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Heart
of the Tin ManTM
Realization struck Farren and everything suddenly crystallized. His words shocked her in another sense other than fear, for she had just been thinking of Delayla earlier this evening. Perhaps she sensed a cry for help? This thought disturbed her, but she refocused on the situation at hand.
The stranger continued, "We must hurry for I fear the window of hope swiftly closing for her. I beg of you-"
"Ssssh," she told him, touching a finger to his lips to silence his disturbing pleas. "I will go gladly with you."
Her eyes widened as he grasped her hand and delivered a moist kiss to her palm.
Farren's mind was suddenly pulled in ten different directions. Where was her bag of herbs? Could the sweet Delayla be saved? And how could they escape the palace walls without being noticed?
Kai was in charge of the knight patrol. He was as brave as he was handsome, and he had asked father for her hand in marriage only a fortnight ago. Though it would have been more lucrative to have pledged Farren to a prince, father had consented to the arrangement, for he owed his life to Kai several times over.
Though Kai was good and kind, Farren did not love him, thus adding to her current state of sadness. A wedding was being planned for shortly after her eighteenth birthday.
Her mind rushed back to the situation at hand as she fought her spiraling thoughts. She told the stranger, "You must realize the danger that surrounds the palace? If we are caught, it could mean your life. My father would not take salt in my words of defense for you."
"Aye, young maiden. I have considered the consequences, but would give my life for my sister. Please hasten before the sun rises," he pleaded.
The smell of the trellised honeysuckle was light on the night winds as the stranger led Farren through the darkness. There were two very close calls, but soon they had slipped past the palace gates, escaping into the protective growth of the forest.
A white horse awaited in the distance, a mist of fog beginning to rise from the forest floor as morning was swiftly approaching. Farren was aware that time was of the essence. Her breakfast tray was delivered directly after sunrise each morning, so her absence would soon be noted. A massive search would ensue, branching out to the forest afterwards with Kai leading the small army in search of her.
Though these thoughts were alarming, she tossed her concentration back to the stranger. She was mounted behind him now on the magnificent horse, who appeared to be alert and waiting for his master's commands.
Farren's arms sassooned around the muscular torso, his skin touching hers, sending a small shiver down her back for some reason.
"You do have a name?" she more or less requested to his back, noting how his scent had blended in with the forest's.
"Erik," he bit out impatiently, his concern for his sister obvious. "Hold tight to me, my princess, for we must ride like the Winds of March!"
With a touch of the flank, the white beast came to life, charging through the forest. Farren was seized with wonder as they sailed along, the morning light streaking through the trees and lighting the path. As they heralded along, she noted several birds taking to the sky who had been momentarily alarmed by their stride through the forest. She hoped they would manage to slip far into the undergrowth before the palace search ensued. If not, the Tower Watchman would certainly be searching the skies for hints of disturbances, and the birds would probably be noticed.
One hour later, they arrived. Farren adjusted quickly
to the vaguely familiar surroundings, as Erik had drawn the horse to a halt. Then suddenly, his arm went back, lassoing her waist and gently, almost effortlessly setting her down to earth.
Unbustled, she glanced searchingly into the face of her captor, her eyes widening with what she found there. His handsomeness was mingled with a hint of ruggedness and she found her heart suddenly beating at a faster pace for some reason...
One knight. One
warrior. Who will she choose?
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Heart
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