Page 5

CHAPTER FIVE

B efore dawn the next morning, Melora finished packing the essentials in her rucksack—a few changes of clothes, her mother's locket, the last of her savings. She hesitated only a moment before slipping the gold jerkin in among her meager possessions. While she knew it was necessary to sell it for her plans to work, a part of her resisted letting the elegant garment go.

Papa believed she was packing for her life as Mrs. Calix. Not a chance! Unfortunately, she still had no idea where she would go or what she would do. She had tried calling upon Lord Rafe at Lykos Manor, but his sister had informed her he was not at home. What was she going to do? Feeling Nerissa’s worried gaze upon her, Melora took a steadying breath.

“I do hate to leave you this way, Nes. I wish I could take you with me, but until I sell this jerkin, there simply aren’t enough funds and I couldn’t live with myself if I placed you in even more danger. I promise that once I have a stable income and a place for us to stay, I’ll come for you. You still have a few years before he’ll try to sell you off in marriage.”

Nerissa sniffed and wiped her eyes, trying hard to be reassuring. “I’ll be fine, Mel. I’ll miss you to be sure, but Papa’s harsher with you than with me.”

It was true. Where Melora was petite and curvy—everything Papa believed a man wanted in a bride—Nerissa was tall and slender, already surpassing her older sister in height. While she thought her sister was beautiful in her own right, Melora lived in fear of the day she developed more curves. She would never allow her younger sister to be bartered and sold off to the highest bidder as she had been.

Could men ever see beyond beauty? She thought again of the mysterious man swathed from head to toe in shimmering gold—even down to his handkerchief. He had shown some honor, but in the end, even he had seen her as little more than a beautiful possession. But what could she expect from someone who flaunted his wealth so openly?

Those beguiling blue eyes haunted her thoughts once more. She was grateful for his rescue—if she could even call it that—but it only made her yearn for the protection of a true gentleman.

Stop it! You’re being childish! Weak! No one was going to save her. She must do it herself.

Melora pulled her sister into a tight hug. “I’ll come back for you as soon as I can. I promise.”

Blinking back tears, Nerissa nodded and squeezed her sister even tighter. Neither of them knew when they would see each other again.

Twilight bathed Melora as she darted through the streets of Lykos. A woman traveling early in the morning was far safer than in the dead of night, and Papa never stirred before late afternoon. If she timed this right, she would be long gone before he even opened his eyes.

She had stifled her own tears—they would only make things worse now—andpressed onward. She must get as far away as possible, but she was uncertain where to go. The golden jerkin folded in her rucksack called to her, the golden man’s words echoing in her mind like a siren’s song, “If you ever need me, just head into those woods… until you see a tree that has been struck by lightning.” Her gaze caught upon the woods once more. Perhaps… she shook her head. No. Ridiculous! She was practically alone. She couldn’t rely on the generosity of a single man she knew nothing about except that he lived in the middle of the woods. No one traveled into the Bannwood Forest alone. And what of the dragons? Rumor had it that there was a particularly aggressive one protecting these woods.

As the sun rose and people trickled outside to start their days, Melora turned down the road to the next village. She had formed a plan. She would travel as far as she could tonight, to a city where neither Papa nor Sir Calix could find her, where she would seek work and lodging. Then she would sell the jerkin to start a new life. Yes! Hope began to grow within her. The garment must be worth a fortune as it seemed to be spun from pure gold and people in a large city were sure to have funds to pay her what it was worth.

She wasn’t far from Lykos Manor when hoofbeats thundered along the pathway intersecting hers. Squinting into the sun, she could barely make out the rider. He looked somehow familiar. Recognition dawned as she noticed the glint of blonde hair and fine clothing.

“Lord Rafe!” She waved, a reckless idea rapidly forming in her mind. He had been such a gentleman to her at the tavern that day. If she married someone else, Sir Calix couldn’t marry her. And who better than a wealthy Lord? There was no doubt in her mind that he could also help protect Nerissa, and he would certainly be a better husband than any of the other men of her acquaintance. But would he want to marry her? She knew it was a desperate plan—she would never have dared if she weren’t leaving Lykos—but if it worked, it would be her best option. It couldn’t be too hard to show him how desirable she was.

“Lord Rafe.” She called again when it looked as if he would pass her by without stopping.

She waved a hand in the air.

“Good morning, Miss Melora.” His voice was as kind as she remembered. Calmed by this, she steeled her nerves to do what was necessary, squelching the memory of the annoyingly handsome man in gold.

Her hips swayed gently as she walked toward him, heart hammering against her ribs. She pressed close to his horse, praying he couldn’t see how her hands trembled. “I’m so glad I ran into you.” She tried to make her voice sultry and deep as she petted his horse near his leg, though the words felt clumsy and false.

He shifted uncomfortably.

Please, let this crazy plan work, she thought. “When I visited last week, Lady Rowena said you’d be gone for the foreseeable future, but I just knew you’d be back soon.” She tried to appear coy as she peered up at him. Gulping, she did the unthinkable and sidled even closer, until the horse's warmth pressed against her skirts. Blood rushed in her ears as she forced out the words: “You promised to take me shopping for a new dress, after all.”

Such an intimate gift nearly suggested a declaration, if he wished to make it. Flashing her most flirtatious smile, she gently caressed his leg instead of the horse.

Lord Rafe nearly jolted out of his saddle. He backed the horse up, forcing her to step away and drop the hand that had been touching his leg.

