Jillian Bald

“Idita reached over and took Resi’s hand from her lap and quietly told her, “When I first came to Baric Castle, I rocked Lorenc as a babe on my knee long before I had charge of Mauro and Mateo. I saw how Mauro’s father built a shield of armor over his own heart with Mateo’s death. Lorenc shut his living son out in his grief.” Saddened, Idita explained further, “Mauro has done the same as his father. I believe the happy boy who played in that courtyard below us is still under the grown man’s armor. Be patient, my lady. Lord Toth trained Mauro to be a commander of soldiers, but no one has taught him how to be a husband. He will let his shield down soon enough. I think you might find you will like the man revealed there.”
― Jillian Bald, Shields Down

“The sleeping draught began to take effect. Idita blew out the candles on the table. Just the torchlight from the courtyard shone into the room. “You will heal, Mauro,” she promised.
He lay down on the cot and looked up at her through half-closed eyes. He knew she did not mean his arm. “I know I will.”
― Jillian Bald, Shields Down

“Not for killing those men today. I am not talking about that.” He was serious now. “I know your secret, don’t I? The Baric secret you imprisoned my father for.”
Mauro ran his fingers through his hair. “Ah, yes. That is a problem,” Mauro said calmly. “Can you keep a secret, like your father has all these years? Or will you double-cross me?” Their eyes met. It was a real question that Mauro wanted an answer to.”
― Jillian Bald, A Brother's Defense