“I do not think… Hurts.” Emily muttered.
“I know, I will hold you steady.” Luke murmured and Emily was sure he pulled her closer to him.
I must be dreaming. That is the only explanation.She had to admit it was a rather nice dream. The way this dream version of the cold man that she knew was holding her, it was… Well, it was tender, there was a softness to him that she would not have imagined.
“Do not fall asleep.” Luke’s voice was gentle but insistent.
“Then stop being so comfortable.” Emily muttered. “Or tell me something interesting.”
“You scared me. You still scare me.” Luke said.
“Raaar.” Emily made a half-hearted attempt to roar.
“Very funny.”
The world faded for a moment, and when it came back Emily heard Luke saying, “I do not think I have ever met anyone like you. Not a man nor a woman.”
His breath tickled her as he sighed. “I doubt you will remember any of this.”
“I always remember dreams.” Emily muttered.I want to remember this one. It is such a nice one, although I wish I did not hurt so much.
“You are so brave. So sure, of who you are and what you want. It is a quality that infuriates and inspires me in equal measure.” Luke said. “When I saw you lying there…”
Emily missed a part of the sentence as a small jolt sent a sharp stab of pain through her. She forced herself to focus on the Duke’s voice.
“It was as though the world had lost something magical. Like everything would be diminished. What kind of world could exist if you were not in it?” Luke’s words floated over her, wrapping her in them.
“It would be a fine world.” Emily found herself muttering. “It would not miss me.”
“I would miss you.” Luke murmured, and Emily felt the words vibrate against his chest.
And that was how she knew it was a dream. Some rational part of her knew that it was odd that she was dreaming of her intended’s brother, but it was only a dream. What harm could it do to be honest?
“I wish this dream would never end.” She murmured, nuzzling into the warmth of Luke.
For a moment, all Emily could hear was the beating of his heart and the steady clip-clop of the horse’s hooves.
Finally, the angel in her dream said, “All things have to end.”
“I do not think I have ever felt so safe before.” Emily whispered into the dream.
“I will keep you safe. No harm will come to you while I am here.” The words seemed to echo in her head, and she smiled, feeling the warmth of them fill her.
Once more the world faded. “Emily! Emily!”
It was Luke’s voice, but it was not. “Emily!”
“You are safe.” The words seemed to fill her, even as the world around her vanished.
“Her eyes, they’re opening.” A familiar voice said.Jane.“I think she is awake.”
“Emily? Oh darling!” Rose’s voice was full of tenderness and concern.
She opened her eyes, blinking in the dim light around her. She was in a bed, the bedclothes drawn up around her. Her mouthwas dry, and she had a sweet taste on her tongue.Why does my head feel so heavy?
“Am I late for something? Have I overslept?” Emily asked, trying to understand what was happening. “Oh! Why does everything hurt?”
“Do you not remember?” Jane squeezed her hand. “You were thrown from your horse.”