This was not going well at all, unless nearly jumping off his horse was some hidden sign of attraction. Still, she had to try—she needed to remind him that it had been his idea to purchase her a dress. “It really was so nice of you to offer to purchase a new dress for me after that oaf spilt beer all over me.” She fluttered her lashes, wondering if she looked as ridiculous as she felt.

The horse danced under him, looking as impatient as he was. “Ah, yes, I remember,” he said quickly. “I am certain that Rowena would be happy to accompany you to the market to replace your damaged dress.”

Her shoulders sank as he refused to meet her eyes. She lowered her own eyes, saddened that her desperation had caused him discomfort. If she hadn’t been planning to leave, social ties with Lord Rafe’s sister would be most welcome.

“As you can see, I have other places to be right now.” He paused as if searching for the right words, “And a princess to finally propose to.”

Of course, there was someone else—and a princess, no less. No wonder he had backed away from her. What a silly notion that he would ever consider a gambler’s daughter. She silently berated herself as she tucked her hands behind her and took a small step back. If only she’d asked him for help instead of rashly throwing herself at him!

“Of course, I didn’t mean to detain you.” Her cheeks warmed as she took several more steps back, biting the inside of her cheeks. She would not cry. Lord Rafe had been a long shot, anyway. “You needn’t worry about the dress… I shall be fine.”

Determined not to let her disappointment show, she forced a smile. He continued to insist she go shopping with his sister. He was far too kind, especially after her awkward flirtation. She made a noncommittal sound. Shopping wouldn’t help her now, but he needn’t know that. “I shan’t bother you any longer. I wish you the best of luck with your princess.”

His expression softened into a boyish grin. “Thank you. I’ll need it. Best of luck to you as well, and please feel free to come to Lykos Manor if you find yourself in need of any help.”

While she knew she would be unlikely to make use of his kind offer, his words warmed her. A genuine smile broke through as she fought unexpected emotion. “I always knew you were an honorable man, Lord Rafe. You deserve the best.” She found she meant it. She genuinely wanted him to find his own happily ever after, even if she couldn’t.

* * *

H ope seemed to seep out of her with Lord Rafe’s departure. She had nowhere to go and knew no one who could help. It was at times like this that she longed for a friend, the companionship of someone to share life’s trials. She had distanced herself from potential friends in the past—she didn’t want to burden anyone with her problems, and Papa didn’t like her being close with anyone. Nerissa was all she had, and now she was leaving her behind. It seemed impossible to sort out this situation on her own. But sort it out she must, for Nerissa’s sake if nothing else.

Hours passed and still she pushed onward, alone with her thoughts, regret roiling in the pit of her stomach. She hoped that the pittance she had brought would be enough money to see her through until she felt safe enough to sell off the golden jerkin. Nerissa had more need of the money than she did.

Hoofbeats crashed upon the road behind her. She stepped to the side to let the rider pass as she had all morning, except this time, the horse slowed down. Her heart began racing painfully as she discreetly tried to glimpse the rider.

“Styx, Melora! Just what do you think you are doing?!”

Fear gripped her in earnest as she recognized the voice. Her breath caught in her throat as she just managed to say, “Papa!” All her plans came crashing down around her. She felt dizzy with their descent.

“You will come home with me this instant! What were you thinking?!” He climbed off the horse, closing in as he continued jabbing a finger at her. “Your fiancé has been worried sick about you, as well as your sister. We’ve all been searching for you for hours! When I woke to find you gone, I thought something must have happened to you. But no! I find you perfectly well, running off on your own. All for what? To prove you can make it on your own? Selfish girl! If Sir Calix hadn’t told me that he still wishes to marry you, I’d kick you out and make you fend for yourself, see how you’d manage. I’ve taken care of you your whole life, and this is how you repay me?! Let me tell you, the streets aren’t friendly.”

He reached out and grabbed a handful of her long hair, making her cry out in pain. “You will get on this horse and come home where you will stay until the wedding. Then you’ll be Sir Calix’s problem to deal with as he wishes.”

Tears sprang to her eyes as he yanked her violently toward the horse. She tripped and dropped her bag, its contents pouring all over the ground. Unfortunately, the golden jerkin came spilling out along with her things. It glinted conspicuously in the sunlight.

Papa stilled. “What is that?! Did you steal gold from me?” He yanked her hair again.

“No!” she cried, pressing a hand to her head while trying to contain her tears. “I haven’t stolen anything from you.”

Enthralled by the gold, he finally released his hold on her hair. Silent tears trailed down her cheeks as she held her aching head in her hands, leaning against the horse for support. Papa was so captivated by the gold that he noticed hardly anything else as he leaned down to tug the gilded fabric from the bag. His fingers slid reverently across its surface. He laughed, feeling the weight in his hands. “Where did you get this? Did you steal it?”

Of course, he would think the only way she could acquire such a fine garment would be by theft. “No, I didn’t steal anything. It was given to me.” Bits and pieces of the story fell from her lips.

“Who was this mysterious man? Where did he come from? It sounds as if he is quite wealthy.”

“I-I don’t know.”

Papa suddenly grabbed her arms, shaking her harshly, his eyes looking wild. “Then tell me what you do know! I’ll not be played with, girl!”

“A-all I know is that he said his home was in the Bannwood Forest.” She choked the words out around a knot of emotion.

“See now, that wasn’t so hard. Now get. I believe I shall take a quick trip before the wedding, but first I’m going to make certain you cannot escape again. You won’t like what will happen should I return to find you gone. Someone will pay if I cannot find you. Do you understand me?”

She nodded, thinking of Nes. Too many times she had sacrificed herself to spare her little sister from Papa’s wrath, and she wouldn’t stop now. Marrying Sir Calix was not the worst thing that could happen after all.