Bisma’s mind whirred, but she did not want Xander to notice or he would ask questions, grow suspicious.
‘It’s getting late,’ she said, reaching for her shawl. ‘I think we ought to call it a night.’
‘Won’t you stay for dinner?’ Xander asked, adapting to her change in topic. ‘I know the promise of my company won’t tempt you, but surely a roast and potatoes will?’
‘No—No, I’ll eat with my sisters,’ she said, distracted. She headed for the door and Xander followed, grabbing a dark coat.
‘I’ll walk you,’ he said, slipping the coat on.
‘There’s no need,’ she said, already walking away. Lifting his collar against the chill, he easily fell into step beside her.Damn him and his long legs.
‘It’s no trouble,’ he said. ‘Besides, it isn’t safe.’
She gave him a funny look. ‘I walk home alone all the time.’
He frowned. ‘Yes, well, seeing as three of your sisters have been poisoned, I’d rather not take any chances,’ he said, agitated.
This tickled her. ‘And what might you do if someone shot out of the bushes now, ready to poison me?’
He gave her an unamused glance. ‘That isn’t something to jest about,’ he said, which made her laugh.
‘Alexander, scoldingmeon what and what not to jest about!’ she said, donning a scandalized tone.
He glared, huffing and puffing as she laughed.
‘Forgive me if I don’t find the prospect of you being wounded entertaining,’ he said hotly. ‘And to answer your question, justlet someone try and hurt you in my presence. You’ll quickly see what I might do.’
She had another sarcastic response ready at the tip of her tongue but stopped when she saw his face. He was scowling.
Oh.She felt a little sorry for teasing him, for he seemed genuinely upset now.
They walked on, Xander silently stewing until Bisma bumped his shoulder with hers. He was so shocked that he practically went flying, nearly tripping over a branch.
He gave her an incredulous look. ‘What was that for!’
‘Quit pouting,’ she said. ‘You’ll get wrinkles.’
His hands instinctively went to his face.
She smiled.
A moment later, he smiled, too, the tension leaving him. He bumped her shoulder with his, and she nearly went flying as well. His rich laughter filled the air.
Then they walked in companionable silence; it was nice. He stayed by her side as they walked all the way to the Enchanted Forest, the moon shining bright above them, the stars glinting as they watched, as if giggling to a private joke.
They stopped at the edge of the Forest. There was the usual foggy border along the Forest’s perimeter, and though it looked daunting, Bisma wasn’t afraid. Xander didn’t seem to be, either.
‘Goodbye,’ she said.
‘I’ll see you tomorrow?’ he asked, sounding hopeful.
She nodded. ‘Goodbye, then.’
She passed through the thick fog until she was fully in the Enchanted Forest. She walked on, thinking over the day’s events, letting her feet carry her along the usual path home.
Until she realized she was lost. Where there should have been a slowly running creek, there was not.
But—no, she couldn’t be lost.
