“I think so.” He tightened his arm around her.
She leaned into him. “Are they still here?”
“They must be, as we heard no sounds of them running away.”
Taking a deep breath, she tried to calm the nerves jumping in her body. “Then let’s leave. I’d rather not have an audience while we’re kissing.”
He smiled down at her. “I’d rather we were in private as well.”
Ryder led her to her horse. She flipped on her cloak and pulled on the matching gloves before he lifted her up onto the saddle. Once he mounted, they urged their horses out of the quiet section of the woods and toward the road.
For the first few moments of silence, guilt crept upon her. Should she apologize for kissing him so boldly? Yet, she really wasn’t sorry. She quite enjoyed the closeness they had shared, and for as long as she lived, she would never forget that incredible kiss.
She sneaked a peek at him. Instead of a happy expression, he wore a scowl. Her heart dropped. Oh, no! He was regretting their kiss, she just knew it. Or was he just upset about their uninvited and unknown visitor? She didn’t dare ask for fear she wouldn’t like his answer.
They traveled for a few more grueling minutes without saying a word. If he didn’t say something soon, she would go mad.
Her mind drifted back to what they had discussed so far today. For some reason, one question hung heavy on her mind. Although he had answered her when she questioned him about working for her father, something just didn’t ring true.
She released an audible sigh, and he turned his head and looked at her. She smiled, and thankfully, he returned the gesture.
“Ryder? I’ve been wondering something about you since this morning.”
“What could that be?”
“You went to college to further your career, and yet when you returned, you became a king’s guard. Why?”
He lifted an eyebrow. “Is being a king’s guard a lowly career? I think not, my sweet. I’ve known other men who wanted to work for your father, but they were not selected. And women adore men who are guards.” He winked.
He was such a tease! “Yes, you are correct; however, I know you...or at least I knew you. I thought you wanted to be something more than what your father and grandfather had been.”
He nodded. “Once upon a time, I did feel that way.”
“What changed your mind?”
His hesitation made her more curious. There was definitely something he didn’t want her to know. Would he trust her enough to tell her?
FIVE
Ryder really didn’t know how to answer. He wanted to be honest, but telling her the truth would certainly frighten her.
She was correct in assuming he wanted more out of life. Being a king’s guard was good, but it wasn’t what he wanted to do. Most of his adolescent years, he yearned for an intense mystery, only because he loved solving them. He loved putting his mind to good use and figuring out problems no matter what they were. He wanted to become an investigator of sorts, even if it meant he had to leave the kingdom and wander the world to find some place that would need his knowledge and expertise.
It wasn’t until he had returned from college and discovered his father was on his deathbed, that his instincts had come into play. The signs his father had shown—pale face, loss of hair, vomiting, and being in a confused state—pointed to only one thing: he’d been poisoned.
Ryder began asking questions around town and to the other guards of the king. Suspiciously, three other guards were also so sick with a stomach ailment that they had to quit their positions with the royal court—all within a six month period.
It was obvious to him that someone was out to kill the king’s guards. This was why he’d decided to become a guard himself. He’d figure out this mystery before another man died.
But could he tell Clarissa? No, not yet. He didn’t want to worry her. However, he could tell her just enough to stop her curiosity.
“I hesitate to tell you for fear you’ll laugh,” he finally said.
“Me? Laugh? Why would I laugh at you? Come on, Ryder, you can tell me.”
“Well, all right, but I warned you...”
She rolled her eyes. “Just tell me.”
“When I entered college, I was hoping to learn all I could to be the greatest sleuth this kingdom had ever known.”
Gasping, she shook her head. “Ryder, I’m not going to laugh at all. That is absolutely brilliant! And you know, it fits your personality, too. I recall several times while we were in school that you searched for mysteries to solve.”
He arched his eyebrow. “You remember that?”
“Oh, yes. In fact, one stands out in my mind more than the others.”
“Which one?”
She shifted in her saddle. “We were thirteen or fourteen. In one of my courses...English, I believe it was, my test scores kept dropping, and yet I’d been an adept student throughout school. I recall telling you about this issue, and you searched around until you found out what had happened.”
He laughed. “I remember. It was the teacher’s aide who was changing your test scores.”
“Exactly.” She shook her head. “Candace had always loathed me. That girl, I do not like.”
