Page 31 of Once Upon an Enchanted Kiss

“You told them I was your mute sister,” she pointed out. “Why did you do that?”

He tipped his head to one side. “You looked frightened. I was trying to help you.”

Confusion trickled over her face then realization when his words sunk in. She flushed, her cheeks turning pink which, if it were under any other circumstance, might be adorable.

He released her and walked to the side of his horse. He shouldn’t have covered for her. He should have let them take her. Now, he was an accomplice to keeping her out of the soldier’s hands.

“I thank you for that,” she said. “And I promise I’m not a thief, nor have I done anything nefarious.”

He was still unconvinced. “Then why do they want you?”

She pressed her lips together into a thin line, as though she wanted to tell him the truth but couldn’t. As though the truth would be damaging. If she was hunted by the soldiers, then she must have done something to garner their attention. Attention he could not afford.

If they captured her, they would likely capture him and the last place he wanted to be was Myst Hall. Where his irate parents were likely still visiting. Not to mention the princess he was supposed to marry.

“Under the circumstances,” he said, stepping into the stirrup, “I think we should part ways.”

He swung his leg over the saddle and settled into position. She hurried to the side of his horse, looking up at him with those big, green imploring eyes.

The soldier had said he was looking for a girl with blonde hair and green eyes. He had no doubt in his mind Rose was the girl.

“Please wait,” she implored.

He remained where he was, gazing down at her waiting for her to say something. She scanned the town and licked her lips, as though coming to a decision.

“If you’ll ride out of town with me, then I’ll tell you why the men were looking for me.” Her gaze lifted back to his.

Her pleading gaze that begged him not to turn her over to the guards or separate from her. His resolve melted into a puddle. He pushed out a breath, his shoulders slumping a little.

“All right, then.”

She hurried to her horse and climbed into the saddle. Moments later, they were off, trotting through town and heading for the gates.

Her mind raced as they rode along in silence. If she told him the truth about who she was, would he even believe her? She had to come up with something to tell him. Something that hewouldbelieve. But what?

They were almost out of the town gates. Her nerves were wound so tight, her stomach cramped and threatened to heave the delicious meal she’d just had. She swallowed hard, trying to keep her wits about her.

At the town gates, he halted and gave her a pointed look. “Well?”

There were still too many people within earshot for her comfort. She eyed the forest ahead.

“Let’s ride into the forest.” She glanced back to see if they were followed, but no one was there.

“And then you’ll tell me?” he asked.

“Yes,” she said with a nod.

They continued on. But as they approached the forest, she still had not come up with a plausible reason why the soldiers were looking for her. She decided to stick as close to the truth as possible.

Once they were through the trees and in the cover of the forest, she reined in her horse. He did the same, looking at her with an expectant expression as he leaned on the saddle horn.

“I ran away from home,” she said at last.

A brow lifted in curiosity. “And home is?”

She swallowed hard, her mouth turning dry. “Myst Hall.”

Edward’s brows drew together in question. “And the soldiers want to take you back there, I gather.”

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