Page 45 of Haunted Hearts

“Lady Lillith, did you know that if you peel an apple this time of year and throw the peels over your shoulder, you’ll see the initial of the man you’ll marry?” asked Minerva.

“Nay, I don’t think that really works,” said Lillith.

“That’s nonsense,” spat Blaze.

“And another way to see your future husband, is to take a bite of apple and then look into something that makes a reflection while standing at a fire on All Hallows’ Eve,” continued Minerva. “You’ll see him clear as day in the reflection.”

“Stop it, Mother.” Blaze didn’t like the way this conversation was going.

“Serena and I used to throw hazelnuts into the fire on All Hallows’ Eve,” explained Lillith.

“Whatever for?” asked Blaze.

“If they pop, the man you’ve asked about loves you. If they burn, he does not.”

“That is nothing but child’s play,” said Blaze. “I’m going to take a walk up the hill to check on the livestock. Now that it’s the end of the season, we’ll have to bring the sheep out of the summer pasture soon.”

“I’ll talk to the servants and have them gather up all the turnips in the field so we can start carving them for Samhain,” said Minerva, looking around the orchard.

“You mean All Hallows’ Eve,” grumbled Blaze.

“Yes, of course.” Minerva smiled.

“I’ll help you,” said Lillith.

“Nay, it’s a beautiful day, my dear. Why don’t you keep Blaze company instead? I will ask your sister to work with me.” Minerva didn’t wait for an answer. Instead, she turned and hurried away.

“I think my mother’s lack of subtility is one of her biggest flaws,” said Blaze.

“Don’t you want me to accompany you?” asked Lillith, her smile fading. “I suppose I can go back to the manor. Although, I wouldn’t mind taking a walk in nature with you. Unless you don’t want me along.”

Blaze could think of nothing he’d like more. Every minute he spent with Lillith was time he would cherish forever. “Of course. I’d be grateful for the company.” He held out his arm and Lillith took it, much easier in acceptance than her sister had. They strolled up the hill to the pasture where the sheep were grazing.

While Skull Manor wasn’t as big as a castle, it was still a good size. Most of the neighboring villagers answered to Alderwood Castle. But there was still a small village for the serfs with cottages of wattle and daub that housed those who served Blaze’s family.

They walked past his servants and up the hill, getting stares since he wasn’t with his betrothed. Blaze no longer cared. The woman he wanted to be with was on his arm, even if she could never be his wife. He would spend as much time with her as he could now, before her betrothed returned to England.

“It is just as beautiful up here on the hilltop as I remember it from when we were children.” Lillith’s eyes lit up as they reached the crest of the hill, looking down at his manor and fields of crops below.

“Do you remember we used to come up here to hide when you didn’t want to go home?” he asked with a chuckle. “My parents used to spend hours searching through the manor looking for us.”

“I do,” said Lillith, plopping down on the ground and lying back, looking up at the clouds. “We used to see objects in the clouds, too. Come on, Blaze, join me. Let’s try it now.”

“Lillith, we’re no longer children,” he objected. “That is not something adults do.”

“Well, it should be. After all, just because we’re adults doesn’t mean we can’t use our imaginations and have fun. Come on.” She patted the ground next to her.

Blaze looked around, seeing nothing but livestock. He probably shouldn’t do this, but who would really know? “All right. But just for a moment,” he said, lying down next to her and looking up at the sky. It was a beautiful day with puffy white clouds laden across a bright, blue sky. The crisp autumn breeze felt fresh and invigorating.

“What do you see?” asked Lillith. “Oh, look!” She pointed upward. “It’s a big dragon. Do you see it?”

“Aye,” he answered, seeing something else as well. “And there is a rabbit riding a dog.”

“A what?” she asked with a giggle. “Where? I don’t see it.”

“Right there.”

“Nay.”