A cold, tense feeling settled in the air the very moment the name of Duke Collin was spoken.
Camilla slowly kept her right hand in Damon's hair. Her fingers moved in soft, rhythmic circles against his scalp, trying to soothe the sudden rigidity she felt in his muscles. She watched his face closely. She noted the tight line of his jaw and the way his dark brown eyes hardened with deep, defensive caution. The relaxed, vulnerable husband from a few moments ago was replaced instantly by a wary military commander facing a new threat.
Camilla stroked his hair gently and asked, her voice soft and low, "Do you know why he's back?"
Damon stayed still in her arms for a long moment. He enjoyed the soothing touch of her fingers, even as his mind worked quickly to understand the danger. He let out a slow breath through his mouth, his chest rising and falling against her nightgown.
