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"Excuse me," she whispered before she turned and fled and didn't slow her pace until she was outside. Once in the fresh air, she stopped and took several deep breaths.
"Pull yourself together, Quinn." She did her best to dismiss the shared moment with Archer and started walking.
She hadn't gone very far when she noticed something bright high up in one of the trees and as she approached she realized it was a kite of sorts. It was only when she was directly under the kite that she heard the soft cooing like that of a dove and caught a glimpse of a small arm high up in the tree.
"Hello?"
No answer.
"Do you need help retrieving your kite?"
Quinn didn't think the child was going to answer and then a movement in the tree brought the young child clearly into view. One look at his black hair and green eyes and there was no question who fathered this child. Quinn was surprised at her reaction to seeing Archer's son, sadness, jealousy, she wasn't sure what emotion it was she felt and more why she should feel anything.
"Who are you?" the child demanded.
He couldn't be more than five-years-old and already he was arrogant like his dad. "Quinn."
"Quinn? What kind of name is that?"
"I see manners are not something that were taught to you. What's your name?"
"I'm not saying. Are you with Mistress Katherine?"
"No, oh definitely no."
Quinn wasn't sure but she thought she saw approval pass over his face before he asked, "Who are you here with then?"
"I'm a guest of Lord Cornwell."
There was no mistaking the relaxing of the boy's shoulders.
"Won't you tell me your name?" Quinn asked.
He hesitated a moment before answering.
"Nicholas."
"I love that name."
"It's too formal."
"How about Nick or Nickie."
A slight smile. "I like Nickie but my nurse says that isn't refined."
"Where is your nurse, Nickie?"
Nicholas didn't miss the use of the nickname as a big smile spread across his lips.
"I ran away from her."
"Why?"
Nothing.
"Are you stuck up there?" Quinn knew that he was by the death grip he had on the branch but she didn't want to presume. He didn't seem to want to answer but he did.
"Maybe a little."
