Page 30 of Forsaken Secrets

My cheeks heated. I'd never really tried them. But I just shrugged and winked. "Every time."

"Well … if you think you'll be okay …" She paused, looking from the path, to me, and then back again. "Do you at least have someone where you're staying to help you tonight and make sure you don't die? I mean, I'd hate for all this work to have been for nothing."

I laughed. "I'm staying with my aunt and uncle. They'll make sure I'm safe."

"Are they near here? I don't want you to collapse on the bridge, or anything."

For someone who didn't care what happened to me, she sure seemed to care.

"Don't worry, my lady — Kaiya. They own the general store right on the other side. It'll just take a bit to get over there, and then I'll be fine. I really am feeling better!"

Her eyes had widened as I spoke, though, and she scrunched her nose. "Are you … no, that's too big of a coincidence."

"What? Am I what?"

"Well, Mrs. Harlsted told me today that her nephew was in town and I can't help but wonder if that's you … but that would be insane. This town isn't small enough for that kind of coincidence …"

I couldn't stop the laughter from tumbling out. "Oh, this is wonderful! They couldn't have planned it better, those rogues. You must be the seamstress's niece?" I should have put it together earlier when she said she was an apprentice, but from how the Harlsteds had described her, I'd expected someone much more … subdued and ladylike.

She sighed and nodded. "The one and only. Pleased to make your acquaintance, my lord." Then she dipped into a neat curtsey.

My lord? Who'd told her I was a lord? Was that the cover the Harlsteds had given her? "Well, then. Am I allowed to return home, now? You're welcome to stop by whenever you want."

Her eyes widened with horror. "And give them MORE fuel to marry us off? No, sir. I think not."

I cocked my brow. "More fuel?"

"Oh, have you not heard?"

I shook my head, confused.

"You're an eligible bachelor and I'm an eligible young lady, therefore we must meet and marry."

Ahh. I suppose that made sense … though her disdain of the idea did no good for my confidence.

"Not so eligible. I'm only in town for a couple weeks. I think they're just pushing your buttons."

She chuckled.

Dipping into a bow, I sent her my most winning grin. "Well, I'm truly sorry for the inconvenience I've caused, Kaiya. I know this wasn't how you planned to spend your day."

"No. No. It's okay." Her face screwed up in a sour expression. "Besides, the last thing I'd want is the Harlsted's nephew dying on our land." She shuddered. "Can you imagine the heartbreak? No. This is much better."

"Well, then. If that's settled, I'll head back. See you around!"

She nodded and muttered under her breath. "Not if I can help it."

I couldn't help laughing as I walked away.

Perhaps this assignment wouldn't be as boring as I'd thought.

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