve any knowledge of weapons, or questions about dwarves, or his favorite ale, those are good places to start.”
    While the topic of ale didn’t interest her in the least, she was very confident she could speak about the other two things for a good long while if needed. For the first time in over a day, the excited flutters returned to her stomach, warming her from the inside out. “That’s incredibly helpful. I don’t think I can thank you enough for that. I’ve not seen him in what feels like forever, but I’m much less worried over our next meeting now.”
    “Perhaps Master Veyrun should consider adding ‘romantic advisor’ to his list of duties,” Elena said with a giggle.
    Vennic laughed. “After the last few days, riyah, I’m seriously considering it.”
    Suddenly aware of how long she’d kept the man from his job, she started. “Well, we shouldn’t bother you any longer, I think, not with all the arrangements you need to make on account of those nails.” She bent in a little curtsy. “Thank you again for your help, Vennic.”
    “My lady is welcome here any time,” he said, his expression so remarkably amicable, she couldn’t help marveling a little. “And thank you for your assistance with the horses.” He turned to Elena. “A pleasure to see you again,riyah . Te’ne mao .”
    “ Ahseen ahmen, royo ,” she flushed and stepped away, already retreating toward the exit.
    As Arden turned to follow, he caught her arm and leaned in to whisper in her ear. “You’d do well to avoid mention of the Ansere’th, but you did not hear that from my lips.”
    She stood there in shock for a moment after he released her, and he was back at work before she could think of a reply. She wandered out of the stable a little dazed, meeting Elena’s curious expression with what she hoped was a confident smile.
    “Anything the matter?” she asked.
    She shook her head and herded her back the way they came. “Not at all. Just thinking of new things to say to His Highness if I ever see him again.” To reinforce her façade, she giggled a little. “He can’t avoid me forever, you know.”
    Though she kept her demeanor light, she couldn’t entirely shake the shadow of Vennic’s parting advice. Don’t speak of the Ansere’th? She had no idea what the root of that issue was, but was quite sure the secret would eventually find her ears. As someone who hoped to see better relations between races, something like that might have bearing on her goal.
    Whatever it was, however, she’d do her best to avoid the subject until she knew a little more.

Chapter 6
    Darius
    Darius stared up at the ceiling, exhausted as he swirled the wine around the goblet. It felt like he spent every day putting out fires only to have six more spring up in the process. Lunches were taken in his study or with the Council of Chancellors. By the time