Book 5: First Meeting

Amval

My mark sings. My body vibrates. The moment the blonde stranger turns around, I recognize her in the depths of my soul.

Princess Ingrid Solberg. My mate.

Memories cascade through my mind, each connecting to the lithe figure in front of me. Her slender body bowed in ecstasy. Her blonde hair, knotted around my fingers. Her pale cheeks pink with exertion.

Her blue eyes, staring at me just like they are now.

My heart stutters, restarts. I need to go. I might not be able to smell her through the stable reek, but I’m not sure how long that will last. Worse, one of the Dun’s Crossing royals has a particularly powerful sense of smell, and I can’t remember which one right now.

“Apologies.” I bow, hiding my eyes as well. “I did not expect to see anyone this early in the morning.”

That is true. I rose as early as my body would allow, hoping to review the list of nobles interested in riding today. I don’t exactly have a primary su