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and felt embarrassment singe his cheeks at his own stupidity.  How could he have forgotten the vanity of a woman?  He should have known she’d be embarrassed by her scars.  Honestly, he forgotten she’d even had them as he never noticed them unless they were pointed out by the doctor. 
    His eyes darted about the room as he pondered how to make her appreciate her own appearance as much as he did.  Gently he lifted his hand to her chin and raised her head until her eyes met his.  He let his hand slide gently down the soft scar tissue of her neck that was a drastic combination of tan and white.  Her skin was so soft that Draken instinctively licked his lips, and when he did so, Lucia took a fearful step backward. 
    A smile spread across hiss features and he chuckled, “Concerned with my intentions?  Honestly, with your curves in that dress, you should be.” 
    Lucia looked at him in disbelief, her feelings of shame at her appearance being replaced by feelings of alarm.  What?  She took up her cane and slid from his touch to cross the room and sit on her bed. 
    Draken watched her walk away and his appreciative smile only widened as he could fully assess her figure without her watching.  When she turned to look at him, Draken forced the smile from his lips and cleared his throat, “I am aware of the source of your discomfort, but must inform you that nothing so trivial as a few scars could mar your beauty.  As a woman, you think the scars are prominent, but as a man, I’m telling you they are not.  If anything, they give your exquisite allure a hint of character that only seems to draw further interest to you.”  He crossed over to the door, resting his hand on the handle, “Please take a moment to compose yourself, but know I will be back shortly to escort you to dinner.  Also, be aware that our guests this evening are of utmost decency of character and would never be dissuaded by mere appearance even if there were any defect to your perfection…which, there is not.”  Draken gave her a soft smile and exited the room. 
    Lucia limped back over to the dressing table and looked at herself in the mirror, too concerned with Draken’s comments to adequately concentrate on her appearance.  “Nothing could mar my beauty?  My exquisite allure…my perfection?” she queried aloud.  What has come over him?  One minute he’s got me by the arms and is ready to snap me like a twin and the next he’s flattering me with compliments.  
    Looking up into the mirror, her locked on her reflection as confusion danced across her face.  Draken’s comments on her curves in the dress and her needing to be concerned of his intentions truly did concern her.  Was he serious?
    A soft knock on the door and the deep voice on the other side asking if she were ready brought Lucia from her thoughts.  Draken had returned to escort her to dinner, and she had been so deep in thought, that moments had passed without her being aware.  Her eyes quickly scanned her reflection in the mirror.  She brought her black, satin-gloved hands up behind her neck to splay her black curls around her face.  Her eyes darted to the reflection of the door in the mirror as Draken opened it slightly and poked his head in. 
    Scanning the room, his eyes found hers in the mirror and he smiled and asked, “You ready?”
    Lucia took a shaky breath, “Yes.” 
    ***
    At the top of the stairs, Draken bent and scooped Lucia up in his arms. 
    Nervously, she wrapped both arms around his neck.  Both knew that she would not be able to navigate the expansive staircase. 
    Without effort, Draken carried her to the floor below where he continued holding her as they descended a second staircase.  On the ground level, he gently placed her on the ground asking, “Are you alright?” 
    She found her footing and placed her cane firmly on the ground before casting him a sidelong glance. “I’m fine.” 
    Grabbing her free arm, he looped it through his own