Lord Cole seemed concerned for my wellbeing, and it was as sweet as it was surprising. I didn’t expect him to give me
such compassion, and quite frankly, I wasn’t used to men showing me any sense of kindness.
He dressed almost as casually as I did. A powder blue shirt fitted nicely across his chest, while a black throw on jacket
kept his arms warm.
“Marcus will see me home, I’m sure.”
“What about your horse?” Marcus asked as soon as Lord Cole stepped back and Marcus took his place.
“I can send my men to fetch your horses and bring them safely home, if of course, it’s alright with her highness. I have a
carriage ready to take you anywhere you wish to go.”
Lord Cole didn’t want to back down. He was adamant he’d be the one to take me home, and as much as I hoped to spend
some time with him, it would not be alone.
“Marcus, perhaps you can ride behind with Juniper and your horse?”
The idea arrived in my head quickly. This would give me a chance to sit with Cole alone in his carriage. Perhaps I could
ask him more questions about the valley, and why I felt as if we had met before—before the courtyard that is.
“As you wish, your highness.”
Marcus bowed before he stepped back and headed towards the committee house where we had left our horses. Lord Cole
held out his hand for me to take, and I thought about it for a second. Mother wouldn’t be too happy if she found out I took a
carriage ride with Lord Cole. Especially after telling me to stay away from him. A small smile teased on my lips as I thought
about how angry she would be, and how much I would secretly enjoy disobeying her.
“Will you be okay to walk? My carriage is a short distance away.”
Taking Lord Cole's hand, he helped me to my feet. Then he linked my arm with his and we walked at a steady pace towards
his carriage. It was thankfully only a street or two over from the committee house.
The carriage Dorian had arrived in was no longer in the square, and he was nowhere to be seen. I hoped he didn’t spot me
earlier. I didn’t want him questioning me, and most certainly didn’t want him anywhere near me. Even the thought of his hands
on my skin made me shiver and nauseous.
“Are you cold?” Lord Cole asked as we stopped, shrugging off his jacket.
“I’m fine,” I told him as he placed the jacket over my shoulders. “Thank you. You didn’t have to.”
“Of course, I did, you are my princess, and we can’t have you catching a cold now can we?”
His coach hand was quick to open the carriage door, and Lord Cole helped me up before stepping in behind me. The door
shut tightly, and I noticed how much smaller the carriage was than the ones I was used to, it was very snug and smelt a little
damp.
