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Amelie tilted her head. “I suppose the best course of action is a proper introduction. Raphael would like to get the measure of him, I’m sure.”

Colette nodded hastily. “Right. Yes. A proper introduction.” She exhaled, her eyes wide. “I want to know everything about him. Everything.”

Amelie chuckled and squeezed her sister’s arm affectionately. “I hope he’s everything you desire, for you deserve the world. As for misjudging his interest in you, I’m sure that’s not the case.”

“There’s only one way to be certain,” said Colette, her face serious. “Dandelions.”

Her sister burst into laughter. “We’ve not done that in years.”

Colette grabbed Amelie’s hand and pulled her outside into the sunny courtyard. “But it always worked, did it not? Remember when you made a wish to do nothing except read for a whole week?”

“Of course, I remember. I twisted my ankle so badly in the forest that I couldn’t leave my bed for a week.”

“But it worked!” Colette lay on the grass among the fairy ring of dandelions growing at the edge of the forest. “If you do not believe, then what is the harm?”

Having no argument, Amelie lay on her back next to Colette. “Alright, I will humor you.” She plucked a dandelion flower at random. “But I am wishing for grand adventure.”

With a deep breath, she sent the tiny white florets sailing into the clear sky.

“And I wish for love,” said Colette, blowing the seeds from her flower.

A warm breeze picked up, scattering the florets far and wide. They spiraled over the trees and cottage until none remained.

“Do you feel any different?” asked Colette.

“No.” Amelie paused, frowning at the sky. “Actually, I can feel something. Can you?”

The ground beneath her vibrated rhythmically, almost like the earth had a heartbeat.

“I can,” replied Colette. “What is it?”

The vibrations became stronger, and then audible, too. At once, Amelie understood. They were horses’ hooves, and more than one set.

She sat up. “But who could that be? Our brothers set out on foot.”

Colette stood, fear clouding her features. “Perhaps it really is raiders.” She pointed an accusing finger at her sister. “You just had to wish for adventure, didn’t you?”

Before Amelie could reply, shouts came from the driveway.

CHAPTER 2

“Amelie! Colette!”

Colette’s expression transformed from fear into excitement. “Raphael!”

The sisters ran around the side of the cottage to find Raphael and Marcel cantering on horseback down the long driveway. Their steeds were impressive, Raphael riding a golden palomino mare and his brother on a shiny buckskin gelding. Hefty knapsacks hung from the saddles of both horses. The men halted and dismounted on the grassy knoll in front of the cottage.

“You’re home!” said Colette, running to hug Raphael, whose dark hair was tousled from the ride. “We weren’t expecting you until next week.”

Amelie kissed Marcel on the cheek, the fair-haired younger brother strangely withdrawn. He was usually the most boisterous of them all.

“Welcome back,” she said. “But where did these fine horses come from?”

The brothers exchanged a glance before Raphael spoke. “It’s been a long journey. Could we perhaps tend to the horses, then we can talk? I want to hear everything the two of you have been doing since we’ve been gone.”

Raphael hugged Amelie—a giant bear hug like her father used to give her—holding onto her for a long time. She was a little confused by the enthusiasm of his affection, but pleased, too. Meanwhile, Marcel kicked at the ground with his boot, avoiding her eye.

When her brother finally released her, Amelie gestured to the horses. “There’s freshly drawn water in the courtyard, and all the lush grass they can eat.” She went to the palomino and patted her soft muzzle. “Colette and I will prepare a meal for you. I wish we’d known you were coming, so we could’ve procured something more hearty for you than cheese and fruit.”