From the moment Taden rescues Nathaniel from the Sutherlin soldiers' torture, he finds himself caught in the gaze of the most beautiful eyes he's ever seen; amazing eyes that hold him thrilled and confused. The Sutherlins are planning to invade the beautiful Tahon Valley, but as Taden secrets Nathaniel from their reach, he finds himself drawn to the young man. Not only does he feel the urge to protect him, but he feels an ache he hasn't felt in many long years.<br><br>Nathaniel claims to be a traveler from a distant continent, saying he comes in peace. True or not, the youth has powers beyond anything Taden has seen -- control over men and animals and the very weather. Taden falls hard for the strange traveler, protecting him not only from the Sutherlins but from his own mistrustful people, who don't understand Nathaniel's powers and accuse him of being a witch ...

Nathaniel

“Will you stay with the horses, lord?” Nathaniel asked, his voice strained. Panic flickered in his eyes. Taden reached a hand to him and watched a soft flush rise in the pale face. After a slight hesitation, Nathaniel went into his embrace. Taden pressed his lips to a hot cheek, brushing the curls from his forehead. “Will you tell me what’s wrong?”


A slim shoulder lifted, and Nathaniel pushed his face into Taden’s chest. “I should go alone, lord. She might be afraid.”


A chill touched Taden’s heart. “Of course. Find your friend. I’ll wait here. Make tea or something,” he stammered, failing to hide his jealousy. He heard Nathaniel’s soft laugh and put the man from him, turning to unsaddle his horse with angry jerks on the leather straps.


Nathaniel touched his back. “It shouldn’t take me long to find her.”


Chapter 7