"And did the kitten live?"
"No," she replied, voice wavering. "She was too small and too sick like she'd said. But I nursed the little gray creature for two weeks, hoping for the best."
Nikolai imagined little Sienna sitting in the barnyard and feeding the kitten, offering it compassion when no one else would. He lifted her hand, pressing his lips to the underside of her fingers, then clasped her hand against his chest. "It is in your nature to help those who cannot help themselves. That is not cruel. That is the greatest kindness."
"Even when the poor creature has no chance of life?"
"Especially then. You gave that creature two weeks of compassion and care. That is mercy." He brushed a loose curl of hair at her temple, then wrapped his fingers around the nape of her neck, drawing her close. "You are the most beautiful woman I have ever met. Yes, your outward beauty is a bright beacon all men covet and most assuredly many less confident women despise. But they are all fools." He trailed his hand, flattening his palm over her heart. "For it is the beauty that lies in here that would be the envy of the world. If they could see what I see."
She pressed both her hands over his, her bosom rising and falling on a deep breath, her green eyes bright with tears, and a sweet smile she seemed to hold only for him. "I have no words for that, Nikolai," she said on a little laugh. "I always thought myself wicked for my selfish love of animals over mankind. Over my mother and my nurse. Animals weren't cruel or heartless like the humans I'd known. I always thought, maybe I am the witch they proclaim me to be."
He smiled, leaning down to sweep his lips across hers. "You have certainly bewitched me." He pried her lips open gently, just enough to stroke his tongue against hers and taste the sweet divinity that was Sienna. He broke the kiss and pressed his lips to her palm before stepping away on a heavy sigh. No time for indulgence now.
"Get your gloves on, sweetheart, and saddle up. I want to get Dale's Peak behind us."
After a moment's pause, she snapped to and reached for Astrophel's reins. "And what then?"
"You know what then." He wrapped up what was left of the oats, stashed them away, and buckled the saddlebag. After launching himself into the saddle, he arched a brow at her. "Cutters Cove."
She shook her head and saddled up astride, then pulled on her gloves she'd tucked under the saddle by the horn. "Nikolai, I've told you. Once this is over, I'm returning to my cottage in Silvane Forest. My heart aches that I've been gone this long."
"Well, then let's skip Dale's Peak and head straight there." He clicked to Ramiel and veered through the trees toward the path. "A good month's rest for the two of us in your cottage before we sail for Cutters Cove would do us both some good."
"Ha! First of all, we're not skipping Dale's Peak. We need the recruits. And I doubt seriously the two of us would do much resting holed up in my cottage for a month. You are a devil, lieutenant."
He captured her gaze, knowing full well the smoldering look he gave her was what put the sudden blush in her cheeks. "You have no idea, my sweet. But I plan to show you."
…
It was mid-morning when they reached the Bluestone Mountain Range. Snow-capped peaks in the far distance guided them toward their destination. Winding through the foothills, Nikolai stopped at a gurgling brook and let Ramiel drink. Sienna stopped beside him and did the same. He caught her staring at the mountainous horizon.
"Is it beginning to feel familiar?"
"Yes." She flashed him a smile, once more reminding him how weak he was where this woman was concerned. "Though my home is now in Silvane Forest, I have missed these lovely mountains. I always did love them."
Nikolai nudged Ramiel forward. He took the lead across the shallow brook, wanting to be sure there were no loose rocks that might make Astrophel stumble. The icy water sloshed, a drop hitting his hand.
Sienna squealed. He whirled around in his saddle to find her grinning and sitting with her knees drawn up. "It's cold," she laughed. "Some splashed my leg."
Letting out a sigh of relief, he clicked to Ramiel to climb up the small embankment. He did with ease. As did Astrophel. The path forked, one road leading down through the trees, the other crossed an open prairie.
"Both of these roads lead to Dale's Peak. We'll take the northerly route to use the cover of trees. It's a bit rockier but we-"