Page 27 of Once Upon an Enchanted Kiss

When she emerged, he stuck his foot in the stirrup and mounted. She walked to the other side of hers and did the same.

“Now,” he said, cutting her a glance with a mischievous gleam in his eyes. “Let’s go find that adventure.”

Together, they turned their horses from the cabin and started down the shadowy path.

Rowena watched through the All-Seeing Eye to see her plan worked. The two had come together and now appeared to be traveling together. Now, to make sure the curse she placed on the princess all those long years ago would at last be fulfilled. She had the perfect plan for that.

Chapter 12

Rosamundtriedtoignoreher rumbling stomach, but it was difficult when it was making so much noise. The meager pieces of bread and apple she had the night before were not enough and she was out of apples. Her only hope was that Edward didn’t hear.

As they continued on in amicable silence, he cut her a glance. A wisp of a smile was on his face. Something told her he heard her growling stomach even with the distance between them.

“You know,” he said, “there’s a town not far from here. We could be there by midday and have a meal before continuing on.”

A heated flush crawled up her neck to her cheeks.

“Is it that obvious?” she asked, sheepish.

He laughed. “Truthfully, I’m famished, too. I’ve never been one to miss a meal.” He gave her a sideways grin.

“Nor I,” she said and then laughed. It was funny how much alike they seemed to be. From his clothes to his mannerisms, she suspected he was part of the nobility. But the question was from which kingdom? Hers or Woodhaven?

She didn’t know all the nobles in Myst, so it seemed reasonable he could be from there.

“What do you say? Shall we?” he asked.

She nodded. “That would be nice.”

He veered his horse to the right to head north. She did the same. But as they headed toward the forest, they heard the thunder of hooves behind them. She glanced back but saw nothing. Even so, her heart picked up speed. It sounded like more than one horse, which alarmed her.

“Do you hear that?” Her voice was a roughened whisper.

“Horses? Sounds like they’re behind us.” He seemed unconcerned.

But Rosamund had a knot of fear deep in her gut. She clutched the reins so tight, her hands cramped. She cast a swift glance back over her shoulder again and saw the four riders charging down the path. They were all dressed in full plate armor. One carried the sigil of Myst Hall.

She emitted a strangled gasp.

“What is it?” he asked, glancing at her with concern.

“I think we should hurry.”

She kicked her horse into a gallop, not really knowing where they were going. She dashed through the trees, leaning down close to her horse as she steered the mare through the dense vegetation.

“Rose, wait!” he called.

But she didn’t have time to wait. Those were her father’s soldiers. They were no doubt looking for her to bring her back to the castle. The last thing she wanted was for that to happen in front of Edward.

The thunder of hooves behind her told her he’d caught up to her. Even so, she pushed her horse harder and faster, heading for the tree line in her sights. All she had in mind was getting out of the forest and into the town he mentioned. Perhaps there she would be able to blend in for a bit.

“Rose,” he called. “Slow down.”

She said nothing as she continued on her way, her focus dead ahead.

Finally, he pulled up next to her, reaching for her reins. “Slow down.”

Much to her dismay, he slowed her horse to a trot.

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