AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Ma says I should never take gifts from strangers.”
“But I’m no stranger, am I, Hamish?” Devon said. “I’m your friend.”
Hamish buried his head in Devon’s shoulder. “Aye,” he said. “Ye’re my friend.”
“Then I’ll have someone bring the book over to you.”
“Won’t you bring it yourself?”
“No,” Devon said. “I wouldn’t want to frighten your mother again.”
As they reached the foot of the path, Devon turned toward the forest and followed the line of trees until the cottage came into view. Hamish’s body tensed in his arms.
“Is something wrong?” Devon asked.
“I was supposed to collect firewood for Ma.”
“Then we’ll collect some together.”
“What about your supper?”
“Supper can wait,” Devon said. “Friends are more important, aren’t they? Now, where’s the best place to look?”
“In the forest.”
“Come on then, young man,” Devon said. Hamish took his hand, and the two of them entered the forest.
Not long after, they emerged, Devon’s arms laden with fir branches. Hamish led the way to the cottage, and Devon set his pile down beside the door.
“Thank you, sir,” Hamish said, “Ma will be so pleased!”
“Call me Devon—we’re friends, aren’t we?”
Hamish’s face split into a grin, and he nodded. “Please come inside and see Ma!”
Devon shook his head. “I’ll only frighten her again,” he said, “and we wouldn’t want to do that. But I hope to see you at Christmas—at the Yule King’s party. Tell your mother that she’s to bring you—and your sister.”
Before he took his leave, the boy darted forward and wrapped his arms round his waist.
“Thank you, sir!”
Devon patted the boy’s head. “What did I say?”
“Thank you—Devon.”
“That’s it, lad. Now, don’t forget. I expect to see you at Christmas.”
He took his leave and set off toward the castle.
*
As Devon enteredthe building and handed his greatcoat to the waiting footman, his older sister appeared at the top of the staircase, her face ashen.
A cold hand clutched at Devon’s heart at the expression in her eyes.
She looked as if someone had died.
“Dorothea?”
