Page 16 of Haunted Hearts

“Nay, I’m not. But Blaze is not a bad person. At least, I don’t think,” she added softly, wondering why she’d felt so frightened around him earlier today. Perhaps it was just all the talk she’d heard for the last five years about Blaze’s family being witches. Her father had a vengeance for that, and wanted Blaze’s family to burn at the stake. Lillith would never agree to that, no matter if they were witches or not.

“Henri wouldn’t have been feuding with the Paynes if they were to be trusted,” said Beatrice.

“Mayhap not,” Lillith answered softly, not sure what to think anymore.

“Well, now that I’m Lord of Alderwood, there will be no more feuding,” stated Arthur. “This has gone on much too long. Didn’t you say Lord Payne just died as well?”

“He did,” said Serena.

“Then, I think it’s time the feud dies with them,” said Arthur.

“Arthur, how do you expect to make that happen?” asked Beatrice.

“I know exactly how to do it. All we need is to make an alliance.”

“An alliance?” asked Serena. “That sounds like you mean a betrothal.”

“I do.”

“But Uncle, you said Lillith is betrothed to the baron.” Serena shook her head in confusion.

“Yes, that’s right, Arthur. We can’t break the betrothal,” said Beatrice. “Henri wouldn’t want us to. It could cause dire issues for us if we go back on our word. We need to honor the agreement or risk starting a feud with the baron.”

“We won’t break it,” said Arthur. “Lillith isn’t your only daughter of marrying age, Beatrice. Serena is unwed too. She’ll marry Lord Blaze Payne instead.”

“What?” asked Lillith, feeling somewhat slighted. After all, she was the one who used to be in love with Blaze, not Serena.

“Me? Nay,” cried Serena. “I don’t want to marry a warlock.” She seemed mortified by the idea. “Please, Uncle, don’t do this to me.”

“Blaze would never agree to it,” said Lillith quickly, knowing Blaze’s feelings for her.

“I’ll take care of that,” said Arthur with a grin. “I’ll send a messenger with a missive to his manor tonight and by tomorrow Serena will be betrothed just like you, Lillith.”

“Oh,” said Lillith, her heart sinking. This wasn’t at all what she wanted. Blaze meant nothing to Serena and Lillith was sure he didn’t want to marry her either. The alliance was not going to work. Even if the idea of ending the feud did intrigue her, they still weren’t even sure they could trust Blaze and his family right now. Her father didn’t think so, and Lillith had inherited his feelings during the past five years. After all, if Blaze was a warlock and never told her, who knew what else he was hiding?

After thinking about some of the things she saw at Skull Manor when she was growing up as best friends with Blaze, she had no doubt in her mind that they truly were witches.

Her uncle always acted impulsively, and this time it was going to end badly, she was sure.

“I don’t think this is the best idea right now, Uncle Arthur,” she told him, not caring that women weren’t supposed to speak their minds.

“Why not? It’ll solve all our problems, not to mention you two girls will finally be married,” said Arthur.

Lillith was sure he really meant it would solve all his problems and that he’d finally be rid of them.

“I’ve been telling Henri for years that you two were getting too old and should have been married years ago. No man is going to want you much longer.” Arthur blew air from his mouth and he shook his head as if he were disgusted. “If you were my daughters, you would have been married at twelve or thirteen – the proper age for a noble to marry. I have no idea why Henri waited so long.”

“It’s too soon after Father’s death to even be discussing this,” protested Lillith. “I think we should wait with any more betrothals.”

“Well, I don’t,” snapped Arthur.

“Mother?” Lillith looked to her mother for support, but the woman was in no position to contest Arthur’s decision. She was still distraught over losing her husband. And like she mentioned to Lillith, if she wanted to keep from losing her home, she had no choice but to become Arthur’s bride.

“I’m sorry girls, but if Arthur thinks this is best, then I have to agree with him.”

“Nay, Mother. Please,” begged Serena, looking like she was about to swoon.

“What about all this talk of Blaze being a warlock? And Milo seeing Blaze’s bloody dagger next to Father’s body?” asked Lillith grasping for excuses to stop her sister’s betrothal.