Page 34 of Haunted Hearts

“It’s going to storm,” said Blaze. “I suggest we hurry before we get wet.”

“Yes, I agree,” said Lillith.

“This horse couldn’t hurry if it sat on a nest of ants,” complained Milo, turning his steed around.

“Milo, switch horses with Lady Lillith and ride back to the manor quickly before it rains.”

“What about Lady Lillith?” asked the boy. “She’ll get drenched if she has to ride this broken-down old nag.”

“I’ll ride with Lady Bonnel. Don’t worry about it,” said Blaze.

“My lord?” said Lillith, looking up in surprise.

“You’ll ride with me,” he said. “I can keep you dry under my cloak. We’ll bring the slow horse back with us. Go on, Milo,” ordered Blaze.

“My lady?” Milo looked over to Lillith in question as the rain started to come down faster now.

“Go on, Milo. Do as Lord Payne says.” Lillith dismounted, and traded horses with Milo and the boy left them.

“Let me help you up, my lady.” Blaze reached down and pulled Lillith up onto the horse, settling her in front of him. He wrapped his arms as well as his cloak around her, trying to shelter her from the rain.

“I have the distinct feeling you wanted to be alone with me,” she told him as he turned the horse and headed in the opposite direction from the manor. “Blaze, why are we going this way? It isn’t the way back to the manor is it?”

“Nay, but it is the way to Alderwood Castle.”

“What?” she squeaked. “We’re not going there.”

“Why not?” asked Blaze.

“You’re going to confront my uncle about the trick he played on you, aren’t you?”

“Actually, no. I realized it no longer matters.”

“It doesn’t?”

“Lilly, I know now that I can’t have you. So, I’ll just have to settle for your sister instead.”

“Really? You will?” This seemed to shock her.

“I want to be part of your family, and if this is the only way to do it, then so be it. I want to thank Arthur personally for suggesting the alliance that will stop the feud and bring our families back together again.”

Blaze actually wanted to try to talk Arthur into breaking the betrothal and letting him marry Lillith instead. She didn’t need to know that right now. If she really cared for him, and he thought she did, mayhap she’d help him. If Blaze couldn’t convince Arthur, mayhap Lillith could.