Chapter Four

The evening went very well, as the family ate supper and laughed at the antics of the smaller children. Miss Dee went about cleaning the dishes as the older girls including Sil assist. Gentleman Erik sat back in his chair smoking his pipe as he gloried in his fine family!!

Yes, what man could ask for a better life than this! Then his thoughts went to Sil! He let a slight frown form on his face before removing it as he looked up into the eyes of his wife. She glance at him momentarily as her eyes told him what was in her heart. She turned to go about finishing up her task, not before he gave her a reassuring smile.

Sil watched as her family went about doing the things they usually do just before bedtime. She went outside to gaze into the stars. No matter what! This would be her last night at home. She knew she had to do what she had plan!! Scared or not! She had to leave this place tonight.

Miss Dee had put the last of the children to be as she came to sit next to her husband. She was so exhausted. He wrapped his arm around her and brought her close to him. Removing his pipe from his mouth, Gentleman Erik looked down on his wife, smiled as he could see she had drifted off to sleep. He softly rubbed his arm up and down her arm, thinking tomorrow would change their lives forever. He sighed.

Sil peeked into the room her parents sat. She could see her mother had gone to sleep. And her father sat smoking on his pipe. She eased the door closed and went over to her bed and took one long swipe of the room at her sisters, grabbed up her bag she had prepared, threw it out the window first, then climbed out after it. She had just reached down to pick it up, when............

“Where are you going Sil?” Her youngest sister asked.

“Shhhh! You’ll get us in trouble. I’m going to have to go away for a while. Now you go back to bed and don’t tell anyone you saw me leave. Okay?” Sil said this nodding her head up and down.

Her little sister smile, nodded her head and gave her a kiss then, ran back to her bed. Tears began to form in Sil’s eyes as she shut the window quietly. She looked from side to side making sure her retreat had gone unnoticed she ran away!!

Gentleman Erik, stiffened for a moment thinking he had heard some noise. Not hearing anything further, figured one of the children had stirred. He relaxed back in his the chair wife his wife sound asleep in his arms, felt a foreboding feeling course threw his body!

Chapter Five

Miss Dee woke from a good nights sleep! Gentlemen Erik was already up and dress! He didn’t have the heart to wake her! He knew she needed as much rest as she could get for the day ahead.

BAMM BAMM BAMM!!

They were both startled by the knocking at the door! Erik looked to his wife and moved towards the door.

She laid in bed covering herself as he opened the door to see Mr. Bumble escorted by Guardsmen! He had this very smug look on his face. Erik’s eyes narrowed as he blew out smoke form his pipe. His jaw tightening up. He had a feeling he knew what this was all about. They wanted to make sure Sil would be at the place appointed.

“What do you want so early in the morning, Bumble?” Erik said very quietly trying to keep himself from ripping the little fat farts head off.

“The Great Lord has suggested it would b a good idea to get an early start! So he advise me to pick up your daughter and present her to His brother as soon as possible! And I graciously accepted! So! Where is the little She Demon?” He said as he pushed his way in and looking around the room.

He paused his gaze on Miss Dee still in the bed covering. He smile deviously! With his connection! He could have her as his wife. Erik doesn’t know what a fine specimen of woman he had! She drew her covers up to her neck as she could see what was in her eyes. Her cheeks grew hot and flamed.

Erik seeing this exchanged was on Bumble without a second thought as he grasp his fat n-neck between his index finger and thumb. Threw him up against the wall and began choking him until his face began to turn blue. The guardsman weren’t sure if the were here to protect him or not but decided since he was an associate of the Great Lord thought it might be a good idea to intervene!

The each grabbed a arm of Erik and tried to pull him off Bumble with no luck , seeing how Erik stood about 6’5” And weighed in at 200+!! And he had worked the land from childhood until now! He was a fine man, strong as an ox!

Seeing they were not able to contain him, one hit him across the head with the butt of his sword. Erik writhe in pain as he fell to the ground holding his head. Miss Dee ran from the bed to her husband’s side. Taking him in her arms holding his head as he went into semi-consciousness.

