Page 52 of Ladybird

“What does that mean?”

“Regina, can we talk about this later?”

“How, when you want us to make distance between us?”

“I mean, can we discuss it at a better time?”

“Better time? No, Hunter we can’t. This time is as good as any. We have feelings for each other and I don’t see why we have to hide them.”

“I’m no good for you, sweetheart. You should find a nobleman who will make you happy.” It’s not what Hunter really wanted, but he didn’t want her saddled with a man like him for the rest of her life either.

“I don’t want a nobleman,” she spat. “If I did, I would have found one long before now. And I don’t want you telling me what I should or shouldn’t do, either.” She sped off on her horse in a huff, making Hunter feel even worse than before. Part of him wanted to ride after Regina and stop her and tell her that he loved her and wanted to be with her. Forever. But another part of him kept telling him that he had done a bad thing and that he didn’t deserve her. After all, Regina was goodness and light, poise and grace. The woman was smart and sassy and more than strong in every aspect of her life. She had a keen skill with training birds like no man could ever attain, he was sure. She had so much to offer.

He had so little.

Damn, he was confused right now and only hoped that once they got back to the castle he could sort out his thoughts in his head and know the right thing to do. Know how to fix his mistake and make everything better.

Well, it didn’t take long to figure out that he was wrong.

When they rode through the gates of Shrewsbury Castle, Roger the falconer ran out from the mews to meet them. He had a look of terror on his face. Hunter knew that whatever the boy had to say, it wasn’t going to be good and neither would it make Regina happy.

“Roger, how are you feeling?” asked Regina from atop her horse, obviously not noticing that the boy was in turmoil. She dismounted, not needing the help of a man, managing to keep Hera on her glove.

“My lady, I am so sorry,” cried Roger. “I honestly don’t know how it even happened.”

“What on earth are you talking about?” Regina dug a piece of raw meat from her bag and fed it to the bird.

“When I returned to the mews this morning is when I noticed. I thought mayhap you had taken both birds on the hunting trip, but Cassian said that you hadn’t.

“Roger?” asked Regina with worry in her voice now. “What are you trying to say?”

“It’s horrible, my lady. Just awful. The thief has struck again, and this time he has stolen from the mews. Lady Regina, I am sorry to tell you that Lightning is gone!”