He couldn’t believe Clarissa would remember something like that. It softened his heart to know she’d thought enough of him to keep that incident in her memory. “Candace certainly wasn’t one of my favorites, either.”
“So, Ryder, what stopped you from going after your dream?”
Ryder brushed a leaf off the mane of his horse and frowned. “I returned home to find a sickly father. He told me I was wasting my life if I tried to pursue that particular career. He told me in order to make my life successful, I should follow in his footsteps and the footsteps of my grandfather.”
He could still hear his father’s voice when he’d told Ryder this. Although they weren’t the last words his father had said before he died, they were the most memorable.
“Why can’t you do both?” she asked.
He held back a laugh. In a way, he was doing both, but he wouldn’t let her know it. Not yet. “That’s actually not a bad idea.”
“Anytime my father needs something investigated, you should volunteer to do it. I’m sure he’ll catch on quickly how eager you are to do this kind of work. And you will simply be the best sleuth in the land.”
“You know, I think I will.” He gave her a wink. “Thank you for the suggestion.”
“You are most welcome.”
As they rode toward the village, he couldn’t stop the smile tugging on his face. How could he keep a serious expression when he was thinking of her? He never thought she would find him interesting enough as an adult to want to be with him, let alone allow him to kiss her the way he had. It was hard to believe everything was falling right into place with their relationship. He prayed nothing would ruin things for him.
Yet, something—or somebody—had ruined their kiss.
He glanced behind him, searching the woods to see what could have possibly interrupted their passionate moment. But he saw nothing. Something was out there. They’d both heard it. Whatever it was, it had only taken a few steps before disappearing. It had disappeared into thin air.
Had someone followed them after they left the hospital? Or was someone in that same location when they arrived? The mystery behind this would drive him crazy if he didn’t discover answers soon.
One thing was for certain: they had been watched. Just knowing someone had spied on them during their kiss was unsettling. Next time he wanted a moment with her alone, he’d have to pick a spot even more private, because there definitely was going to be a next time.
CLARISSA PRACTICALLY floated on air as she swept in through the front doors of the palace. Being in Ryder’s arms and kissing him so passionately hadn’t left her mind, even during the very short visits she’d had with a few of her friends.
She had to admit how much she enjoyed the way he gazed at her
...as if she were the most beautiful woman he knew. Mixed emotions had coursed through her this afternoon. At times she felt giddy and like a real woman, and then at other times she’d revert to her childhood when the two of them used to have so much fun together.
The smile she wore would certainly be a permanent fixture until she could get Ryder Grey off her mind. And yet, she hoped she’d always have him in her thoughts.
As she strode down the large hallway, she could hear shouting coming from one of the rooms. Curious, she stopped and listened closer. She wasn’t sure who was shouting, but to even have someone raise their voice in anger in this place was practically unheard of.
Carefully, she crept toward the door where the shouting was coming from, and pressed her ear against the thick piece of wood. After a few seconds, she crinkled her forehead. Mother? Impossible. Her mother never shouted at the servants.
Closing her eyes, she listened closer, pressing herself against the door a little more. Suddenly, the door cracked open. She sucked in a quick breath and waited for someone inside to notice her lurking in the hallway. But after a few moments and nothing changing in the rhythm of her mother’s voice, Clarissa breathed a relieved sigh.
“And do you see this window?” the queen continued her rant. “The glass should sparkle. I shouldn’t have to see smudge marks here, here, and here.” There was a brief pause. “Are you an imbecile? Or perhaps you are blind, in which case, I need to release you and replace you with someone who has better vision!”
Clarissa grimaced. Her mother had never spoken to a servant in such a degrading tone or manner. What had happened to her mother in the year Clarissa had been away?
The servant started speaking, but Clarissa could hardly understand her words through the sniveling and sobbing she was doing. Clarissa’s heart hurt for the treatment of this poor servant, yet she didn’t dare confront her mother about this issue. Not yet. Not until she had a chance to speak with her father. Perhaps he could enlighten her about her mother’s cruel behavior.
She turned and hurried up the hallway toward the wide stairs. A nap was in order, especially since she’d been awakened earlier than she had wanted, and spent most of the day out of the house. Hopefully her parents would understand and let her sleep.
Clarissa entered her room and stopped short. Kimberly was laying out one of Clarissa’s gowns on the bed. When Kimberly saw her, she jumped and then curtsied.
