Escape the Woods

by Gabriella Catherine

  She touched her cheek and looked up. “Hmm … you?”

  I shook my head. “That’s silly.”

  “How about Midsummer’s eve? What is he doing then?”

  That was it. I could invite him to join the celebration we held here on Midsummer’s eve. There would be food and music and dancing in the plaza. And Father would allow me to go to the village for such a holiday.

  “You’re so smart, Merida.”

  Looking pleased, she said, “Now, go back over there. He will be wanting you back.”

  I glanced at the busy, music-filled plaza, but I couldn’t see him from that far away. “Will you be all right on your own?”

  “Of course. As a matter of fact, I’m supposed to be meeting Barrett soon.”

  I hugged her. “Have fun, you lovesick girl. I’ll find you later.”

  Then I ran off, hoping to find Sir Kolton again. Merida was right. I couldn’t deny that he was handsome. And a potential suitor.

  CHAPTER 21

  I walked back to the plaza. Wedding guests still danced and music still rang out. I knew I should go find my brother — I didn’t want him to worry about me — but I continued to wonder if Sir Kolton had left yet. I glanced around at the crowd, unsure if I should search for Jack or Sir Kolton.

  I spotted my brother dancing with a young maiden. Good. He didn’t seem to be worrying about me at all.

  “You must be the lady of this wealthy region.” I turned at the sound of an unpleasant voice.

  “I beg your pardon.”

  A man in his forties stood in front of me. He had an eyepatch, and I could tell by his clothing he was wealthy. But he was very ugly.

  “Lady Scarlett, I presume?” He gave a small bow.

  “Can I help you?” He stood just a little too close for comfort, and I could smell the alcohol on his hot breath.

  “Allow me to introduce myself,” he began. “Sir Ekhart, the richest baron in Rugart. I have heard much about you and your fine region and its concealed riches. Tell me, where do they keep the jewels in that castle?” He smirked and nodded up toward the castle.

  “I’m afraid you are asking questions I can’t answer,” I replied. I shot a desperate look Jack’s way, but he didn’t see. He was smiling, dancing with his pretty friend.

  “Forgive me, I am being too forward.” His raspy voice held a spine-chilling edge.

  A shudder ran through me, but I forced my expression to remain calm and somber.

  “Let me start by getting to know you, my lady, and then perhaps I will be invited to dine at your dinner table.” The man’s eyes focused on my chest, and he stared down the front of my dress. I took a step back, resisting the urge to adjust the top of my bodice.

  My father had warned me about lecherous men like him. He said I needed to be careful of men who tried to seduce me for my wealth. To marry me would be a great honor and advantage for this baron, and he didn’t seem to care that I was only fifteen years old.

  “I don’t think dinner will be necessary. Now, it’s time for me to excuse myself.” But as I turned to leave, he caught my hand.

  “Don’t be modest, my lady.” He grinned and lifted my hand to his lips.

  My stomach threatened to heave up my breakfast. Where was Malachi when I needed him?

  “Lady Scarlett!” Sir Kolton came jogging toward me, and my heart jumped in relief. “You must come quick, my lady,” he said urgently.

  Confused, I allowed him to take my hand and pull me away from Sir Ekhart. Truthfully, I would have followed anyone to get away from the dirty baron.

  Sir Kolton and I ran to a quieter spot in town, and he released my hand.

  “What is amiss?” I asked, slightly out of breath.

  But he smiled. “You really believed something was wrong?”

  I drew my brows together and tried to make sense of what he was saying.

  “I only said that to provide an excuse for you to leave that man,” he explained. “Forgive me if I overstepped my boundaries, but I didn’t know how else to help without making a scene.”

  Joy filled my heart and I laughed. “Oh, Sir Kolton! You have saved me yet again.” He was too wonderful! “How did you know I needed to be rescued from that conversation?”

  “I saw the ungentlemanly way he treated you. You are much too respectable to be treated like that. Besides, I have seen that man at nearly every celebration we hold in Rhineland, and he enjoys harassing young, wealthy maidens. Rumor has it, he’s not even a baron, but a gypsy. He steals clothing to make himself look rich.”

