The Fire Lord's Lover - 1 by Kathryne Kennedy Page A

about them could wait. He hoped he would still be able to recognize the original countryside of England within them, though.
       For now he avoided the pockets of flame that shimmered among hill and vale, taking the road less traveled, bringing their party through silent forests and sleepy meadows. The preautumn leaves almost rivaled that of the elven lord's flame trees with their tints of red and orange color. Dominic allowed the beauty and peace to settle over him, storing it up as usual for when he would need to call on it within the palace walls of Firehame.
       By the time he found a good place to stop for the night he felt saddle weary but calm. He chose to camp near a small stream within a circle of flame trees, their fire red blooms lighting up the area within and around the clearing. The glow from the blossoms should discourage any surprise attacks.
       He signaled for his men to help the ladies—and more than a few gentlemen—to dismount. Each time they had rested the courtiers had scrambled from the saddle with increasing stiffness. If his men hadn't aided them now, they would be sprawled about the ground in all their silks and satin.
       His men pitched their tents, including his, the largest of the lot, and built the fires to prepare the meal. Dominic washed up with the other male courtiers at the far end of camp, allowing the ladies some privacy for their own ablutions. His camp cook must have planned for guests for the stew tasted better than usual. Mor'ded did not join them. Ador could fly far faster than the swiftest horse could gallop, and the elven lord would sleep in his own bed tonight back at Firehame Palace.
       Dominic hadn't looked at Lady Cassandra the entire day, yet he knew exactly where she rode in their column, knew right now her position around the campfire. He supposed she hadn't thought to bring a tent and he would have to invite her into his. His heart soared at the thought and then he stilled. Granted, he enjoyed bedding her. But he'd never felt such anticipation for a woman before and feared where it might lead.
       "Why, General Raikes, I do believe you lost half the court on purpose."
       Dominic didn't know whether to feel relief or dismay at the sound of Lady Agnes's whiny voice. "My intention had been to lose them all."
       As usual, Aggie laughed, ignoring his cold demeanor and tone of voice.
       Few dared approach him. Two of his lieutenants sat next to him but the rest of their party gave him a wide berth.
       Lady Cassandra seemed content surrounded by the rest of his men, avoiding the company of the courtiers, who either had the tendency to ignore her or treat her with indifferent disdain. Dominic knew he was to blame, for the dunderheads took their cues from him. He tried to ignore a sudden wash of guilt.
       Agnes sat in his lap. "Oh la, it appears that I forgot to bring a tent." She leaned forward and whispered into his ear. "Would you perhaps have room in yours, my champion?"
       Dominic winced. He hated when she called him that. In one smooth movement he picked her up and rose, then set her on her feet. "I'm sorry, my dear, but I have a duty to perform."
       Agnes glanced over at Cassandra and frowned. "It's a sad situation, sir, to so deny your pleasure for duty, but I suppose it can't be helped. I'm sure I will find another tent with a bit of room." She smiled coyly at that, her eyes roaming the officers, and then sighed. "Not a one of them could compare to you. If you should need some… comfort during the night, you have but to ask."
       Dominic bowed. "I will endeavor to keep that in mind." And then he headed straight for his wife. Discussion stilled when he approached and by the time he reached her side, complete silence reigned among the previously boisterous group. He said nothing, only held out his hand. She looked up at him, those soft brown eyes wide with surprise, and placed her hand in his.
       "We have a duty,