Page 50 of Haunted Hearts

Fourteen

Lillith enjoyed being includedin the decorating of the manor for All Hallows’ Eve. After helping the children carve out turnips, she made sure the servants had apples and a trough brought to the stable for the apple bobbing, which was one of her favorite things to do. She was good at it, and wanted to show off in front of Blaze.

She went with Blaze to the kitchen now at his request.

“Why are we going here?” she asked.

“I want to make certain my cooks are making enough soul cakes for the celebration,” he told her. “There are many poor, as well as beggars that will come by the manor on All Hallows’ Eve.”

“If you haven’t been celebrating for the past five years, I’m surprise they still come by at all.”

“Word gets out. They’ll be here,” he assured her.

Children and the poor would come begging for the sweet soul cakes, offering a prayer for dead loved ones in return.

“Let’s see how they taste.” Blaze took a hand-sized bun off the cooling table. It had a cross made from currants on top. He took a bite and then held the soul cake up to her mouth. Her hands closed over his as she brought her mouth closer.

“Careful. It’s still hot,” he warned her.

His scent of leather and fresh air filled her senses, making her heady. His small action of sharing food with her made her feel as if she were his lady, even though she knew that would never be true.

“Yes. It’s still hot,” she said, blowing on the hot cross bun. When her breath hit his fingers she swore she heard him muffle a moan. Lillith nibbled at the cake and smacked her lips together, releasing his hands slowly. With it went the warmth – his warmth, and it saddened her deeply. “Delicious.”

“I agree,” he said in a low, sultry voice.

When Lillith looked back up at Blaze he was staring at her and not the small cake in his hand. She felt the blush rise to her cheeks and she smiled. Then she quickly let her gaze drop to the ground.

Why did such little actions from Blaze cause such a huge reaction within her? Her heart was beating out of her chest, and it was from the simple fact that they’d shared some food and she’d held his hands. Why did she like it all so much?

“I adore spices, so I make sure my cooks put in plenty of cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg,” Blaze explained. “Not to mention, extra currants too.”

“Yes.” As her tongue ran over her lips, catching the crumbs, she watched his eyes settle on her mouth. “I adore spice in everything,” she told him.

She saw him smile in return, and realized that what she’d just said could be taken in a sexual manner. Lillith was about to correct herself, but decided to let it be. After all, what harm could come from a little flirting?

A thought ran through her overactive mind that he might try to kiss her again, since he was staring so intently at her lips. But they were in the middle of a crowded kitchen with servants all around them, so she knew it was inappropriate even to imagine it right now.

“My lady, my lady, come quickly,” came a male voice from behind her. She turned to find Milo walking up with Orvyn. Seeing these two together seemed like trouble to her since neither of them could keep their mouths shut.

“Milo? What’s wrong?” asked Lillith, feeling suddenly panicked.

“Your sister has stepped on a turnip and twisted her ankle. She fell to the ground and is in a lot of pain.”

“What?” Blaze darted out the door before Lillith could even answer. By the time she got out to the great hall, Blaze was already helping Serena to stand.

“My foot hurts. I think my ankle’s broken,” wailed Serena in her never-ending act of dramatics.

“My lady, are you all right?” Posy stood there wringing her hands together.

“I’ll take a look at it,” said Minerva, pushing her way to the front of the crowd. “Blaze, help her up to your solar and put her on the bed.”

“Mother, I hardly think that is appropriate,” said Blaze.

“Nonsense. There is more room there for me to work. I’ll get my healing bag and meet you there.” She hurried away.

“Come on,” said Blaze. But as soon as they took one step, Serena cried out and grabbed on to him to keep from falling.

“I don’t think I can walk. It hurts too much,” wailed Lillith’s sister.