“Okay! You want to make this hard hey! Go in the room and get the girl!” He hollered at the guards after catching his breath. He then looked down at Miss Dee and Erik!

“You have made the biggest mistake in your whole meager life. You understand this big man! You will regret what you have done to me!” He paused as he heard a lot of commotion coming from the room!

“Sorry Sir! She’s gone!” They announced.

Chapter Six

“WHAT!!” The trio said at the same time as Erik regained his senses at the news of the missing Sil.

“What?” Miss Dee resounded as she ran passed the guards into the room her girls slept!

Erik made his way to his feet holding his throbbing head. Miss Dee came back out of the room with fear in her eyes as she looked into her husband’s face. Bumble’s eyes turned to slits as he approached the room to see for himself, as if him looking would make her appear. Miss Dee stepped aside as he entered the room and emerged again!

“You think this is some kind of joke!” He was by side himself now.

“Do you know what will happened if that girl is not delivered to the Great Lord’s brother’s castle this morning?” He was shaking all over.

Then he thought. If he doesn’t deliver that girl his head will be endangered. He has to think of way to clear himself of this! Then an idea crept into his dark mind.

“Okay, you two! I guess you win! With the girl gone I’m up to be punish severely for this! I’m glad your happy! Come! Let’s go inform the Great Lord!” He left with the guardsmen, not before he gave them a smiled that sent chills down Miss Dee’s back.

“She’s gone Erik! She’s gone!” She began to cry as her husband’s eyes began to watered. They stood there holding themselves trying to comfort each other!

Bumble devised an plan to get Erik back and save his skin! He knew the Great Lord would not be one to easily give an explanation why his command had not been carried out! He felt Erik would be the logical recipient of his anger! Well after all she is his daughter.

The coach drew up to the castle of the Great Lord. Bumble hesitated for a moment as the Coachman opened the door. Taking in a deep breath and slowly letting it out. He left the coach to face the Dark Lord.

Sil was still rolled up in a ball as she slept under the tree. It had been a long night. She had traveled as far as her strength had taken her before she sat down to rest. Then sleep claimed her.

She rolled over in her sleep just before awake. When her hand fell on something hard. She moved her hand along the long thick object. It was leather. She peeped her eyes opened to see what hr hand was touching.

She jumped with surprise as she saw two large boots neck to her. She traveled up the long legs attached to the boots Upwards as her neck inclined to the crotch, pausing for a second and blushing at the bulge in place. Then she continued up the massive chest where trunk like arms extended.

Finally she came to the thick neck where a head sat on and the head had a face, dark auburn hair, framing it. The most handsome face she had ever seen in her life. And now the hazel eyes were pierced on her as she sat under the tree.

Chapter Seven

Sil looked up at the huge man towering over her. She stared into the piercing hazel eyes, before scurrying backwards into the trunk of the tree. She looked into the expressionless face, as he tilted his head from one side to the other. Then, without warning.

“What are you doing out here in the woods alone......girl?” His voice boomed forth, causing her to jump with a start.

Her eyes grew as big as saucers, heart rapidly beating, as she took short shallow breaths to calm herself. She glanced up to him and then to the ground, trying to figure out a decent reply. She instantly thought of an answer that may assist her in her quest.

“I am a stranger passing through. I was here looking for my remaining members of my family. but it appears they no longer abide in this part of the country. I have no idea how to find them. My family have all passed away! And I am left with to wonder as an vagabond.” Sil bowed her head, with hands clasped to her heart, with this last piece of information.

“OH!” The stranger remarked.

“Yes kind Sir!” She said as she continued to hold her head towards the ground, giving off a few sniffs here and there, to emphasize her plight.

“Well then! We can’t have you wondering around the countryside alone! It’s too dangerous. COME!! You will abide in my home until you find something more suitable!” He said.

