“Apologies for it not being luxurious. This was the last carriage I could hire.”
“I wonder why,”I thought to myself, and his eyes lifted to me, as if he heard me.
“Thank you for offering to take me home, today has not gone as planned,” I admitted quietly.
I settled into my seat and pulled his jacket a little more around my body. The scent of pine needles and ale sprinkled across
my nose, which made my heart flutter a little. Staring out the window we were quiet for some of the journey. Carriage rides
took longer than horse rides, and I believed Marcus had joined us as we left the city and headed home.
“What were you planning to do today then? If you don’t mind me asking.”
Looking at him, his face seemed soft, he was clean shaven, and his hair tied up at the base of his neck. He had a face one
would never tire of, and any woman would be happy to have him on her arm. Any pure woman, but now—nowI was tainted.
“Oh, I was visiting the committee house who are organising the festival and the jousting tournament.”
“Ah yes, the prince did mention something. He enquired about me signing up, but I’m afraid I would make a fool of
myself.”
“I highly doubt that, I have the feeling you are quite the skilled rider. And it is only a bit of fun, we have some lovely prizes
for the winner and runner up.”
“Yes, I heard that too, you are supposed to host the runner up.”
“Mhm, a wonderful idea from her majesty.”
I rolled my eyes at that, huffing a little. I wasn’t sure if I would even like to meet any male. Lord Cole however, he seemed
different and nothing like what Norok had suggested. But then again, he could be a master of charming women and fooling them
into bed.
“I shall hope to be the runner up then.”
He winked at me and leaned back into his seat, becoming more comfortable and looked out the window. Our legs brushed
against each other as the roads became bumpier and my heart fluttered with excitement.
I’d never willingly been this close to a man before, that wasn’t my brother or father. As we continued on the road, we
turned and I recognised it to be the one which led to my home.
“His highness’s wedding is this week, is it not?”
“Yes, the day after the festival. Are you still planning to attend? All of the court will be moving to the castle within the city
tomorrow.”
“I believe that is why I was originally invited. I have just managed to sneak into many other festivities it seems.”
His breath caught against my skin as we looked at each other. A half smile peeking out from his lips and a blush flooded my
cheeks. If Mother knew how close we were while we sat in the carriage, she’d have a fit of rage. As it was, she would not be