  “Well, thank God you came. I was beginning to wonder whether or not it would be wrong to punch a man at a wedding.” We both laughed, and I fidgeted with my hands, trying to erase to feeling of the man’s dry, cracked lips and prickly beard. “Normally, I don’t have to worry about unwanted suitors. My bodyguard won’t allow most people to even speak to me.” I shook my head, thinking of my dear, overprotective Sir Malachi.

  “But he is not with you today?”

  “Nein. I came with my brother, but he is still off dancing.”

  “So, you didn’t come with your husband?” he asked.

  “I’m not yet wed, so no. I’m here with just my brother.”

  “I see,” he replied.

  I looked into his dark blue eyes. A warm, comforting feeling expanded in my chest. “And what about you? Are you betrothed?”

  “No, although my father wishes I was.”

  I saw distress in his eyes. His father must have been pressuring him to get married. But why? He didn’t look much older than I was.

  Sir Kolton and I stood in that quiet spot and talked for a while, with the faint sound of music in the distance. I didn’t see any sign of Sir Ekhart, and I soon relaxed completely and was able to enjoy talking with Kolton. I asked about his family and he told me about each member. They seemed so interesting and dependent upon each other. I wished I had stories I could tell him about my family that were as beautiful as those he told me about his. I liked the way he talked about his little sisters — how he explained each of their personalities. From brave, bold, problem-solving Odelette; to stubborn, strong-willed, caring Maddalena; to the sweet, innocent, sensitive Adelle; and to precious baby Zella.

  It was sweet that he talked about his sisters so tenderly, and amusing to hear him describe his brothers in a comical way.

  “Always getting into mischief.” He shook his head, then told me about thirteen-year-old Gustav, who once knocked over a baker carrying a whole basket full of baked goods, and his father ended up paying for all the spoiled bread. Then he told me about flirty, slightly obnoxious, and funny Merrick, who thought that every lady in Rhineland was in awe of him. “The little rogue,” Kolton said, laughing. “I swear, he’ll be married before I am. His pride doesn’t need to be fueled in the least.”

  “How old is your youngest sister?” I asked.

  “She is two,” Sir Kolton said.

  “What about Odelette?”

  “Fifteen. Two years younger than I.”

  So he must be seventeen. “How old are Maddalena and Adelle?”

  Looking amused by my curiosity, Sir Kolton said, “Maddalena is twelve, and Adelle is eight.”

  “I would really love to meet them someday,” I said.

  “I’m sure you’ll be able to.” He smiled at me knowingly. “How old are your brothers?” he asked.

  “Cordel is twenty-one, and Jack is nineteen.”

  He looked thoughtful. Was he trying to figure out how old I was? I had told him how many years younger than my brothers I was, so I was sure he would be able to figure it out if he tried.

  We talked a bit more, and Sir Kolton was nothing but kind and respectful in the way he spoke. His manners were like that of a prince. I knew I couldn’t just see him this day and never again. I’d never forgive myself if I didn’t arrange another time for us to meet.

  “There is going to be a large Midsummer’s Eve festival here in a few days. On behalf of my family, I woul
d like to invite you to come. That is, if you are willing to make the trip here. I’m sure my father would like to see the man who saved his daughter’s life again.”

  He raised his eyebrows. “You would want me to come?”

  “Yes. I would enjoy seeing you again.” I blushed as I realized that I had let what I was thinking come out of my mouth.

  “Well, then, I think I will come.”

  Two knights from Rhineland walked toward us.

  “I hope to see you again, Lady Scarlett,” Sir Kolton said with a confident smile.

  “And I, you, Sir Kolton.”

  “May I escort you to your brother?”

  “Yes, thank you.” I took his arm again, and he walked with me until we saw Jack. His knights followed closely behind.

  “Here you are, my lady.”

  I thanked him again, and he walked off with his knights.

  The celebration was coming to an end. Britta and Eric soon announced it was time for them to leave for Rugart, and everyone gathered around to say their goodbyes and wish the couple well.