“OH! No, no , no!! I couldn’t possibly impose on your generosity. I’ll be alight!” She gazed into his eyes with sad ones.

“It will be no bother! I am hardly there anyway!! You will have the place to yourself. except for the housekeeper and caretaker. I only use it for a place of solitude.” He said.

“If this is true, Sir. Wouldn’t my presence change things?” She asked, as she slowly found herself being drawn to the huge man.

“No! Having you there, would give me an even better reason for seeking out my solitude!” He replied, as he offered his hand in assistance.

“Okay kind Sir! I will take you up on your offer. But I don’t want to take advantage of your hospitality!” She agreeing to go with him.

She looked at his enormous hand as it engulfed her tiny one, as she was lifted off the ground effortlessly. She turned to pick up her belongings. He took the bag from her, turned and started down towards his home.

He was very solemn as they made their way through the forest. Sil watched and studied him. She figured he was no more happy than her. Maybe this could work in her favor, she thought.

Chapter Eight

They ad walked a small distance when the came to a clearing through the woods. There in the midst of the forest was a beautiful cottage. About two stories high. It was surrounded by a fence made of wood. And a little gate, that opened to a small pathway leading to the cottage, with little white stones on either side of it. The cottage was white trimmed in yellow. All windows had a flower pot sitting on the sill.

There was a small stable back of the cottage. A little garden lined against the front wall of the cottage. It reminded her of small farm.

Sil looked in amazed. He surly must be a man of means. She followed him through the gate and down the pathway. He opened the door and stood aside as he extended his hand beckoning her to entered.

Sil gasped for breath as she looked around the beautiful cottage. It was nothing like their humble abode. It was beautifully furnished. He stood back smiling at her reaction to his home.

“COME!! Let me take you to the room you will be occupying!” He said as he started up the stairs. Sil followed close behind.

Once upstairs they came to a room. The stranger opened the door and stood back as Sil entered. She stood in amazement at the room. It was white walled paper with floral designed. A white canopy bed stood off to the left. The window allowed the sunshine to light up the room. A small vanity sat against the wall to your left. And next to it of in a corner was a clothes cabinet.

“I gather you like what you see?” The man said, leaning against the door post with his arms folded across his chest.

“Oh yes, kind Sir. I love it!” She said hands placed on either side of her face, mouth wide opened.

“Good!! I will leave you to settle in while I prepare to make my departure.” He said as he nodded to her and began to close the door.

“Wait! You are leaving already?” She asked, before she could catch herself. She bowed her head in realizing she had presumed to much. He smiled down on the tiny beauty standing before him.

The little beauty was capturing his heart. She was unlike any woman he has come across. She had this raw innocence about her. She was feisty, aggressive and determined. These things he could tell. He watched her sleep during his walk in the woods when he came across her. He thought her lovely, like an angel.

“I have some urgent business to attend. I will be back as soon as I can take my leave. You will be okay here, the servants will see to your every needs.” He gave her a smile and closed the door behind him.

Sil watched as the stranger left her alone in the room. She went exploring every inch, touching and feeling the smooth comforter. She looked in the clothes cabinet and couldn’t believe the clothes spread across, from one end of the cabinet to the other. And the shoes lined side by side on the bottom of the cabinet. It was as if he was expecting her.

She moved towards the bed, jumping up on it. Laid back and did a snow-angel impersonation. She soon moved up on the large fluffy pillows. Relaxing, found herself slowly drifting off to sleep. With one thought in mine....‘This was made for me........’

Chapter Nine

The stranger made his way to Sil’s room. He knocked lightly. No answer! He knocked once again. When there were no answer, he panicked, thinking she had left. He slowly opened the door. Searching the room, found her sleeping on the bed. He smiled with relief. Walked over to her and thought she reminded him of the famous ‘Sleeping Beauty.’

He lightly stroked her cheek with his finger. She stirred slightly, he backed away to the door, and with one last glance left her room, quietly closing the door.

