The Ranger of Marzanna (The Goddess War #1) - Jon Skovron Page 0,54
you know? But never something destructive. Yet it seems that to save the empire, I must turn nature against itself. I must use the elements of life to destroy life so that I might protect life. I… cannot seem to reconcile this in my heart.”
Once he finished speaking, he was at last able to look at her, his throat tight as he tried to gauge her reaction to his confession.
Keeping their hands joined, she moved over and sat beside him on the same bench. “It is a terrible dilemma you wrestle with, and you are right to be troubled by it. I would be a fool to think I could offer you a solution, but you may rely upon my support and comfort.”
“Galina, I…” Emotion choked his voice. She had offered her sympathy without judgment or hesitation. He took a deep, shaking breath, praying that the tears in his eyes did not break loose. “I am so lucky to have met you.”
“And I you.”
They sat there holding hands, and stared into each other’s eyes for some time. In that moment, Sebastian could not think of anything but her peerless beauty and tender heart. He could have sat like that all day. But then someone nearby cleared their throat. Sebastian and Galina both started and looked over to see Galina’s maid, Masha.
“Apologies for the interruption.” She bowed to them. “Lieutenant Portinari, Commander Vittorio wishes to speak with you immediately. If you will please follow me, I will take you to him.”
“Ah.” The warm glow Sebastian had been feeling now fled. “Thank you, Masha.” He turned back to Galina. “I…”
“You must do your duty, Sebastian,” she said. “I look forward to your next visit.”
“As do I, Galina.”
He stood and followed Masha out of the garden. He expected her to take him back to the study where he and Vittorio had spoken on the first day they met. It seemed to be his favorite room in the manor. But instead they found him in one of the many parlor rooms. It was the largest one, and contained a grand piano, as well as a number of sofas and chairs. Despite the numerous places to sit, Vittorio stood gazing out the window, his hands clasped behind his back.
“Lieutenant Portinari, as requested, Commander,” said Masha.
The commander did not turn around. “Thank you, Masha. You may go.”
Masha quickly left, perhaps sensing the tension between the two men that now filled the room.
Sebastian decided he might as well accept whatever punishment awaited him. He gave a sharp salute, even though Vittorio’s back was to him. “I must apologize, Commander. I have been shirking my duties.”
“I noticed,” he said dryly, still not turning around. “And now I see why.”
“Sir?”
“Come here.” His tone was firm, but not harsh.
Sebastian’s gait was awkward and self-conscious as he strode over to the commander. He looked first at Vittorio, then followed his gaze through the window out to the garden, where Galina could plainly be seen, still sitting on the same bench, now intently reading Hopeless, Victorious.
“She possesses a singular beauty,” said Vittorio. “Perhaps not conventional, but captivating in a way that is uniquely her own. And as we recently learned, when necessary she can express herself most eloquently. I admire your choice.”
“Sir, I—”
Vittorio held up his hand and Sebastian was silent. “A soldier is not a monk, Lieutenant. It is natural and healthy that you take an interest in such a remarkable young woman. Especially in such trying times, a woman can give comfort to a man’s troubled heart like no one else.”
The commander must have seen Galina comforting Sebastian just now. His face reddened at the idea, but decided it would be best to remain silent, no matter how embarrassing or uncomfortable it might get.
“And rest assured,” continued Vittorio, “it has not escaped my attention that your heart is indeed troubled. It was evident to me that you did not share my feelings of triumph regarding our first successful test of offensive magic. That concerned me at first, but then I realized that I may have underestimated the profound influence your father has had on you.”
“My… father?”
“When my men invaded your home, you could have easily driven them off with magic, yet you did not.”
“My father would not let me.”
“He preferred to die rather than allow you to use your magic in a violent way.”
“I hadn’t really thought of it like that, sir, but I suppose that could be true.”