Page 45 of Trapped with the Beastly Duke

“Wonderful.” Alexander stood up, and after a moment, he held his hand out to her.

She took it, allowing him to help her to her feet. “Thank you.”

He nodded, releasing her hand and turning towards the door. “I must find my mother, but I will see you on the morrow.”

“Indeed.”

Rose watched as he left the room, without closing the door behind him.

For the first time in a long time, she found herself looking forward to the next day. She had no idea what it would bring.

And that is exciting.

Chapter Sixteen

Screams In The Night

Three weeks later, the sound of screaming cut through the castle like steel through flesh. Alexander jerked awake. He was drenched in sweat. His dream had been full of anguished yells.

It is only a dream.

The screams did not stop. Somewhere in the castle, a woman was scared. Not just scared, but terrified and in danger.

Rose.

Alexander leaped out of his bed, grabbing the small sword he kept beside it. His nightclothes were loose and in disarray, but he had no time to change.

Dignity be damned.

He ran.

His heart thundered in his chest. Visions from eight years ago threatened to overwhelm him. The sound of Rose’s screams mingled with the memories of that night.

This cannot be happening. Not again.

“No! No! No!” Her voice was full of fear and anguish.

He tore down the passage that connected their rooms.

I have never been more thankful than I am now for this passage.

The screams continued.

“Please… don’t do this!” The panic in Rose’s voice cut through him like a knife.

He quickened his pace, crashing through the door to her room.

The light of the full moon filtered through the window, casting eerie shadows on the walls. He spun this way and that, searching for the danger the shadows hid. Yet, there was nothing to be found.

Rose lay in her bed, twisting and shaking. There was no intruder. She cried out once more, and Alexander felt his heart clench in his chest.

She must be having a nightmare.

He placed his small sword on a nearby table and strode towards the sleeping woman. Gently, he placed a hand on her shoulder.

“Rose, wake up. It is only a dream,” he called softly.

She continued to thrash, tears streaming down her cheeks.