Page 50 of Once Upon an Enchanted Kiss

“Iwon’t,” she added.

“What’s going on here?” Phillip’s sleepy voice interrupted her escape attempt and their discussion.

Frustration edged through her. With him awake, her chances of leaving went to nothing.

Jeffrey stepped aside to face Phillip as he rose from his bedroll. Their eyes collided. He noticed the map clutched in her hand right away.

“Rose?” he queried.

Despite her repeated requests for him not to call her that, he continued to insist. She clenched her jaw as her cheeks burned with the fierce heat of her frustration. The evidence in her hand was all the information he needed to figure out what she was up to. He approached her slowly, as if she were a skittish foal about to bolt. His hands were extended as if in surrender.

“What are you doing with that?” He eyed the map.

“I’m leaving with it,” she said, sounding strong and sure.

“You’re not going after the dragon’s treasure, are you?” Jeffrey asked, incredulous.

Behind them, Charles yawned and stretched. He took in the scene before him and got to his feet, curiosity glinting in his eyes. A sense of unease washed over her as she continued to clutch the map. They were going to talk her out of going and take her back home and then she would still have to marry Phillip.

“That’s exactly what she’s going to do,” Phillip said with a quirk of a grin. There was a hint of admiration in his voice. “Isn’t it?”

“It is.” She refused to back down.

“She’s braver than she looks,” Jeffrey remarked.

“I think she’s amazing,” Charles added.

Phillip lifted one dark brow. “So do I.”

Impatience flickered through her as she continued to clutch the map. “I’m leaving with the map.”

Without waiting for an answer, she turned toward her horse. The saddle rested on the ground beside her mare. She eyed it with some dismay wishing she had managed to get it on the horse before they awoke.

“I’m sorry, princess, I can’t allow you to do that,” Phillip said. She started to reply when he added, “Not without a proper escort.”

“But Phillip—” Jeffrey said.

Phillip held up his hand to silence his friend’s objection. Charles had a wide grin on his youthful face.

“I cannot in good conscience let her go without me,” Phillip said. Though he addressed Jeffrey, his gaze never left hers. “It would be unchivalrous.”

“I can take care of myself,” Rosamund snapped.

“I’m sure you can. But are you prepared to face the dragon?” he asked.

“Not to mention highwaymen or any other manner of men or creatures on the road,” Jeffrey added.

Her confidence was starting to melt a little hearing that. “Highwaymen? And what other creatures are there?”

“Trolls, goblins, take your pick,” Phillip added. “We’ve seen them all on our travels.”

It was almost enough to make her change her mind and go home. Almost.

“So, I think what his highness believes is that, under the circumstances, we should accompany you,” Jeffrey said.

Phillip gave him a sideways glance. “We?”

“You’re not getting rid of me that easily,” he said. “I made a promise to your mother. I intend to keep that promise. After we go on this quest of hers, we’re all going to Myst Hall.” He gave her a pointed look that said she didn’t have a say in the matter.

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