Page 28 of Once Upon an Enchanted Kiss

“What was that about?” he asked, confusion etched on his face.

She sat straight and tall in the saddle, her mind racing to come up with an excuse. “I thought those men were chasing us.”

A ridiculous excuse, but hopefully he’d buy it.

“Those men back there?” He nodded behind them. “They looked like soldiers from Myst Hall.”

Exactly why she didn’t want to get caught. A breath shuddered out of her. “Did they?”

“Yes, they did.” His gaze narrowed as he looked her over. Suspicion laced his tone.

Her nerves jangled. She kept her eyes forward so her expression wouldn’t give her away. She didn’t hear the sound of the men behind them, so she hoped they had put enough distance between them and left them far behind.

“How close is this town you mentioned?” she asked, trying to make it sound as if it were nothing more than an innocent question.

“Westcliff is just outside the forest,” he said.

“Good.” She gave him a bright smile. “I’m ravenous!”

Luck was on their side. True to his word, they arrived in Westcliff around midday. By then, her hunger pains had become almost unbearable. She was lightheaded to the point of fainting.

But she managed to ride on as they entered the bustling town through the gates on the southside. Westcliff was part of the kingdom of Woodhaven near the southern border near the boundary of the Mystwood Forest.

It was larger than she expected. The main thoroughfare was lined with buildings. At the end of the main street, the church. Beyond that, more streets that hosted thatched roof huts for residences. And beyond the streets, fields and gardens where the residents grew their crops and grazed their animals.

Edward seemed to know where he was headed as he trotted down the narrow main street which was jammed with people, horses, and carts. She spotted a black cat darting through the crowd.

She followed, keeping her reins tight as her head swiveled from side to side, taking it all in. This was not like Briar Hill, where she stopped at the tavern and the kind woman, Anne, reclothed her.

No, this was much bigger. The buildings, she realized, were businesses. Everything from a dressmaker, to a candlemaker, to a baker, to a smithy. There was a shop for weapons, an apothecary, even a cobbler. The smell of refuse reached her and she frowned, trying hard not to gag.

He saw her expression and chuckled. “The tavern is just there.” He pointed ahead.

She nodded and followed him through the narrow street to the tavern, where he tied up his horse. She dismounted and did the same, glad to be out of the saddle. Glad, too, for the bustle of the town and hoped it would keep her concealed. She also hoped the soldiers had decided to go another way and not follow them out of the forest.

The faded sign over the tavern readThe Red Lionand a picture of a roaring lion underneath it. Edward headed for the door, then paused to see her staring up at the sign.

“Is there something wrong?” he asked.

She shook her head. “Not at all.” Then gave him a reassuring smile.

She followed him through the door into the rowdy tavern. The place was full. A bar lined one wall with every stool occupied. He led her through to the back, where one table was open. There he took a seat against the wall, positioning himself so he could watch the door. She took the seat next to him rather than across from him. There, she, too, would be able to watch the door in case the soldiers ended up here looking for her.

Moments after they sat, the tavern maid bustled up to their table. Her gown was old and stained. Her face, haggard and her eyes tired. Her dark hair was pulled back from her face with sprigs sprouting from what was once her perfect coif. She plopped down dark bread and two tankards of ales.

“What’ll it be?” she said, her tone impatient.

He eyed the bread in front of them, then glanced up at her with his best winning smile. “Beef stew for both of us.”

Nodding, she hurried off, her hips swaying as she went. Rosamund sat straight in her chair, her hands in her lap, as she eyed the door. As though waiting for the soldiers to find her and take her back.

“How did you know about this place?” she asked.

“I’ve been here before,” he said.

“You have?”

He nodded. “Only once. When I was returning home after a hunting trip.”

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