Willow rode his horse down the hill with no awareness of his surroundings. The setting sun drenched him in golden rays, feeling like a benediction. No man alive was more blessed.

He had known to leave right afterward. She needed time. She had allowed him so much already. It was in her eyes—just before he touched her—that he knew he could.

He stopped Rupy at the bottom of the hill before crossing the fields into Merridell. He had to read it again. Fumbling with his satchel, he withdrew the parchment Ari had brought to his room at the inn.

"From Maelyn," she had said.

Fear had gripped him because he'd seen the carriage and thought her miles away. Closing the door, he quickly unrolled the message and read two lines which sent his heart smashing right against the sky.

Why would I want you to stay?

Because if you left, I would come and find you.

He'd ripped open the door again. Crashed out to the corridor where Arialain was just reaching the top of the stairs.

"Where is she?" Willow said hoarsely.

Arialain gave him a surprised look. "At—at the castle. She came back, I don't know why—"

"Thank you!" Willow leaped back inside his room to grab his boots and satchel. Then he was out again, through the hall, down the stairs, flying past a startled Arialain. Hopefully, she'd excuse his rudeness.

Briette had let him into the castle and told him where to find Maelyn. In the library, he had played along with her nonchalance. But he saw the concealed flusterment, the rapid blushes, the difficulty in meeting his eyes. All his questions were answered, but even as he reached for her, his hand had trembled a little.

Her lips were so beautifully soft.

Willow rolled the parchment, clamped his fingers around it, and held his fist against his mouth, eyes shut. He would never, ever lose this note.

Opening his eyes, he almost laughed to find Arialain standing beside his horse, looking up at him. She must have just gotten back from the town.

"Are you well, Sir Messenger?"

Willow grinned. "Never better!" Truest words he'd ever spoken. "But forgive me, my lady. I left you behind in Merridell. May I offer you a ride up the hill?"

Arialain smiled and walked past his horse. "I made it this far. Thank you, though."

Willow nodded. "I wish you a wonderful evening, your highness. Oh! Oh, please wait." Only Maelyn could have made him forget something like this. "I have something for you." He dug inside the satchel and dropped off the horse.

"My sister found this. I believe it's yours."

"Laina!" Arialain grabbed the doll from his hand, eyes widening with amazement. "Where did you find this? Where's her dress?"

"The dress, I don't know. Maple found her after the play." Because the stitches had been ripped out of the doll, he had guessed her desire for secrecy. He stepped closer and lowered his voice. "And please forgive me, my lady, but... I know who your parents are."

Arialain's green eyes flashed with alarm, then something else. Defiance? The face she lifted to him was calm and unafraid.

"That's fine, Willow. I know who your parents are."

*********

End of Volume One