  I stood within the crowd, waiting for my turn to say goodbye to my good friend and her new husband. When I saw Britta hug her cousin, I noticed she was beginning to cry. Sir Kolton gave her a long hug, and when she finally released him and whispered something to him, I felt like I couldn’t hold back my tears, either. I looked down to wipe a tear from my cheek. When I looked up again, Sir Kolton was looking at me. He gave me a sad lopsided grin.

  Britta approached me and took my hands. “What do you think of my cousin?”

  “He is very kind.” I glanced around to make sure Sir Kolton was far enough away that he couldn’t hear us. “I will miss you.” I hugged Britta tightly. Another tear slid down my cheek. “You will always be my friend, Britta.”

  She pulled away to look at me. “You are so beautiful, Scarlett. If I could leave you with one last word of advice, it would be this — when the time comes, marry who you love. Don’t let anyone else tell you who to marry. It’s not worth it.”

  Tears blurred my vision, but I could tell that her expression was stern. “I will, Britta. Thank you. Please write to me. Tell me about your new home and when you have children. I want to hear all about your new life.”

  “Of course. I will write to you as soon as we arrive. I promise.”

  Eric showed up by her side and bowed to me. “Farewell, my lady. It was a pleasure meeting you.”

  Though I had just met him, I reached up to embrace him as soon as he straightened. “Take care of her,” I whispered. I felt him nodding, and I knew Britta was in good hands.

  “Farewell,” I said as I released him. They walked off to say goodbye to Britta’s family, then they went to their carriage. It was a shade of pale yellow, an odd but pretty color for a carriage.

  Eric opened the door, helped Britta in, then climbed into the coach box and waved to the crowd. “God be with you all,” he called, then he coaxed his horse into a slow trot. I watched them disappear, and I prayed someday I might see dear Britta again.

  ###

  The next few days passed slowly, and although I missed Britta, I looked forward to the Midsummer’s eve festival. I tried to tell myself not to count on Sir Kolton showing up. He hadn’t promised me anything, and something could come up, preventing him from coming. But I really hoped he would come. I had enjoyed our conversations at Britta’s wedding, as well as our dance.

  On the afternoon of the Midsummer’s Eve festival, I bathed and dressed in a pale pink gown with lace sleeves, one that Britta had made me several months earlier. It went straight down to the floor, the lace sleeves were fitted, and it laced up the back. My new maid, Gabriele, curled my hair and piled it up on top of my head, leaving several curly strands hanging down from the loose bun. I had to admit that she was very talented in the art of styling hair.

  After thanking my thin, red haired maid, I walked down to Malachi’s station, where he was waiting to escort me.

  “Shall we go?”

  I nodded and took his arm. We walked down to the plaza, where people were beginning to arrive for the festival. The water fountain in the middle of the circular plaza was splashing out water, and many little children gathered around and stared at it in awe. Silas Elis ran to me and hugged my knees, and I lifted the boy onto my hip and kissed his cheek. Seeing him always brightened my day.

  I looked around and spotted Jack talking with two girls. Both looked just a bit too young for him. There was no sign of my other brother yet. Or Sir Kolton. I wasn’t surprised to not see Cordel. He didn’t care much for celebrations. But Sir Kolton … I found myself a little disappointed.

  Someone cleared his throat behind me. “Will you honor me with this dance, Lady Scarlett?” Derex Peterson asked, slightly teasingly.

  I turned around and smiled. “Derex! Are you well?”

  “I am. Are you?”

  “Yes.”

  He smiled. “That is good. Would you like to dance?”

  I took one more quick look around for Sir Kolton. I didn’t see him, so I said, “I would.”

  We danced the first dance together, and Derex’s footwork was a bit less sloppy than it had been at the ball. But my footwork became ugly when he asked, “Are you expecting someone?”

  “Why do you ask?”

  “Because you keep glancing around the plaza as though you’re nervous or are anticipating someone. Who are you looking for?”

  I swallowed. Should I tell him? I didn’t see a way out of it.

  “I am looking for someone I met a few days ago. But he may not even be coming, so it’s nothing to be concerned with.”

