“Really?” Luciana sat on the bed. “Can you tell me how you met?”
Ariana moved to the window to gaze at the Southern Sea. “I came from a village along the coast. I never knew my father. My mother and grandmother were feared by all the local people, who called them witches.” She smiled sadly. “In truth, they were great healers and people thronged to them when they were sick. But when they were healthy…”
“They spread rumors about them?” Luciana asked.
Ariana nodded. “My grandmother was famous for being able to predict the future, and that frightened people.”
Luciana’s gaze wandered to the Telling Stones on the table. “Your grandmother could predict the future?”
“Yes. I inherited the sight, too, but to a lesser degree. Tatiana never seemed to have it at all.” Ariana gave her a curious look. “Are you able to see the future?”
“Maybe, a little.” Luciana explained about the Telling Stones. “And it happened just like I said. Two weeks later, I met a tall and handsome stranger with red hair and a black horse.”
“Interesting.” Her mother glided to the table and ran her hand over the stones, her fingers passing through them. “Have you seen anything else?”
“No, but I haven’t really tried.” Luciana wondered if the predictions she’d given her sisters would also come true.
Ariana sighed. “I never saw my own demise, but there were a few things I knew for certain. I knew I would give birth to twins, both girls. We didn’t need to be psychic to know how dangerous that was, but it gave us time to prepare for your safety. And I knew, somehow, that this room was important. I assumed it meant I would give birth here, so I had the room furnished. But I never realized…” Her voice trailed off as she gazed at the scorched wall across from the window.
A chill ran down Luciana’s back. “What…?”
“I think I understand why it happened now,” Ariana whispered.
“What happened?”
Ariana turned and gave her a sad smile. “You wanted to know how I met your father?” When Luciana nodded, she continued, “When Lucas asked the king for permission to wed, the king insisted he marry me. He probably thought Lucas would be afraid to touch a notorious witch like me, and then there would be no heirs. But Lucas didn’t let the rumors stop him. He treated me with respect and kindness, and before long we were madly in love.”
Luciana smiled. “That’s beautiful.”
Ariana gave her a wry look. “That’s why you remind me of your father. You’re not letting rumors about the Beast stop you from falling in love.”
Luciana’s cheeks heated up once again.
Tatiana suddenly appeared. “I found out what happened—oh, hello, Mama. I-I know what happened in the dungeons.”
“I’ve already told your sister.” Ariana gave Tatiana a stern look. “I heard Captain Bougaire’s ghost was saying foul things about you in the catacombs before he left.”
Tatiana winced and hung her head.
Ariana crossed her arms, frowning. “I warned you about him. You should have listened.”
“Yes, Mama.” Tatiana glanced sidelong at Luciana. “So you two are talking now?”
Luciana nodded.
Tatiana bit her lip. “I said some things I shouldn’t have.”
“You were upset about being dead,” Luciana told her softly as more tears gathered in her eyes. “But we’re all together now.”
Tatiana gave her a teary smile and nodded.
A knock sounded on the door.
“Ana?” Leo called.
Luciana’s breath caught, and she quickly wiped her face dry. “Yes?”
“May I see you?” Leo asked.
Tatiana glared at the door as she floated away from it. “Why is the Beast here? He’s spoiling our family reunion.”
“He’s going to be family,” Ariana said with a smile.
“Ha!” Tatiana crossed her arms. “He can’t be trusted.”
Luciana ran to the door, unlocked it, and cracked it open. Her heart leaped at the sight of Leo. She hadn’t seen him since her shouted defense of him in the courtyard. He must have just bathed, for his red hair was damp and curling around his ears. His breeches and shirt were clean and smelled of soap and fresh ocean breezes. The wolfish hunger was gone from his eyes, replaced by a gentle, friendly look. Was the Beast pretending to be a sheep? Even if he was trying to make her feel more comfortable, she could still sense the heat of his desire, simmering just below the surface. Ready to boil over at any moment.
She had a strange and sudden desire to be singed.
He smiled and lifted a basket for her to see. “I realized I hadn’t eaten since that wonderful breakfast you packed for me, and I thought perhaps you hadn’t eaten, either. So how about having luncheon with me?”
Her pulse raced even faster. “All right.” She opened the door, and he strode inside.
“It’s chilly in here. Shall I start a fire for you?”
“I-I think it will warm up soon.” Luciana glanced at her mother and sister.
“I’ll leave you two alone.” Ariana smiled, then vanished.
“Well, I’m not leaving,” Tatiana announced, her hands planted on her hips. “I don’t trust him. And I want to know the truth about him killing Alberto!”
Chapter Twenty-one
She looked like she’d been crying. Leo fought an urge to pull her into his arms, but he couldn’t risk shocking her with lightning power. As he set the basket on the table, he wondered what had upset her.