As he gave his servants their final orders, before mounting his horse. He looked up to Sil’s room one last time, sat fore a moment in thought, then rode away. From the window, Sil watched as the man rode away, missing him already.

She turned from the window and anticipated his return. She decided to take a nice long hot bath, she called to the housekeeper to assist her. She could get use to this, she thought as she watch the housekeeper preparing her water. Sil laid back and relaxed as she went into deep thought.

“WHAT DID YOU MEAN......SHE’S GONE!!” The great Lord hollered in the face of the short little excuse for a man.

“Sire! When I went to get her as you had instructed, upon arrival, we discovered she had ran away during the night.” Mr. Bumbled cowered before the Lord.

“I don’t care how you do it!! But you do it! You find her. FIND HER, NOW!!!” He screamed from the top of his voice. Mr. Bumble ran quickly from the room.

“How could I be surrounded by such incompetence?” He said as he slammed his hand on the table.

“My Lord! What has you in such an uproar, so early in the morning.” Lady Sharon asked her husband, coming over rubbing his arm. He turned to his wife of a few months, looking with such love on her.

“Hello my Love!! It’s nothing to worry about! Just a delay in some plan of mind. Not to worry my sweet.” He said this as he took her in his arm and bend down to kiss her lightly on the mouth.

“Why don’t you too find a room?” The voice came from the doorway!! The two looked towards the door smiling.

“Little brother! So I see you made it back! How was your time at the cottage?” The great Lord asked, as he walked over to his brother with his wife at his side.

“Well you know!! Peaceful!” He smiled as he thought of Sil waiting for him.

Chapter Ten

Sil relaxed in the hot bath drawn for her by Bess the housekeeper! She and her husband, who were the caretaker! Had been the servants of the Master of the house since he acquired the cottage! They took good care of the cottage and grounds while he was away!

Sil drifted off in her on little world as she thought of his in the bath with her! Oh my she thought! What thoughts just drifted through her mind! This was strange! She had never had such feelings for anyone before! But he wasn’t just anyone! Why, she realized! She didn’t know his name! She would ask Bess when she finished with her bath!

“As you know I asked you here, Kane!” The Great Lord said to his bother as he went to take his seat in his chair and Lady Sharon coming to stand by his side!

“So Taker! What has the Great Lord have planned for me, that you needed me here today?” He asked his brother! Returning the smile Lady Sharon gave to him!

“Well! The plan was for you to meet your new bride! But there seems to be a problem!” The Great Lord informed his bother!

“WHAT! New bride? What are you talking about, new bride?” Kane looked at his bother very angry and confused!

“Kane! Listen to me! Today is the day the villagers bring all their virgin daughters to the square to be picked! And now that you have your own domain, it’s time you thought of taking you a wife! Mr. Bumble picked one special girl out for you!” Taker explained to his bother, as he could see he was getting agitated by each word he spoke!

“Bumble! Bumble wouldn’t know how to pick anything that didn’t go into that fat slimy mouth of his! I bet anything there’s something wrong with her! What kind of defects does she have big bro?” Kane too a seat near his brother, waiting for an answer! Taker slightly shifted in his seat! Lady Sharon noticed this movement, but continued to observe!

“No defects as I have heard! She is a pretty little thing I hear!” Taker waving his hands about as he tried to regain control of this conversation!

“You hear! Haven’t you even seen her?” Kane stood to his feet!

“No I haven’t! Because she’s missing!” Taker said in a low voice! Kane and Lady Sharon looked at him cocking their ears to hear what he just said!

“What?” They said in unison!

“I said she’s gone! She ran away before Mr. Bumble and my men could get her! It was planned to get her early this morning! I was to see if she was suitable for you! When they got to her cottage! She had run away! But I have my men out searching the countryside! I’ll bring your bride back to you little brother!” Taker had left his seat to come stand before his brother, slapping both of his shoulders~! Kane gave his brother one look and left the room!

“That went well! Don’t you think?” He turned to his wife, who just shook her head and went after Kane!

