Silence Reigns

Chapter 6

Rain had drenched the outside world, making everything dark and damp but refreshed. Erielle leaned out her window, watching the moisture drip from the leaves of the cherry blossom by her roof. Though she tried not to let them, her thoughts drifted to the previous night. After their kiss, she and Ransom had parted and returned to their own chambers. For so long, he had done nothing but listen; he seemed to know exactly what she needed, even if she didn't. And the warmth of his hands through the fabric of her dress and been enough to seep into the tender parts of her heart and fill the emptiness there.

For so long, she had not thought that a man could be kind to her, yet there Ransom had been. But the more she thought about it, and the longer he was away from her, the more doubt crept into her mind. He said he didn't care what it was that she was hiding from him, that he would fight it. But how could he fight it if he didn't know what it was? And even if he knew, how could he fight it even then?

Why would he? she thought. If Ransom knew what she really hid behind the vault door of her heart, she knew he wouldn't love her like he said he did.

No man could.

She hadn't even seen the lord and lady go with their sons to return to their manor in Anoleda; even now, she could see where the carriage had been in the stable. She still couldn't decide if she was unhappy that he had left with his family early that morning. He had kissed her, said he loved her, but did it really mean anything? She supposed it didn't matter now that he was gone. It would be a long time before she saw him again. Maybe a year until the next festival.

Erielle gave a start as she saw a familiar figure stroll across the courtyard. A tall, strapping young man stopped and ducked his head as if trying to see through the branches of the cherry blossom tree. Then he caught sight of her and smiled from afar, raising an arm to wave at her. She lifted her hand in response. Unable to contain her wonder, she threw a shawl over her shoulders and ran out of her room, down the hall, and into the courtyard with nothing on her feet. The wet grass tickled her toes as she ran to him. She leapt at him, and he caught her, laughing and spinning her around.

Breathless, Erielle was arrested by his dark eyes; while her feet still dangled off the ground, he caught her in a kiss.

"I thought you'd gone," she said when he set her down again.

"Obviously I stayed," he said, grinning.

"What about your family?"

"I am a grown man. I think they will understand."

Erielle felt nothing but the pressure of his hands on the small of her back as she searched his face. A wild feeling enveloped her. "Would you like to go for a ride?"

He raised his eyebrows at her comically. "Would I? My, this is a grand offer from the princess of Nond."

"Ransom..." she scolded, but yelped when he dipped her low to the ground, his hands supporting her back.

His nose brushed hers as he leaned over her, his teasing grin beaming on his face. "Will you promise not to insult me anymore?"

"Insult you? I hardly—" She squeaked again as he dipped her lower.

"Will you?"

"Yes! Okay, I promise."

"And will you promise not to murder me with a shoe in my sleep?"

Her hair brushed the ground. "Come on, Ransom. I really don't—"

"Promise!"

"Okay! I promise."

With a triumphant smile, he raised her to her feet again without an effort. "Then I accept."

"Then stay here and wait for me."