Page 58 of Lord of Misrule

“Was she?” asked Kit. “I have a feeling that she was forced to make that decision by our stepfather.”

“Even if it’s true, Hasten will never let her help us.”

“That is why I am addressing the missive to her only.”

“Oh, Kit, do you really think Mother still cares for us?” Brenna rubbed her belly.

“I know the way I feel about Parker,” said Kit. “I would do anything in the world to keep him safe and to make certain he has what he needs.”

“Then why are you taking Parker with you?” asked her sister. “There is nothing for him back in town. He won’t even have a place to lay his head.”

“You’re right,” said Kit with a nod. “I will leave Parker here for now with you. Until I can find a suitable home. For all of us.”

“You’re leaving him behind?” Brenna’s eyes opened wide in disbelief.

“It is what’s best for him for right now,” said Kit, swallowing the lump in her throat. “He’ll be happier here with his new friends and with King. I am certain he will be safe being under Tolin’s care.”

“You’ll be safe under Lord Tolin’s care, too, so why are you leaving?”

Kit felt the emptiness in her heart. She didn’t want to leave but wouldn’t stay if she was naught but another trollop to Tolin. “It will hurt my heart too much to see Tolin when I now know he doesn’t have feelings for me like I thought he did last night. I won’t have him giving me pleasure just because he feels sorry for me. I want a man who loves me...the way I have fallen in love with him.”