Page 78 of Trapped with the Beastly Duke

Rose froze in fear. “What have you done?”

“Me? I have done nothing.” Lord Verimoor grabbed her and pulled her to him. “But my companion… well, he is another matter entirely.”

Behind her, Rose heard Abigail let out a shriek. She jerked her head back and saw a burly man with greasy brown hair and an unkempt beard emerge from behind the trees, holding her maid back.

This was his plan all along.

“Alexander would not let himself be bested by some common thug.” Rose felt tears form in her eyes.

Oh, Alexander. I cannot lose you now.

Lord Verimoor laughed. “Oh, I do like your spirit. Your precious Duke may be large, but he is a weak man. Besides, I suspect he will be caught quite unawares. What hope can a man have of saving himself from the knife he never sees coming?”

“You’re despicable!” Rose yelled.

Lord Verimoor’s man had a hand clamped over Abigail’s mouth, preventing her from screaming as he dragged her towards them. Rose opened her mouth to scream for help, but Lord Verimoor shook his head.

“You shall both be coming with me, and in a few days, you will be my wife.” Lord Verimoor fumbled in his pocket for something, and she smelled something sickly and sweet, like an overripe fruit.

“I shall never be your wife.” She spat in his face.

He cried out, and she used that distraction to elbow him in the stomach. He groaned and doubled over. His grip slackened, and she broke free. She turned away from him, her eyes finding Abigail.

As she began to run, Lord Verimoor yelled, “Grab her, you fool.”

His lackey released Abigail and lunged at Rose. She tried to dodge, but the mud made her movements slow and awkward. The man collided with her, knocking her to the ground.

“Run! Abigail! Run! Get help! Get Alexander!” Rose screamed.

Abigail hesitated, but only for a moment. Their eyes met, before she turned on her heels and ran. The man holding Rose glanced at the fleeing woman and then back at Lord Verimoor, who was pulling himself back up to his feet.

“Do not worry about the maid. By the time she finds anyone, we will be long gone.” Lord Verimoor wiped the spit from his face, his eyes ablaze with fury. “Your Duke is dead. If not already, then soon. He will be of no help to you.”

Rose opened her mouth to scream, but the man behind her placed something over her mouth and nose. A sweet, chemical smell filled her nostrils, and she felt dizzy.

Her legs gave out. The world began to swim as the edges of her vision started to turn black.

I am sorry, my love.

Then everything went dark.

Chapter Twenty-Six

The Truth Will Set You Free

Alexander stood alone in the Eastern library, surveying the land through the window. The castle was at its best today and seemed to reflect the wonder of the last few hours.

Rose loves me.

He smiled and leaned against the window. The strength of his joy forced everything else from his mind. He was barely aware of the sound of footsteps in the hall. His entire body was relaxed.

I wonder if Rose is thinking of me?

He hoped that she was enjoying her walk with Abigail. It was such a lovely day. He would have joined them, but the florist had sent word that his surprise for Rose was due to arrive that morning.

Rose.

The smell of her washed over him, blocking out everything from his senses. He was consumed by his love for her, utterly and completely unaware of his surroundings. He did not noticethe sound of the door opening, nor the footsteps coming towards him.