PROLOGUE

“Your eyes are like windows to your soul Alexander,” she whispered to him. “They speak of so many things.”

Her fingertips traced over his cheek gently. She couldn’t get enough of just touching him, being near him. His very presence calmed her beyond measure.

“And what do they tell you Tia?” His voice was rough with feeling.

His voice always touched her and now was no exception. They lay face to face in the tall grass outside her family home hidden from the world, the night sky and all the stars their only witness.

“They tell me of your love for me,” she sighed. When his fingers brushed a curl from her cheek she closed her eyes.

“Is that all?”

She could hear the smile in his voice, but she kept her eyes closed, reveling in his scent and the jasmine that grew only feet away.

“Mmmmmm…” she let a small smile touch her lips and she felt the tips of his fingers brush them. Then her smile turned to a slight frown and she opened her eyes.

“Why the frown, love?” he asked in concern.

“There is also a great sadness in them.” The hand that rested on his chest lifted and with just the tips of her fingers she softly brushed them along his temple.

He closed his eyes and sighed at her soft touch; she leaned closer and softly brushed her lips over each of them. She pulled back and studied his face. He opened his beautiful eyes and studied her in return, seeming to memorize her.

“Will you tell me of the sadness?” she asked softly.

“Tiiiaaaaaa,” a voice called out in the distance.

She sighed deeply and groaned. “Always the interruptions,” she complained, but smiled at him. “I won’t see you again for another week; father won’t let me stay here by myself. He says it’s not proper.”

The voice called again and she sat up looking off in that direction. “I’m coming,” she called back loudly. She looked down at him and smiled. “I will miss you Alexander.”

He sat up and gave her a small smile. “I will miss you as well my little Tia.” He took her face in his hands gently and brushed her lips softly with his. He leaned his forehead against hers. “Be safe, my love,” he whispered.

The voice called again, all patience now gone.

She groaned, kissed him quickly and scrambled to her feet. “I must go or he will come looking for me,” she gave him a smile filled with all the love she had for him. “Goodbye my love, I will see you soon,” she said right before she took off running for home.

That was the last time she saw him.