Chapter Eleven

Kane had stormed up the stairs into his room, slamming the door behind him! How dare his brother make a decision as important as this for him! He thought if he had taken on his own domain, his brother would back off him and let him make his own decisions in life! But now he see, it will never happen, until he get as far away as he could from him! A gentle knock was heard at his door! Kane knew that knock! He went to it to allow them in!

“Kane! I hate to see you two go at it like this! But, this time....as most of the time! My husband is wrong! You are a big boy now! And it’s hard for him t let go! He loves you so much! He just wants the best for you! But he don’t know how to do that!” Lady Sharon said pleading Taker’s case!

“Yeah! I know! But that still doesn’t make it right! I want to live my life without his interfering! I want to make my decisions whether they’re right are wrong! And be able to correct them! And suffer whatever the consequences! He won’t allow that! Not until I ‘m far away from him!” Kane said as he went to sit on his bed! Lady Sharon looked alarmed!

“What are you saying Kane?” She came to sit by him, laying an hand softly on his!

“I’m saying, Sharon! I’m thinking about leaving! Finding what’s out there for me! I’m being smothered here! That’s why I spend so much time at the cottage! It’s mine! Something I did by myself, without anyone’s help!” Kane said looking in her brown eyes, as they seemed to sadden!

“Oh! I see!” She said as she turned her gaze to the floor! Kane hooked a finger under her chin, turning her gaze back to him!

“You have always been the only woman in my heart! And he took that away from me! So much for brotherly love!” Kane said as he moved in to kiss her! Lady Sharon quickly moved from the bed, towards the bed! She looked into his eyes, as tears filled hers!

“You are going to find a beautiful Lady, who is going to give you the love you deserve! I know this! I feel this! It will hit you like a ton of bricks! And then the love you think you feel for me! Will diminish!” Sharon said as she continued to stare at him as she left the room, closing the door!

Kane left the bed, going over to the window, staring out over the garden! How could anyone fill his heart as she had? She just didn’t know how much love he had for her! They never took him seriously around here! His cottage was the only place he felt comfortable these days!

His cottage! The beautiful young woman he had discovered in the woods this morning! Hmmmm! He hoped she would be there when he got back! So! Is this how it feels to know someone is waiting for you? He decided to cut his visit short! He had somewhere important to be!! HOME!!

Chapter Twelve

Sil had decided to take a walk around the grounds. It was a beautiful day out, despite the problems hanging over her head! She saw a small meadow with lovely green grass with various colors of flowers decorating it! She couldn’t resist, she had to run through it and then lie on the soft cushioned grass!

After her joyous romp, Sil lie down in the grass, as she began to meditate, thinking about the events that brought her to this point! And Kane! Kane was the name Bess the housekeeper gave her! Master Kane! She even went as far to tell her some things about him! How kind he was to her husband and her! He brought them here to help with the upkeep of the cottage and surrounding land!

She also told her how he had this controlling older brother and how she had heard from some of his servants that the older brother has plans to arrange for him to marry someone he doesn’t even know!

WOW! Sil thought! If that isn’t just like my situation, what is? I knew we were so much alike in the heart! She picked a flower smelling it and bathe in the warm sunlight! As she laid there, her thoughts went to her family and she wondered how were they doing! As she went into deep thoughts, suddenly a giant shadow was cast over her!

Mr. Bumble sat in his chair behind his desk as he spoke with a known crook of the town! A very unsavory person at that, but smart enough to head his on little ring! But he wanted more! And this little meeting with Mr. Bumble was one he could more than hoped!

Mr. Bumble was very angry now, he had been made a fool of by those ignorant peasants! They will not get away with it! He had worked to hard to get into the favor of the Great Lord to be outwitted by them! Gentlemen Erik should be the one held responsible for the position he was in!

But Lady Dee! Now that would be such a shame for her to have to finish raising those children all alone! Well, maybe he could be of some help to her! He does need a wife to bring him some stability in his life! Not to mention some respectability! She is a beautiful and elegant lady!

