The merchant party turned to look as Connor and Sophia approached. The guards quickly resumed unloading the wagon, their decision prompting the others to do the same. “I’m not sure whether to be relieved or slightly offended.” Sophia’s lips twitched at Connor’s comment, but kept a curious and concerned expression evident as they came within …
That made her smile, "So considerate, is this the Duke at work, or my husband?" "It doesn't matter what identity I'm wearing, I have a wife I want to know, trust and be comfortable with me." A random thought occurred, "So you always keep as close to the truth as you can?" He eyed her …
When she got to the trees, Millie reached out a hand to the nearest trunk, "Thank you so much, but please don't strain yourself in keeping the path too wide open, I really do love your greenery and shade." The forest quivered and relaxed, the path shrinking in size, but staying straight and clear through …
Ally was on her way up to Chris’s house the next morning, passing a car sitting in a usually deserted lay-by. She thought nothing of it until it pulled out after her. “Phone, call Chris.” He answered quickly, “Hey Ally, are you on your way?” “I am. Now, not to be paranoid or anything but …
Lunch done, Acron moved into an open space, looked at the horses, then concentrated hard. Moments later, a sweet-faced, barrel-bodied pony stood where the dragon had been. Joy squealed in delight and rushed to pat him, praising him for his talent and good looks. Connor smiled at Sophia ruefully, "We have a mount for her, …
Anaria's astonished response was drowned by the yells of the village children as they finally tracked down their new favourite adult. The pair were swarmed as the children, fresh from the bath house, clamoured for stories. Anaria checked what preparations Sarah had intended for dinner, then promptly traded two stories for the group's help in …
It was a strange experience. As she passed the people looking at her, they seemed to unfreeze and her progress was marked by a rise in whispers behind her. She didn’t bother looking around, they’d just freeze again. Anyone would think they’d never seen a girl before. She stopped alongside her bouncing guide, directly in …
Chris pulled into the driveway of Ally's cottage and shook his head apologetically at her offer of dinner. "I'd love to spend the evening with you but I have to go. Mrs Rightmore texted earlier. She saw my parents in the village this afternoon and I'm sure they're going to be camped out in my …
Nora's jaw dropped, "You were the Duke of Northaven all this time? You sneaky so-and-so." She turned to Mellisande, "What was your reaction when he told you? When did he tell you?" Mellisande was forestalled by Kid, looking up at Alec with huge, shocked eyes. "You're the mean husband? Why?", his lower lip quivered and …
The following morning followed their plan perfectly. Sophia and Connor ambled down the stairs well after sunrise, yawning and complaining of the interrupted night. The landlord was profuse in his apologies and even moreso as he was called on to serve their breakfast himself. The kitchen hand had needed to leave early in order to …
