Page 47 of Lord of Misrule

“What about the spare horse? Where is it?” Tolin looked around.

“It was loaded with the spoils of the hunt,” said Jarvis. “It’s already gone as well.”

“I won’t have to walk back to the castle, will I?” asked Kit.

Tolin looked up at Jarvis and groaned. Jarvis had a dung-eating grin on his face. Tolin was sure Raven put them all up to this. Now he had no choice but to let Kit ride back to the castle with him.

“Nay, of course not. You will ride with me,” he told Kit, leading her to his horse. Putting his hands around her waist, he lifted her into the saddle. Damn she felt good under his hands. And when he settled himself behind her and put his arms around her to direct the horse, their bodies were pressed up against each other. Being so close to her was driving him mad.

“Thank you,” she said, dragging him from his thoughts.

“For what?” he asked.

“For letting Parker and me leave and go back home. Now my sister can give birth to her baby in her own bed.”

“Are you happy to be leaving?” He wanted to ask her if she’d miss him, but couldn’t bring himself to do it.

“Aye, of course I am. Why wouldn’t I be?”

“No reason.”

It was such temptation, holding Kit so closely. Every time they moved, their bodies smashed together. He could feel the womanly curves of her hips between his legs, making him hard since he liked her in that position. He rode faster, only wanting to be back. The girl didn’t seem to have the same feelings for him that he did for her, so it was best she leave before he ended up making a fool of himself.

It wasn’t long before they rode over the drawbridge and into the courtyard of Blake Castle. He saw Brother Ruford flagging him down. The monk had a young woman at his side. Tolin stopped the horse.

“Brother Ruford needs to speak to me,” he told Kit, helping her dismount.

“Nay, I think he wants to talk to me,” she told him, looking in the monk’s direction. “That is my sister-by-marriage who is with him. Something must be wrong.” Kit ran to them and Tolin followed.

“Vivian, what is it? Is everything all right? Why are you here?” Kit took the woman’s hands in hers. It was evident the girl had been crying.

“Brother Ruford? What is the meaning of this?” asked Tolin.

“This woman is from town,” explained Ruford. “There has been an unfortunate circumstance. I brought her here and am so glad to see you returned early.”

“Unfortunate circumstance? What happened?” Kit asked the girl.

“Oh, Kit, I am so sorry. I know this is the last thing you need to hear after all you’ve been going through.”

“What is? Vivian, please. Tell me. I need to know.” Kit sounded frantic.

“It’s gone! It’s all gone,” cried Vivian. “The townsfolk tried to help but it happened late last night when everyone was sleeping.”

“What happened? God’s eyes, tell me everything,” spat Kit.

Ruford stepped in to explain. “The girl is trying to say that because of an unfortunate event, last night your bakery burned to the ground.”

“What?” Kit gasped, her mouth falling open. Parker ran over and clung to her. Raven was right behind the boy.

“Mother, did he say the bakery burned down?” asked Parker.

“It was vandals,” explained Vivian, tears streaming down her face. “Someone said they saw a man in the shop late last night just before the fire started.”

“Who was it?” asked Kit. “Why would anyone do this?”

Vivian’s eyes darted back and forth. She shrugged. “We’re not sure. Oh, Kit, I am so sorry.”

Kit sank to the ground, hiding her face in her hands. Parker cried, getting down next to his mother and holding her. King ran over and whimpered. The dog lay down with his nose between his paws.