Page 42 of One Knight in the Forest

She sniffled. “Moments ago, I was not sure…that I would manage to destroy the vial. I wanted so much to succeed—”

“And you did.” He kissed her brow. Thank God she was finally safe. “You were incredibly brave. Come. Let me help you to your feet.”

She gestured to his wound. “Your shoulder—”

“I will have it tended to shortly. You are more important right now.”

A blush warmed her cheeks. “Do not be silly.”

“I am never silly,” he said with a wink. “If you do not believe me, ask Borden.”

She chuckled and then wove her fingers through his. “You are always very gallant, though, and honorable, and clever.”

Now she was embarrassing him. “All right. Enough.”

She held his gaze, her stare breathtakingly poignant. “Promise me one thing.”

Ah, God. Was she going to ask for his ever-after love, the one thing he couldn’t offer her? Remorse weighed upon him, even as he said lightly, “What is that?”

“Promise me tonight’s adventure is over. I have had quite enough for one day.”

He squeezed her hand, leaned in, and kissed her on the lips. “That, Fair Maiden, I will gladly promise.”