Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Ardala drop to her knees and bow her head to Marcus and before he could ask her what was going on she opened her mouth. “My Lord,” was all she said, but Marcus’ eyes darkened before he looked at Vajra.

“Can I come in or would you prefer I stood out here and froze my ass off?” He tried for his normal good humor but couldn’t take his eyes off Ardala. “Get up, little one, you’re blocking the way.”

“I’m sorry, ...