People in the castle would envy him as he stroll into the various occasions with her on his arms! And who knows! He may be honored with a Lordship! Now that would be the life! Yes, he thought! And devised a plan!

“Listen up! We need to frame Gentlemen Erik! I need witnesses saying they saw him taking his daughter out of town last night! I’m not going to be the one going down! I need him out the way! He is the key to my success! No, let me rephrase that! Our success! If you will assist me. I think I might be able to get you in with the Great Lord! As you can see, he is very appreciative of his loyal subjects!” Mr. Bumble gestured to the home and property he had gained since his dealings with the Great Lord!

“What do you say! Will you be of some assistance?” Mr. Bumble asked as he threw a large bag of coins on the desk! He took the coins and gave Mr. Bumble a nod of the head! Mr. Bumble smiled! Soon Lady Dee! Very Soon! He thought as they toasted to their knew alliance.

Chapter Thirteen

Sil sat in the green meadows, bathing in the afternoon warm sun. It was the first time in a long time, that she truly felt free. She smelling a flower, thinking about her family and how they were doing! She missed them very much!

She was so deep in thought, when a giant shadow overcast her, she! Looked up towards the sky, thinking maybe a storm was coming! She smiled as she looked up at the hazel eyed giant standing before her, smiling at her!

“You’re back already?” She asked, still looking at him shielding her eyes from the sun’s bright light. She made a movement to get up, but he beckoned for her to remain seated. He came to sit beside her.

“Yes! I cut it short to come back home! Nothing was going to get resolved! And after all! I do have a guest!” He said as he turned his head to look down at the tiny girl next to him! Sil couldn’t stop her cheeks from reddening, as she blushed.

“I take it your visit with your brother didn’t go so well!” She said trying to advert his attention from her flushed face.

“How did you know I was going to see my brother.........Oh! Yes!........It seems like I’m going to have to have an heart to heart with a certain housekeeper!” He said with an mocked anger.

“Oh no!! Don’t be angry with her! I was the one being nosy! I’m sorry if I’ve pried into your business. It started with me asking her your name, since we were never properly introduced.” She informed him.

“You are right! Things were moving so fast, we never did tell each other our names. But I think you have the upper hand on me!” He said as his lips formed a beautiful smiled.

“Yes! I guess I do! My name is Silhouette! But everyone calls me Sil!” She told him, smiling back at him shyly.

“Silhouette! Very beautiful name, for a very beautiful Lady!” He said, letting her full name roll off his tongue, causing her cheeks to turn a ruby red.

“I too shall call you Sil!” He continued. Very pleased with the effect he was having on her.

“I would like that very much.” She said as their eyes locked on to each other. Kane looked deep into her eyes, searching for any hint of desire for him! Not able to hide what she felt, it was soon discovered.

he hooked his finger under her chin, tilting her head back, leaned in to her and place his lips softly on her own. His tongue parted her sweet lips and began to gently probed every space of her mouth. She moaned from this strange sensation, coursing through her body. She had never felt, these feelings before.

She jumped slightly as she felt his arm surround her waist, pulling her closer, bringing her to sit on his lap. He began to kiss her hungrily now, as he tasted of her sweetness. Their tongues became entwined with each other! They became one, in heart, in soul.

Both were the same! They were both free spirited, controlled by others. Now at this moment, they were able to released the wild spirit within themselves. This day, each had found what they had been seeking, in each other!

Their passion mounted, as they began to caress one another. Suddenly, as quickly as he had taken her into his arms and kissed her with such passion. He stopped! Kane released his hold, staring into her eyes. Sil breathing was intense as she stared back at him confused. He gently sat her back on the ground, rising from his place on the ground.

“No! We cannot do this thing!” He said, running his hand through his hair, frustrated!

“Come Sil! We need to get back to the cottage.” e said as he extended his hand to her without looking at her. She place her hand in his, as it swallowed hers up. He held it there as she used it as leverage to lift herself up.

