Crystal Rose.

A short unedited snippet from the book I'm working on, Crystal Rose. The sequel to Through a Glass.

 

Wrapping her arms around him; Irene sighed and leaned her head against his chest, listening to the comforting beat of his heart. “I love you so much,” she murmured.

Zatao stroked her hair.  His heart felt heavy, his thoughts consumed with the threat of war. Watching the horses wander away to graze, and holding the woman he loved in his arms…war seemed unreal, a nightmare that would pass when waking. But it isn’t, and unless God intervenes, this woman I love, my family, my people are all under threat. He frowned and gritted his teeth as the tranquillity of the moment vanished.

Irene felt the subtle tension in his body, the quickening beat of his heart. Raising her head she peered up at him. “What is it? Are you alright?”

Bending slightly, he kissed her forehead. “I’m fine. It’s getting late, we should return to the castle.”

As they retraced their steps, the tall cedars cast long shadows over the path. Irene stared at Zatao’s back, the uncharacteristic sag of his shoulders confirmed, he was lying to her…he was afraid! She shivered as an unpleasant sense of de-ja-vue settled over her, filling her with dread.