Chapter FORTY-EIGHT

Lusia The first thing I noticed when I woke up was warmth. Not the uncomfortable, feverish kind that had plagued me earlier but something softer, soothing. A heavy, rich scent of cedar and something uniquely King Dane lingered around me, wrapping around my senses before I even opened my eyes. The room was dimly lit, the soft glow of the crackling fire in the massive fireplace casting long shadows against the towering bookshelves that lined the walls. I shifted slightly on the couch, feeling the weight of a thick blanket draped over me. I wasn’t alone. A chair scraped against the floor, the sound subtle yet firm, and before I could fully register what was happening, King Dane was beside me. My heart skipped a beat as I stared at him. His tousled jet-black hair was neatly combed and his icy blue eyes were staring at me. There were beads of sweat gathered on his forehead, and his brows were slightly furrowed as he looked down at me. He was gorgeous even though the thin lines appearing on