“Did I do something wrong?” She asked as she came to her feet next to him.

“No Sil! You didn’t do anything wrong! I did! It’s just that......” He never finished as he began to walk towards the cottage.

Trying to keep up with his strides. But Sil, being a persistent person, decided to bring up something else the housekeeper had told her.

“It’s this girl your brother had arrange for you to marry! Isn’t it?” She said watching him stop momentarily and then continuing walking.

“Yes!” Was all he would say as they rapidly came closer to the cottage.

He was going to go through with this loveless marriage! Sil felt her heart began to break. Now that she has found the one person in her life she could live forever with, he is al ready promised to another.

He continue onward to the cottage. Never once looking back at her! Even when he heard he sniffles. His heart was breaking. He knew if he once turned to see those beautiful eyes filled with tears, he would not be able to contain himself. So he looked straight ahead, to his destiny!

Chapter Fourteen

Kane continued onwards towards the cottage, never looking back, as Sil continued to stifle her sniffles. He knew if looked back and saw her tear filled eyes, he wouldn’t be able to control himself. He knew he would gather her up into his arms, take her to his bedroom and make love to her.

But that could not be! She would not be used in that manner, knowing they could never be married! he had to go through with the arranged marriage by his brother, no matter what! It was his royal duty! And that’s all he knew! No matter if he has found the one for him, what must be done! MUST BE DONE!!!

Sil passed Kane up as the were just at the cottage! She bounded up the stairs to her room! Slamming the door behind her as she fell against it for support! This couldn’t be! He was really going to let what they felt for each other, be cast into the wind!

The tears began to flow heavily! She sunk to the floor, cradling her legs until she was a tiny little ball, she rested her head on her knees. She cried! Kane stood at her door! He listen as she released her anguish. He made a decision! The only one he could make that would ease the pain they both felt!

BAMM!! BAMM!! BAMM!!

Gentleman Erik rushed to the door, putting on his shirt, wondering what was so urgent for someone to be pounding on his door so early in the morning!!

“Open the door in the name of the Great Lord!!” The voice boomed from the other side of the door as Gentleman Erik reached for the knob! He turned and looked at his wife as she came up behind him putting on her robe.

Puzzled, he opened the door to guards standing before his small hut! And slowly making his way through the them, was no other than, Mr. Bumble! He stood there with this smirk on his face!

“Thought you could make an fool out of me? Didn’t you, you ignorant peasant! Well not now, not ever! Arrest him, NOW!!” He ordered the guards who quickly moved into the house and overcame him!

Lady Dee screamed as she came t her husband’s assist! One of the guards slapped her back, as the children had woke from the commotion and were now crying! Mr. Bumble grabbed the guard and threw him into the wall!!

“You never put your hands on her! NEVER!!” He yelled as he went to help her up! She knocked his hand away from her!

“And you NEVER, put your hands on me, either!!” She spat at him as she came to her feet and threw him and evil eye. She turned away to go to her children who were now crying, gathering them into her arms.

“You will soon change that tune, M’Lady! And I do mean, MY LADY!” He said. looking at her as he went out the front door pausing momentarily, then closing the door behind him, catching up with the guards who had took Gentleman Erik!!

Sil sat up screaming! he had an nightmare! Yes! It had to be an nightmare! She thought she saw her father in an dungeon, all chained up! There was no way she could chance going home! They may be looking for her! And that would put her family in jeopardy! It was better she didn’t contact them!

She laid back down on the bed, thinking when she thought she heard horse hooves. She jumped out of the bed too see Kane leaving! She grabbed her robe, running out her room, flew down the stairs, making it out the door as he passed the cottage!

“Kane!! Kane!! Please Kane!! Come back!!” She ran screaming after him! He continued on, never once acknowledging her presence or her calling after him!

Soon he was out of sight! She fell to the ground, unable to keep up with the fast moving horse! She cried hysterically!

