Page 9 of Apples Dipped in Gold

“Samara,” he said again. “Let me take you away from this horrible place.”

I shook my head. “And trade my situation for what? Something far worse? Never.”

“I do not think becoming my wife would be worse.”

“Yourwife?”

“Marry me,” he said.

“You are delusional,” I said.

“I am not.”

“You just met me. I’m a strange girl in the woods, remember?”

“Yes, and you are very enchanting.”

“Did you eat mushrooms?”

He opened his mouth but hesitated. “That’s not the point. The point is I would like to offer you a better life.”

“There are other ways to do that than marriage.”

“If you will not marry me, then come away with me to Rook. I can give you a better life, and perhaps, after some time, you will agree to be my wife.”

“Why? Why would you want to rescue me?”

“Because despite what you believe, there are kind people in the world, Samara.”

I stared at this man—this strange man who had found me in the woods.

“You will have to ask my brothers,” I said. “It will not be easy.”

“Am I correct that it isn’t because they love you dearly?”

“If that were the case, you would not have convinced me with so little effort.”

“You call that little effort?” he asked, though his eyes sparkled with mirth. “I practically had to beg.”

“I’m sure it must have been difficult for you to be told no,” I said. “First time?”

He chuckled. “Unfortunately no,” he said and then grew a little more serious. “I know you must think poorly of me given my title, but I intend to show you we are not all so terrible.”

“It is just like a prince to presume to know my mind,” I said, but the statement had no power behind it, because the prince was right—I did not have a high opinion of him or any who ruled by right of blood.

Henry smiled. “Do not worry about your brothers,” he said, tugging on my hand. “I will make them an offer they cannot refuse.”

I allowed him to lead me away from the cliff, down the balding path and into the woods where a beautiful horse waited. I had never seen one with such a coat and mane—white with black spots.

“Oh, he is beautiful,” I said.

“Thank you,” Henry replied, taking the reins. “Her name is River.”

“Oh,” I said, blushing. “I’m sorry.”

“Do not worry. She is not offended,” he said. “Come, I will help you up.”

“I do not need help,” I said.