"Gabriel gave me the painting as a gift when we moved back into the manor. It's the Northern Sea, near where I grew up" Jonmarc took Carina's hand and led her to the next door. "And this is your room. I hope you like it."
Carina gasped. The bedroom was a soothing mix of green and yellow, and it smelled of fresh herbs and dried flowers. Its curtained bed was smaller than the massive one in Jonmarc's room. Near the window, where the light would be best, a work table was set up with a mortar and pestle. Along one wall, a small library of books hugged built-in shelves, and a wide variety of dried plants hung near the fireplace. Plenty of candles and a large chair by the fire completed the room. Her bags and trunks were stored near the far wall.
"It's wonderful," Carina said, her eyes brimming with tears.
"It's got everything you need," Jonmarc's eyes glinted wickedly. "Although there's room enough for two in my quarters."
"M'lady. May I be of service?" The voice startled Carina and she turned.
"This is Lisette." Tall and red haired, Lisette looked like a young woman in her early twenties, but the vayash morn's eyes told of lifetimes. "Lisette is your lady's maid, guide, and general companion to keep you out of trouble when I'm out on the lands."
"I'll be very glad for your help."
"We're so pleased to have a Lady of the manor once again," Lisette said. "It's been far
too long. If you need me, ring the bell. I'll hear. Just remember-not in daylight!"
Lisette left them alone, and Jonmarc folded Carina into his arms. "So what do you think?"
Carina smiled and laid her head against his chest. "I think it's beautiful. And I think Dark Haven is amazing. Especially its lord."
Jonmarc kissed her, and Carina returned it with equal fervor. "It's good to be home."
EARLY THE NEXT morning, Jonmarc and Carina rode out from the manor house. The rolling hills were covered with snow under an overcast sky. Wind rustled through the bare trees. "Over there," Jonmarc said, pointing to the far left, "you can see the vineyards. Not too long ago, their wines were the pride of Principality. Nidar and I want to make that true again. Down there's the town of Dark Haven. Mortals and vayash morn live and work together here-and they intermarry. More than a few ghosts around, too. If Tris ever makes it back this way, he'll have a crowd waiting."
Carina's horse snuffled in the cold. She tucked her cloak closer around herself, shielding her face from the wind. "That's going to take some getting used to," she confessed.