I was very aware of the fact that all of the Pegasi had become very still and were watching my pet with great interest.
Camryn gave another squeal of delight when Hawthorn replicated the exact shade of her hair. My dark red fox was thrilled with his new friends it seemed.
Half an hour later Hawthorne was settled into an empty stall at the back of the stables, completely out of sight from anyone who might peek in through the door. He munched happily on some meat scraps that Camryn had given him.
Jack reminded me of the time and we trundled back to the manor. He departed from me once we were inside, saying he needed to give Charles the golden quill to pass on to Master Forsythe.
During the late afternoon Charles requested that the main household staff, excluding the chefs, were to assemble out the front of the manor with himself and the Forsythe family for the long awaited return of Noah Forsythe. I huffed impatiently. I had better things to be doing than standing outside and waiting for a spoiled, pompous prat.
But of course the time came, and I was standing in a line with a few other staff, including Jack, along the wall of the manor. We stood there for about twenty minutes before we were joined by Charles, the head of staff. Another minute passed and the Forsythe family emerged from the great oak doors to stand before us. I noticed the reason they had come outside now, for on the horizon a large object was moving closer. A rather charming carriage trundled closer, being pulled by two extremely muscled horses.
Two minutes later and the carriage pulled to a halt in front of the manor. Some men I didn’t know from the staff rushed forwards to open the doors and collect the baggage. I watched as a highly polished boot stepped from the carriage. Then another. A very smartly dressed man straightened himself up and looked at his surroundings. He seemed pleased to be home. As he drew towards his family and embraced his mother and sister into a hug, while shaking his father’s hand, I got a good look at his face.
My insides squirmed. He was gorgeous. My mouth felt dry, and my cheeks flushed pink just thinking about how embarrassing these thoughts were. He had shoulder length golden brown hair tied back into a low ponytail down the nape of his neck, broad shoulders and a wide chest. He looked tall and muscular. He smiled at his family, and my breath caught in my chest at the dazzling sight. I shook myself mentally. This was no time for rampant thoughts! A sly smile played my face as I watched Noah reunite with his family.
In that instant Noah Forsythe’s eyes flickered towards mine. I dropped the smile on my face immediately and bowed my head to hide my face behind my hair. I hoped I hadn’t looked deranged. The last thing I wanted was people thinking that I was mentally handicapped.
Jack was standing beside me, his hands behind his back, and his chin held high, showing the proper respect for the family as they passed us to go back inside, all of them chatting.
“Come son.” Sebastian Forsythe said patting his son on his broad shoulder, “You must be parched. We have food and wine waiting for you.”
“Thank you. I think after I am fed and watered I will retire to my room for a hot bath and some much needed sleep.” Noah said wearily.
“Would you care to have the food sent straight to your room, Master Noah?” Charles fumbled over his words as he scurried after the family.
Noah thought for a moment, “Yes. That would be nice.”
Once the Forsythe family was within the manor walls, Charles clicked his fingers at me, and I blanched, utterly bewildered.
“Me?” I mouthed unsure.
“Yes, yes.” He hissed grabbing my sleeve and tugging me out of the line. I looked at Jack for an explanation, but he merely shrugged and gave his usual cocky grin. I scowled and followed Charles anyway.
Charles led me to the kitchens, “I want you to take Master Noah’s food and wine to his room for me. He does not wish to have several people bothering him all at one time. One will suffice, and I choose you because you can also heat the bath to his liking while you are there. Not only that, but the food will not go cold if you take it.”
His strange reasoning actually made sense. Sort of. My heart slowed down. I had thought I was in trouble by the way Charles had dragged me out of line.
“Of course.” I breathed, “Where is his room?”
Charles winced, “I forgot you have not tended there before. It’s on the third floor, left after you ascend the stair case. It’s the last door in the hall. Make sure you knock first. Bow. Ask where he would like you to place the food. Light the fire. Warm the bath. Leave.”