  Derex nodded. “I see. May I ask who it is?”

  He really shouldn’t, considering his position, but I didn’t mind. “Sir Kolton. The son of the baron of Rhineland.” Why did saying his name make me smile?

  “Interesting,” said Derex.

  “Why is that interesting?” I giggled nervously.

  He gave me a saucy smile. “You are in love with him, aren’t you?”

  My mouth fell open at his very straight-forward question. He was not allowed to ask me questions like that! “Why would you say that? I only just met the man!”

  Derex’s sly smile was irritating. “I am not daft, nor ignorant. I noticed the way you said his name, the way you smiled, and also how you continue to glance around the plaza, looking for him.”

  He looked pleased with himself. I had never seen this side of Derex Peterson, the butcher’s apprentice, before. He must’ve been getting comfortable with me … maybe too comfortable.

  I remembered the words I had spoken to Merida just days before. “Perhaps, I will marry Derex Peterson, just to shock everyone and show society I don’t care about its pathetic rules.” But Merida had been right — I only saw Derex as a brother and a friend. “You little —”

  He laughed.

  I shook off the unflattering names I wanted to call him and said, “Is that what you think? You think you are so clever and intelligent? You think you know how I’m feeling?” I stopped dancing right there, in the middle of the plaza, my shoulders squared.

  He backed away, holding his hands up. “I am sorry, Lady Scarlett. I didn’t mean to invade your privacy.”

  I felt a bit bad when I saw the innocent look on his face. “It’s all right. I was only aggravated because I didn’t want you making assumptions that are not true.”

  I took his hand and we began dancing again, trying not to make any more of a scene. We had already received enough attention from bystanders because I was dancing with a peasant whose hands were permanently stained red.

  “So, my assumptions about you and this Sir Kolton are not true?” he asked. There was a slightly mischievous edge to his voice.

  “No, they are not. I promise.”

  He seemed amused and unconvinced at the same time. “Don’t make promises you can’t keep, my lady.”

  I grit my teeth. “Don’t tell me what to do.” But I couldn’t fight the gr
in that pulled at my mouth.

  He laughed a naughty little chuckle. “Forgive me.”

  The dance ended then. “Well, thank you for dancing with me, Lady Scarlett. I hope you find your … friend.”

  I shook my head. “Thank you, Derex. I’ll see you soon.” I walked away and found Jack standing within the crowd. I went to stand beside him.

  “Hello,” Jack said when he saw me. Malachi, who had been watching me as I danced with Derex, stood with my brother.

  “Hello.” I followed his gaze to the crowd of people dancing and saw Merida and Barrett within the crowd. “Merida looks beautiful today.”

  “That is true.” Then Jack squinted. “Is that Barrett Peterson?”

  “Yes.” I watched them spin over the flat plaza. “I daresay they’re in love.” I smiled to myself.

  “Lady Scarlett.”

  I turned and looked to my right. My heart jumped when I saw Sir Kolton walking toward me.

  “Sir Kolton.” I smiled.

  He bowed. “It’s good to see you again, my lady. Are you well?”

  “I am. Thankfully, I haven’t seen any bears lately.”

  “That’s a relief.” He chuckled.

  “I am glad you decided to come.”

  He gave me a manly smile. “I keep my word, my lady.”

  Then I remembered Jack was standing beside me. “Sir Kolton, this is my brother, Lord Jack.” I turned and motioned Jack forward. “Jack, this is Sir Kolton Reinhart of Rhineland. He saved my life several weeks ago.”

  “So it was you that saved my dear sister?” Jack asked, and he surprised me by embracing Kolton. “My brother, I owe you my life.”

  Sir Kolton looked surprised and he laughed. “Please, you owe me nothing. Your sister’s safety is more than enough.” He looked at me and our eyes locked. My heart jumped. Had he become more handsome?

  Jack simply smiled. “Well, you are welcome to stay with us any time you need. And if we can do anything else for you, we are at your service.”

  “Thank you, my lord.”

  The two talked about Rhineland and Sir Kolton’s father, Sir Valdemar.