Conroy, left on the promenade some moments later to gaze down at the sleeping world below the walls of his castle, suddenly found the beauty of his kingdom dimmed, its magical feel tarnished, the air cold and empty.

　　“Goddess!” he mused. What was it about her that made him act out of control?

　　He flicked his head to clear it, bemused by his behavior.

　　Until setting his eyes upon his mate, he had never thought to force his will upon a woman, claiming ...