Damien's Destiny Read Online Free PDF

proved to be a well-behaved mare of sweet disposition and perfect manners and the two together were a beautiful sight.
    “She’s such a love.” Toria sighed. “I once had a horse named Minerva who much resembled Dolly.”
    Damien didn’t mention he already knew of Minerva and that Dolly’s color was no accident. Yet he’d seen no way to purchase her old horse without raising suspicion, although he’d wanted to. Dolly would hopefully soon take Minerva’s place in Toria’s heart.
    Damien quickly learned Toria could keep up with him in riding ability, although Dolly was not quite as fast as Araby. There was no need for a formal riding hat in the country and Toria usually wore her luxuriant hair simply tied with a ribbon. Damien liked it best when the ribbon loosened and her hair streamed behind her. The two explored the entire estate, with Toria content to stay with him on the property. Damien believed in taking no chances until he’d disposed of the threat of Baron Heath, although he wanted her to be well acquainted with Tregaron and hopefully to love it as he did. Tregaron was close to the town of Deal to the east and its magnificent castle. He’d have to take her there one day. He doubted she’d ever seen anything in the vicinity except the baron’s meager holdings. The castle was built in the time of Henry VIII and although now a magnificent old wreck, was well worth seeing. Damien loved his home and wanted Toria to know every little relevant detail.
    Tregaron’s vast interests were managed well by Jason and Damien together. Jason found his spot at Tregaron soon after attending Oxford with Damien. The fourth son of a marquis, Jason had been wasting his talents with no place to exercise his undoubted business expertise. Certainly he wasn’t cut out to be a clergyman as younger sons often were destined to be. Damien recognized Jason needed a goal and Tregaron needed Jason and both men were delighted with the arrangement. Damien consulted with him almost daily and the two remained the closest of friends.
    Tregaron was by far the largest estate in the area. Situated between Dover and Deal, it was near enough to the larger town to provide access and yet the grounds covered so extensive an area as to seem almost isolated. Tenant cottages rimmed the back of the property to give the main house even more privacy from its few neighbors. One of Damien’s interests included breeding horses and so he maintained large expanses of grassy meadows, keeping the other crops outside the grazing lands. The house seemed situated in a verdant garden.
    On one ride Toria asked him about his parents.
    “My mother was killed instantly when a horse she was trying to break threw her. Of course my father was a mage but not even a mage can heal a broken neck. I was ten years old. My father celebrated my twenty-first birthday with me and then willed himself away. I know he’d only been waiting to join my mother. He still visits me and gives me advice when I need it.”
    Toria looked at him, obviously startled and not at all sure what he meant but didn’t comment.
    Damien was content she didn’t ask more questions he might find difficult to answer. For now he delighted in showing her every inch of his land, although he made it clear she must never go near the borders without him.
    “I’d like to have your word, Toria, that you won’t ride at all without me.”
    She frowned for just a moment. She adored being able to ride again and especially on a regular saddle and now she looked a little belligerent.
    “But I’m eighteen,” she objected. “Surely an age to be permitted freedom.”
    “This is the one stipulation to your riding at all, my dear.”
    He spoke quietly but Toria looked startled and then agreed.
    Damien didn’t tell her he still felt she was in danger, although the widening of her eyes probably meant she suspected. He didn’t want to tell her he doubted that now being of age would stop the baron, so he said nothing