Page 67 of Lord of Misrule

“I told you, I am not coming back to the castle, so stop asking.” She continued to sweep.

“It’s your sister. She’s having her baby.”

“What?” Kit threw down the broom and ran over to him. “Is she all right? When did it start? Has anyone called the midwife?” She untied her apron and threw it to the side.

“She’s fine. I think. It started not long ago and Raven has called the midwife. She and Oliver are there with Brenna. I came to get you because I thought you’d want to be at her side.”

“Yes, of course, I do. Let’s go.” She hurried to the street.

“I also have something else to say,” he added, clearing his throat. He needed to do this while he had the chance.

“What? What is it?” She turned back to him and everyone else listened and watched as well. “Tell me, quickly. We have no time to waste.”

“I—it’s not important,” he said, realizing this wasn’t the time or place to talk to her about his feelings. “Let’s go. Your sister needs you.”

Kit rode in front of Tolin atop his horse, not even caring that he had his arm around her waist. The cold breeze blew her hair up in the air and several times Tolin had to push it out of his face. She couldn’t think about him right now. All that was important was that Brenna make it through this birth easily.

“I’m worried about my sister,” she said aloud.

“I’m sure she’ll be fine.”

“How can you sound so unconcerned?” she asked over her shoulder. “Giving birth is a very dangerous thing.”

“I understand,” he agreed.

“How in heaven’s name could you understand?” she bit off, still angry with him for being such a cur. “You think women are only there to play with and for your pleasure.”

“I have a feeling we aren’t talking about Brenna anymore, are we?”

They continued to ride.

“You should have come for me sooner,” Kit scolded. “If anything happens to my sister or her baby, I’ll never forgive myself for not being there.”

“I did come sooner. I was here yesterday unless you’ve forgotten. I came for you but you refused to return.”

“What?” Her head snapped around. “Was Brenna in labor yesterday and you didn’t tell me?”

“Nay, of course not. Kit, I really need to talk to you.”

“Isn’t that what we’re doing? Can’t you make this horse go any faster?”

“Mayhap now isn’t the right time to say what I want.”

“If you have something to say, then do so,” she demanded.

“All right, I will. I’m sorry.”

“If you’re apologizing for not coming sooner, I’m not sure I can forgive that.”

“I am asking for forgiveness because I acted like an ass.”

“I agree, but there is nothing we can do about that now. I just hope there are no complications with my sister birthing the baby.”

“This isn’t working.” He slowed the horse and then stopped.

“What are you doing?” she cried. “We are not to the castle yet. Why did you stop?”

“Kit, there is never going to be a good time to talk to you, so I am just going to do it now.”