All Chapters of Hidden Hearts: Chapter 11 - Chapter 16

(Ten years ago, springtime …)                By the age of 19, he was already a hardened, seasoned veteran of six long bloody wars. Today was the seventh one. And in a few weeks’ time, he would be 20. Assuming he would still be alive by then.                He was grimy, exhausted, and reeking of blood, sweat and carnage after wielding his sword against what seemed an endless, faceless wave of enemy soldiers. His fingers were numb from all the hacking and fighting he had been doing, and the once-shiny and polished blade of his weapon was now dull in co

             For the past few hours, Theya remained in bed, lying on one side (it was still vey painful whenever she tried to lie down on her back), and kept playing with the loose threads that were coming off from one end of her old and tattered pillow case. It was one of the few things she did to keep herself occupied ever since that horrible day. That, and recalling the past when her parents were still alive, and they were all happy …                Papa, is it true you have a brother?  

(The present day …)                Duke Leonev stepped out from behind Gerd and crossed the room until he reached Theya’s narrow bed. With a slight bow, he held out a hand towards Theya who was still crouching behind on the opposite side.“Will you marry me then, Lady Theya?” Leonev asked in a soft and gentle but tantalizing voice. The barest hint of a smile played upon his lips. The look in his ice-blue eyes was unreadable - but strangely compelling. His eyes seem to hold both an invitation that beckoned to her - and a challenge to take a leap of faith with him … in