Page 23 of Once Upon an Enchanted Kiss

When he offered nothing more, she asked, “And you are?”

A smile lifted the corners of his mouth. “Edward, my lady. You may call me Edward.”

Chapter 10

Hedidn’tknowwhyhe decided to use his grandfather’s name as an alias. It was the first name that popped into his head. He felt as though he needed to conceal his true identity as a prince until he knew more about the girl and who she was. As she didn’t trust him, he didn’t trust her.

She lowered the weapon she had clutched in her hand and relaxed her stance. “Well, then. You can come in, Edward.”

He stepped through the doorway. As the circle of light from the lantern extended, he got his first glimpse of her. His heart tripped and his gut clenched as their eyes met. A shimmering light passed between them. He wondered if she sensed it, too. If she did, she gave no indication.

Her braided golden hair hung over one shoulder. She had a round face with perfect, full lips. The lantern light glinted off her skin, making it appear as though it shimmered. That seemed unlikely and he decided it was nothing more than his imagination.

It was her eyes that dazzled him. Emerald with gold flecks fringed in dark lashes. Something about the way she looked at him sent a shudder deep within him.

Tearing his gaze away from her, he glanced around the cabin. He stood in a shabby living area with old furniture covered in dust. A fireplace was on one wall. There was a kitchen and a wooden table and chairs beyond the living area. A staircase led up to the loft overhead.

She leaned the fire poker against the wall near the hearth.

He eyed the wrapped package on the table. “Is that food?”

“Just some bread and an apple.” She moved to the table and picked it up, pushing off the cloth.

He stepped around her and placed the lantern on the table in the kitchen. It illuminated the room, showing off dust and cobwebs hanging from every corner. The fireplace had remnants of ash, indicating someone used it at some point in the past.

“I’ll find some firewood and get a fire started.”

Though he didn’t know her, he felt it was his duty to build a fire to keep them warm. He headed back out to the woods, pausing to pick up his sword and dagger from the porch. He replaced them both on his person. It didn’t take long to find enough wood to start a fire. When he returned, Rose was in the small kitchen washing plates.

“There’s a well outside the back door,” she said, sounding pleased.

As he started to build the fire, she busied herself with cutting the bread and placing the pieces on the plates. Next, she cut up the apple. She filled two cups with water and brought them over, handing him one. When the fire was going, he sat at the table. She handed him a plate and took the seat opposite him.

“It’s not much,” she said, sounding apologetic.

It made him smile. “It’s perfect. Better than starving.” He broke off a piece of bread and popped it into his mouth. It was a few days stale. “So, what is a girl like you doing out here?”

She fiddled with a torn piece of bread in front of her, a thoughtful expression on her pretty face. “Would you believe me if I told you I ran away from home?”

Phillip peered at her, amusement flickering through him. “You did? Why?”

She shifted in her seat as she contemplated her answer. “It’s complicated.” She granted him a weak smile.

“Isn’t it always?” He chuckled.

“What about you? What are you doing out here?”

He sat back in the chair, holding a piece of the bread. “I’m looking for adventure.”

“Adventure?” That seemed to pique her interest. She sat up straighter. “Where are you headed?”

“Wherever the wind takes me.” He grinned. It was the best answer he had, because truly he didn’t know.

She propped her elbow on the table, placed her chin in her hand, and emitted a gusty sigh. “I’d love a good adventure.”

She sounded wistful and it made him smile. Indeed, it seemed he couldn’t stop smiling around her. It also made him realize how different they were and wonder if it was truly safe for her to be traveling unguarded.

“Well, I’m headed north. I think,” she added.

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