Stealing The Dragon's Heart のすべてのチャプター: チャプター 61 - チャプター 70

Lena's POVI lingered in the restaurant after lunch, sipping tea by the window. Freya sat nearby, unusually quiet as she picked at the remnants of her meal. I studied her pensively, remembering how flustered she had seemed yesterday morning around the archivist Mars. My curiosity finally got the better of me. Setting down my cup, I leaned toward Freya conspiratorially. "So...is Mars the 'friend' you hope will impress you at the tournament?" Freya's head jerked up, cheeks flushing scarlet. "I never said that!" But her telling reaction answered the question well enough. I had to bite my cheek to keep from grinning outright."But you do fancy him, don't you?" I pressed gently. Freya huffed, stabbing at her food. "And what if I do? It's pointless anyhow. He's not some muscle-bound warrior."I waved my hand dismissively. "You needn't hide your feelings. I saw how tenderly he looks at you, Freya. Why not speak openly together?"She smiled sadly down at her plate. "If only it were that sim

Lena's POV I was jolted awake by the loud crash of shattering pottery. Blearily opening my eyes, I realized I had dozed off curled up on the armchair in the study while waiting up for Ryder. My neck and back protested as I straightened up with a groan.Looking over, I saw the vase of flowers I had left on the oak table now lay in pieces across the hardwood floor. Cursing under my breath, I carefully avoided the shards scattered everywhere as I went to fetch the broom. So much for my sweet surprise for Ryder after our misunderstanding. I swept up the mess bitterly, realizing he had never even come home. Have I missed him too much for my brain to conjure him in my dreams? Where had he been all night? Probably off brooding somewhere while I made a fool of myself trying to make amends. Men!Dumping the remains of my ruined gift in the trash, I trudged upstairs to shower and change. No texts or calls from Ryder of course. Sighing, I resolved to just give him space today. I couldn't keep

Lena's POV The thrill of the tournament still buzzed through me as Ryder led us away from the crowds. We walked hand in hand to where a motorcycle was parked on a secluded forest track. My heart fluttered wildly being alone with him again after so long apart."I thought after so much excitement, a private picnic might be pleasant," Ryder remarked, handing me a helmet and strapping on his own. "Just the two of us." His eyes crinkled warmly.I nodded, cheeks heating. "That sounds wonderful." Settling behind Ryder, I wrapped my arms snugly around his lean, muscular torso as the engine roared to life. We took off down the winding wooded lanes.Ryder drove expertly, slowing whenever he felt me grip him tighter around sharp turns. I breathed deep of the pine-scented air, feeling carefree and exhilarated. With the quarrels behind us, it was like I could finally relax and just enjoy being with this man who made me feel so alive.We arrived at a secluded glade blanketed in wildflowers and dis

Frost's POV The heavy oaken door closed behind me with an air of finality as I entered the war room. My officers stood gathered around the massive circular table, murmuring in hushed tones. At my entrance, they straightened to attention, faces grim. I surveyed them all silently for a moment before taking my place at the head of the table."Report," I commanded tersely. No need for pleasantries when dark tidings were afoot. Flint, my broad-shouldered second in command, spoke first. "The southern border towns are still wary after last week's unprovoked attacks, Commander. Whoever carried them out left no traces or banners. Vanished like ghosts." He shook his head in frustration.I nodded, having suspected as much. "And no demands were made? Nothing taken?""No sir," Flint affirmed. "Seems violence was their only aim. Putting us on edge is my guess."I considered this unsettling news. Such random brutality marked the work of lawless mercenaries or thrill-seeking raiders. But with what

Lena's POVI sat propped up comfortably against the plush pillows, watching in amusement as Ryder bustled about the bedroom attentively. Ever since we had returned from the hospital and he learned of my pregnancy, he had scarcely let me lift a finger - fluffing my pillows, bringing all my meals upstairs, even insisting on helping me bathe and dress despite my fierce blushing. At times his fussing bordered on smothering, but I could hardly fault the man for being concerned about his first child soon entering the world. So I held my tongue and indulged his doting antics with good humor. "There, is that pillow positioned just right? Can I fetch you anything at all before I draw your bath?" Ryder hovered anxiously, seeming reluctant to leave my side for even a moment. I smiled reassuringly, catching his hand and bringing it to my lips. "All is well, my love. Your care means the world, truly." Ryder exhaled in relief, caressing my cheek. "Forgive my smothering instincts. I only wish to