Page 74 of Haunted Hearts

“Thank you, Lord Payne,” said Orvyn. “Skull Manor is where I belong.”

“I believe that’s true,” said Blaze.

“Milo, I’ll miss you,” said Lillith, giving the boy a hug. He looked so forlorn.

“Have you enjoyed your stay at Skull Manor, Milo?” asked Blaze.

“Yes, my lord,” said Milo, still not looking directly at them.

“You know, now that I’m a knight I’m going to be looking for other knights to live at the manor. That means, I’ll also need to train some boys to someday be squires. Would you care to stay on at the manor and train under me personally?”

Milo’s head snapped up with a jerk. “Really? Train to be a squire? Really, Sir?” asked Milo.

“I’m not saying it’ll happen right away, and I can’t guarantee which knight you’d be a squire for, but that would all depend on how fast you learn.”

“I’ll do it!” said Milo. “Yes! I don’t care how long it takes, but I want to be a squire more than anything else.”

“Then, as long as Lord Robert doesn’t mind, you’ll be in my care from now on.”

“I can speak for Robert and tell you my brother won’t mind at all,” said Lillith. “Welcome to Skull Manor, Milo.”

“Thank you, my lord and lady. Thank you so much.” Milo bowed about ten times and then ran off in excitement.

“That was nice of you,” said Lillith to her new husband.

“Well, I knew how much he wanted it, since I felt the same way about being knighted. Besides, what better way to keep a close eye on him so he doesn’t run at the mouth, if you know what I mean.”

“Blaze, I have never been happier,” said Lillith, standing on her tiptoes to kiss him. He picked her up in his arms and kissed her passionately.

“Well, wife, I’m willing to bet that after our wedding night you’ll be feeling even happier. I know I will. I have waited such a long time for this. It is like a dream come true.”

Minerva picked up her cat in her arms, now talking with Lillith’s mother.

“It is nice not to be feuding anymore,” said Beatrice.

“I’m looking forward to getting to know you better now that we are related through marriage,” said Minerva.

“I’d like that. And you’ll have to tell me who makes your gown. It is stunning,” gushed Beatrice.

“I can have one made for you, if you’d like.” Minerva looked over at Blaze and Lillith and winked.

“I would love it,” answered Beatrice. “And make sure it has plenty of those little moons and stars on it. I really admire them.”

“Oh no,” said Blaze softly. “Lilly, before you know it, your mother is going to be doing things she’s never done before.”

“Mother, come talk with me and my new husband.” Serena pulled her mother away, leaving just Minerva with Blaze and Lillith.

“Mother, you’re not really going to make a gown like that for her, are you?” Blaze put Lillith down.

“Of course, I am. If things go well, I might be making them for the entire castle.”

Blaze groaned and Lillith laughed.

“Tell me, why did you walk in with Lillith’s brother and betrothed?” asked Blaze. “Where did you even find them?”

“I had a vision last night from Lillith’s father too,” whispered Minerva. “He told me where to find them. Even though, if I would have had my cards, I might have been able to find out for myself.”

“So, where were they?” asked Lillith. “My brother and the baron.”