“The same would apply to me.” Blake shrugged. “I would do anything you ask of me, providing it would not harm others or myself.”
Jane mulled the Duke’s words over for a moment and then shook her head. “No, I do not think that would work.”
“I should have known it would be too much for you,” Blake teased.
“That is not what I said, dear Duke. I simply do not like the current stakes.” Jane moved towards him, determined to catch him off guard.
“Then what would you propose?” The Duke raised an eyebrow at her, curiosity plain on his face.
“If I win, you must answer a question I ask of you. And you must do it truthfully.”
Now we shall see which of us runs from a challenge.
There were several beats of silence as the Duke’s face remained impassive. Jane wondered if he would turn her down, and found that an odd sense of disappointment welled up within her at the thought.
What is wrong with me?
After some time, the Duke asked, his voice curious but cool, “And just what are you planning on asking?”
“Oh, nothing too sordid, do not worry.” Jane smiled at him. “Do we have an accord?”
“Well, I am not one to let a challenge go unanswered. Prepare to lose.” The Duke held out his hand to her.
Jane took it, feeling the warmth of his hand against hers, the slight roughness of callouses which surprised her.
I would not have thought him the type to do any hard labor.
“I doubt you will best me.”
“Well, we shall just have to see. Will we not, Miss Pembleton?” Blake stepped away from her, smiling broadly. “I am sure we will meet again. Unless you fall so behind that our paths only cross once I have claimed my victory.”
“I think you mean unless you fall so far behind that you do not see me until I am victorious.” Jane began to walk away from him.
“Oh, no, I doubt that will happen.” He fell into step with her, his hands clasped behind his back as he winked at her.
“Such confidence. Are you planning on following me the entire time?” Jane raised an eyebrow at him.
“I am not following you—we are both on the same scavenger hunt, after all.” Blake gestured around them.
“There are a myriad of entrances and exits in the castle. You do not have to take the same one as me.” Jane gave him a sidelong look and added, “Although, perhaps you do not know the answer to the first riddle.”
“Ah, I see what you are trying to do.” The Duke frowned at her, but she could see the ghost of a smile on his face.
“And what is it you think I am trying to do?” Jane asked.
“You do not know the answer and are trying to get me to give it to you. But I will not fall for your trickery.” The Duke made a sign as though warding off an evil spirit. “I am far too clever for that.”
“You are the one trying to trick me into answering.” Jane jabbed the Duke in the chest.
“I am not.” The Duke laughed.
“Well, there is only one way to see which of us knows the answer.” Jane took a few steps away from him.
“And that is?” Blake inclined his head towards her.
“A race to the answer,” Jane replied, still backing away.
“I do have rather longer legs than you.” The Duke gestured to his legs.