Bess and her husband Gus heard what was going on!! They had been informed the night before by Kane he would be leaving! They were told to take very good of Sil as if she was the Mistress of the house! She was welcome to stay there as long as she so desired!

Against their protests, he had informed them he would be going back to his brother’s castle until the day of his marriage, in which he will be taking his new bride back to his castle, where they will live their lives.

They took Sil into the house, trying to comfort her the best they could. She would not! Going to her room, she laid on the bed, heartbroken!! Why Kane!! She thought! She pondered for a moment! And being Sil!! Made a decision of her own!

Chapter Fifteen

Kane rode hard, heading for his destiny! It wasn’t the one he had desired, but it was one he had to except! He thought back as he left the cottage, the cries of Sil running along beside the galloping horse!! He wanted so bad to stop, grab her up with him onto the horse and ride far away from all the demands and commands put upon him! But he knew, in the end....it would disastrous! So he pushed his horse to it’s limits as he made his way into the surrounds of the castle of the Great Lord!

He dismounted the steed with one swift move! Hurriedly moved past the guards at the great door and through the foyer, up the stairs! Only to be greeted by the one woman he had ever loved in his life! Until he met Sil!!

He moved catlike up the stairs, eyes never leaving the eyes of Lady Sharon! She looked at him, stunned for the moment! She wasn’t quite sure what to expect! She thought he had decided to not go along with this farce of a marriage!

He came to stand directly in front of her! She gazed up at the gentle giant before her! She stepped back, shaken by what his eyes revealed to her! No! She hadn’t taken him seriously when he told her how much in love with her he had been! Butnow that will all soon change!

“I want you and my brother to understand one thing! I will go through with this loveless marriage, because it is my duty! But I will have one consolation! The love I hold for you!” He whispered in her ear, as he bent down, close to her. She flinched slightly with his announcement!

“It will keep me going over the years! Know this, if I have to make love to someone and always hold the ghosts of lost loves in my heart! So will you and my brother!” He continued. She had looked away, her breathing increasing by the moment! She had never seen this side of him before!

“Now, every time you make love to him! You will always think of me! Knowing how much I love you! And you too will wonder, am I making love to her? Am I thinking of you, as I touch her, kiss her and join with her!” He said seductively! She let out a small gasp! She could feel his hot breath on her ear. He straighten up, giving her one last look, walked away heading for his room!

Lady Sharon, stood there for moments before regaining her composure! She ran quickly to her room! She slumped on the bed, reliving what had gone on out in the halls! Then something kept replaying back in her mind! What did he mean by.......’lost loves’? Could there be someone else out there? She thought!

What had gone on between them, had for some time now, been resolved! So why now would he rehash old wounds? Unless this wasn’t about her after all! There has to be someone else out there he has fallen in love with! And because of his need to fulfill his duties as the brother of the Great Lord and soon to becoming a Duke himself! He has forsaken her! Where could she be?

“Wait one minute! He left so abruptly yesterday, in such a hurry to get back to his cottage! But came back here so early in the morning, in such a foul mood! What could cause such a change in moods in one day? That’s it! The cottage!! She has to be at the cottage! I have got to make this right! Or none of us will live happily ever after!” Lady Sharon summoned for her carriage! She was going to straighten out this mess if it’s the last thing she does!

Sil made her way through the fields and through the forest, until she came to a place she was very familiar. Home! She had decided to go through the marriage with the Great Lords brother! At least she would have her family back! If Kane could go through with a loveless marriage, so could she! Who knows, maybe she could find herself fallen in love with him!

“Yeah right!” She said out loud as she rounded the corner to where her family lived. She approached the house.

It seemed different for some reason. She came closer! The door stood wide open! She ran in quickly thinking the worst! She looked in every room! Her family was gone! She called out to her father and mother! No answer! They were all gone! She sunk down on the floor and began to wail in agony! She jumped at the sound of footsteps! She looked at the figure standing in the doorway!

“Hello Sil!! I‘m here to help you!!” The voice flowed towards her!

To be continued in.........All is well