A Heart of Blood and Ashes (A Gathering of Dragons, #1)

by Milla Vane

“Perhaps not.” Those pale eyes met his. “But I was told you were handsome, and so I think you must be the standard by which I judge. Though it also seems there is beauty in everyone I see. I thought Toric must be speaking of Danoh or Ardyl, for there have been times these past days when I have not been able to look away from them. But I cannot truly judge, for I have stared as often at all of you. And so much that I see seems so beautiful. That woman, for example”—she gestured discreetly toward an older woman seated at another table—“has lines beside her mouth and eyes, as if she smiles often. Can you imagine what a happy life she has led that her face is so ready to smile? I look at her and think those lines are the loveliest thing I have ever seen.

“What have I done, never saying this to you?” he said hoarsely. “Never telling you these words that I should have said over and over again. What have I done, that you do not know how I would ride across the world just to lay my gaze upon your face? That I would crawl there on the mere hope of knowing your touch again? What have I done, that as I kneel here, you still do not know that with my full heart, I love you?”