Dark Secrets

Hesitantly Wondering Part 23

It was late as Tori walked through the castle hallways. With so many things on her mind she had been unable to fall asleep. After tossing and turning for a couple of hours she had finally given up and getting up left her room.

The castle was very quiet. Most everyone was asleep but there were still servants and guards moving about. She greeted a couple of maids as she passed them and they greeted her in return. Tori passed a large banquet room off to her left and noticed it was being prepared for a large number of guests. She mentally thought over the coming events but ultimately came to the conclusion it was probably to hold dinner in while dignitaries were here for the hearings the Tribunal would be holding.

A frown crossed her face knowing that the Marks family would be facing judgment by the council. Tori knew the family was still grieving and was concerned for them. She had also been close to them and hated for anyone to suffer. Especially people she cared about. Her feelings toward Lord Salazar and Viscount Cain however were entirely different. She did not care for either of them. Tori knew their hearings had to do with her but not a lot beyond that. She had a feeling it might have to do with the stunt Cain had pulled separating her and River but couldn't be sure. The council had told her she could be present for their hearings but the future queen wasn't sure if she wanted to be.

With a sigh she made a right and headed out the double doors and into the open main courtyard at the center of the castle. Some fresh air might help her to focus her thoughts. Tori was about to step out from under the overhang when she suddenly found herself face to face with Ranger.

"You're out rather late," Tori commented.

"Yeah, I couldn't sleep," he replied. She simply nodded and glanced out into the courtyard. "My apologies," he said and stepped aside.

"Not necessary," she replied calmly as she began walking past him.

Ranger started to turn back to enter the castle and his thoughts got the best of him. He looked back at her and said, "Tori." He watched as she turned halfway around and turned her head to look at him. He noticed her very neutral face. "Lady Tori," he said realizing he had not addressed her appropriately.

At first she was confused and then realized Ranger might believe she was offended. "Tori is fine," she assured him. Watching him she knew he was unsure of how to proceed. "What was it you wanted to say?" she asked in a calm and boarder line friendly manner. Tori could tell he had something to say but something was holding him back.

"My apologies," Ranger said and started to turn away.

"Walk with me." Ranger stopped and looked back at her with an almost hopeful expression. Tori smiled at her half-brother. "You're not afraid to walk with me are you?"

He shook his head from side to side. "No," he replied calmly.

She gestured to her right and Ranger joined her without hesitation. Quietly they entered the courtyard side by side. "It's almost too quiet out here."

"Forest is as well," The dark haired wolf remarked.

"A dark quiet forest would make me think of a horror movie," Tori stated. "I'd be afraid someone was going to jump out."

Ranger chuckled and hesitantly admitted he'd had the same thought himself. "It wasn't bad until I stopped thinking and realized where I was."

Tori laughed. "At least you didn't end up in a tree."

"Tree?" he inquired. She nodded and began telling him the story of her being distracted while mountain biking and after missing a turn had fallen off an embankment and ended up in a tree. She'd reluctantly had to call her father to come get her down as she and the bike were tangled up in the tree. Ranger had been able to keep himself from laughing and Tori playfully swatted him in the arm.