Was I falling in love with Aldric?
The very possibility made my heart pound at double the speed. I wanted to say something, but the feeling was so new and delicate I dared not voice it yet, even to myself. I needed time to understand and test whether it was real and not just an infatuation of the moment.
At a crackling in the brush behind us, Aldric’s body stiffened, and he reached for his dagger, likely without even realizing he’d done so. He lowered my hand and scanned the thick brush and trees around us. Except for the crashing of the waterfall not far away, the woodland was silent.
After a moment, he relaxed and sheathed his knife. “My squires are keeping watch as I instructed,” he said wryly. “Perhaps too well.”
“You could send them away,” I suggested. “After all, I am equal to their strength and skill and can defend myself.”
“No, my lady,” he said turning and resuming our trek. “They are much needed. Not as a defense against outside forces, but as a protection from within.”
“How so?” I asked as I hiked after him.
He was silent for a moment, then replied in a tight voice. “I would defend your honor at all costs, even from myself.”
At his answer, I couldn’t keep from smiling. I liked knowing he was attracted to me—at least enough that he wanted chaperones.
I was about to tease him for his weakness when we stepped out of the woods and entered directly into a spacious cave that shimmered with a glassy light. The air was damp and cool. And the ground was wet and slick.
Aldric reached for my hand. “Watch your step, my lady.”
I held on tightly, though I had no need to since I was nimble and sure-footed. The steady drip of water was rapidly drowned by a loud rushing. Within seconds, I found myself standing in a cavern with water pouring down a wide opening in a steady wall.
“Where are we?” I asked above the roaring. But as soon as the question was out, I’d already guessed. He’d brought me to the backside of the waterfall.
The water was powerful and glorious all at once—the movement swift, the spray cool, and the color iridescent. I watched with awe. When my gaze connected with Aldric’s, I could see the awe in his eyes too. We needed no words. Silent reverence was enough.
When finally we moved to leave, the awed silence was a comfortable companion for the ride back to the castle. Not until we reached the door of my tower prison did we finally venture to speak again.
“Goodnight, Olivia,” he whispered.
As earlier, the sound of my name falling from his lips sent sweet pleasure wafting through my chest. When he raised my hand to his lips and brushed a feathery kiss across my knuckles, the pleasure rippled out to my limbs, down to my fingers and toes.
“You may tell Lord Pitt you have sufficiently wooed me,” I whispered in return.
“Have I now?” he replied as he released my hand. In the torchlight, his eyes were especially dark and murky.
“Yes, you most definitely have.”
He hesitated but then seemed to force himself to take a step back. He glanced over his shoulder toward the stairwell. His men were waiting at the bottom. Was he wishing he’d asked them to accompany him? Was he tempted to do more than kiss my hand?
As much as I longed for him to close the distance between us and wrap me in his arms, I respected that he wanted to remain a man of honor. I retreated into the lonely tower room, wanting to aid his intentions toward me.
“It was a beautiful evening,” I said, reaching for the door and beginning to close it, “one I shall never forget.”
He made no move to stop me. Rather he watched me with an intensity that sent my heart spiraling out of control.
I closed the door and leaned against it. The oaken slab was cool against my hot skin. I listened for his descent, but heard nothing.
Finally, the key rattled in the lock and was followed by his footsteps descending the stone steps. As they faded away, I slid down to the floor, my knees no longer able to support my weight.
I realized with startling clarity that he hadn’t needed to lock the tower door, for I wouldn’t run away even if given the opportunity. I had no desire to leave him. Not this night. Nor forevermore.
Chapter
17
“Admit it,” Pitt said as we strode across the bailey toward our waiting mounts. “I was right and you were wrong.”
“About what, my lord?” I replied, although I knew very well about what.
The July morning had dawned warm and promised to provide sunshine for our hunt. Through the open gatehouse, a mist hovered over the moat and the open field beyond, a vision almost as fair as the waterfall of the previous eve.
I filled my lungs with the scent of damp grass mingling with the wood smoke from the early morning hearth fires. The day brimmed with promise. My heart was lighter than it had been in a very long time, and I anticipated the hunt more than I had any others.
Because of Olivia. But I would not say so to Pitt.
“I was right that you’re enamored with Lady Olivia,” Pitt said with a nod in her direction.
She waited near the stables beside my men. Although I would have preferred to fetch her myself, I’d had too many other details to orchestrate in preparation for the hunt. Now as I took her in, my chest swelled with an emotion I didn’t dare name.
“She is a fair sight,” I conceded.
“She’s more than that.”
Pitt was right. Olivia was ravishing in the deep purple gown that made her red hair and creamy skin radiate. A belt of golden hoops cinched her waist and matched the fillet that graced her head like a crown, adding to her elegance. A light silk cloak was pinned closed at one shoulder with her mother’s brooch.
Pitt stopped abruptly and watched my face, a slow grin transforming his scar and the gruffness of his countenance into delight. “I think you’re looking forward to the wedding.”
I wanted to keep walking, to ignore his teasing. But I respected him too much to show him any discourtesy. The best I could do was remain silent and, in so doing, refuse to indulge his whims.
His eyes widened. “Saints above, Windsor. You’re in love.”
“No.” The denial fell from my lips too quickly. I realized my mistake as soon as I spoke.
Pitt’s laughter boomed around the inner bailey, drawing attention from everyone who’d gathered for the expedition, including Olivia.
I steeled myself with my most severe expression and prayed Pitt wouldn’t repeat himself. I didn’t want to have this discussion anywhere at any time, much less here in the open where Olivia might hear things she shouldn’t.
As Pitt’s laughter diminished, he clamped a hand on my shoulder. “Well, it’s about time is all I can say.”
I shook my head. “You’re getting ahead of yourself, my lord.”
“I don’t think so.” He resumed his stride toward our horses. “In fact, maybe I ought to lock her away from you until the wedding.”
If he changed his mind about allowing Olivia to go on the hunt, she’d be sorely disappointed. “Have no fear. She’s like a sister to me.”
“Sister?” Pitt guffawed. “Not in the least. I won’t ask any questions if you need to break away from the hunting party from time to time.”
I had no doubt Olivia could hear Pitt’s statements, and I was too chagrinned to look at her, especially in light of his last insinuation that I’d attempt to get Olivia alone. And for what? So that I could kiss her again?
If I’d wanted to kiss her, I would have done so at the waterfall or even when I’d accompanied her back to the tower.
As it was, I’d resolved to keep our physical contact to a minimum so that I didn’t awaken any more desire between us. I was already having difficulty tearing myself away from her. Last night at her door had been pure torture.
“Perhaps it would be best if she rode her own mount,” I suggested.
“I stand by my original agreement, Windsor. She rides with you or not at all.”