“Forgive me, Princess. I didn’t know you were back.”
“Just barely.” Clarissa moved toward the bed, eyeing one of her nicer gowns. “Is there something special happening this evening that I’m not aware of?” She pointed to the gown.
“Oh, yes. Your father sent word that I was to have you looking your best at dinner tonight.”
Clarissa stopped by the bedpost and leaned against it. “Why?”
“Because you have guests for dinner.”
“We do?” Surprise washed over Clarissa. Why would her parents invite guests for dinner, knowing this was her first night home?”
“Yes. Queen Ruth and Prince Ormond from the kingdom of Edan are visiting.”
Inwardly, Clarissa groaned. Although she had told her father to invite them, she had no idea it would be this soon. “I remember now.” Sighing heavily, she frowned. There would be no nap this evening.
The gown Kimberly had chosen was teal satin, decorated with bows and ribbons. Clarissa did like this gown, because of the bell-shaped sleeves that hung off her shoulders by an inch. She especially liked the heart-shaped bodice that made her waist appear smaller. However, she would rather wear this when Ryder was in the room. She didn’t want to impress anyone else at this point—definitely not someone she’d never met.
Almost two hours later, Kimberly had Clarissa ready. The maid had arranged Clarissa’s hair differently tonight, only pulling back the bulk of her long hair and tying it with a ribbon that matched the gown. She fastened a strand of pearls around her neck and matching solitaires to her earlobes.
Slowly, Clarissa made her way down the stairs, searching in every room and behind every corner in hopes of seeing Ryder. She wouldn’t be able to endure this evening without seeing his cheerful smile and his amazing brown eyes that twinkled with delight.
She’d hoped her father would have been free sometime earlier to speak with Ryder, but sadly, the king was too busy.
Clarissa made it all the way into the sitting room with her parents without seeing Ryder. Disappointment washed over her. How was she going to get through this evening now? She would have to let her memories of their kiss keep her entertained. She was certain this dinner party would be extremely boring.
Her father jumped out of his chair first and held out his arms to her. She smiled and gave him a hug.
“You look beautiful this evening, my dear.” He kissed her on the forehead.
“Thank you.” She pulled away and glanced over her father’s attire. “And you look perfect—as always.”
He chuckled and turned to face his wife. Clarissa’s mother seemed preoccupied as she stared into the hearth where the fire licked the stone walls. Something was definitely bothering her mother, because her toe tapped nervously on the rug, and she twined her fingers as they sat on her lap. A frown marred her face, which was something she didn’t show often.
“Mother?” Clarissa asked, stepping closer. “Is everything all right?”
Finally her mother’s attention snapped to Clarissa. The older woman smiled. “Good evening, Clarissa. You look lovely tonight.” She patted the seat of the empty chair next to her. “Why don’t you sit beside me while we wait for our guests.”
Clarissa studied her mother’s eyes. Although she looked at Clarissa, her mother didn’t really seem to be seeing her. For certain, the queen was having an off day.
Shaking away the eerie feelings, Clarissa took her seat. Her father sat in his normal chair in the room. He stared at her with sad eyes. It upset her to think he’d acted so quickly on inviting the queen and her son to dinner, mainly because Clarissa had hoped her father would have been available to speak to Ryder today as she’d wanted. There was no use putting off that talk another moment, especially when her heart had soared from Ryder’s kiss. She’d enjoyed herself immensely, and she couldn’t wait to tell her father that she might have a man in the running for the husband title. Anticipation pumped through her, making her nervous. Had she really found the one man who she could spend the rest of her life with? And so quickly? Could she have experienced true love’s kiss already? She’d known Ryder for years and had loved him as a friend. So why not love him as her future husband?
Of course now she had to put those happy thoughts aside, if only for a few hours, while she assisted her mother with entertaining their visitors. Clarissa shifted impatiently in her chair. If she had her wish, time would speed by quickly so she could find Ryder and take him to her father. Oh, her patience was sorely lacking tonight.
“Clarissa,” her mother snapped. “Sit still, for heaven’s sake. You look like a restless infant instead of a composed young woman.”
Taking a deep breath, Clarissa calmed herself the best she knew how. Why had her mother made her feel like a child just now? The queen had never done that before. Perhaps her mother wasn’t looking forward to their dinner guests, either. If only Clarissa could tell her parents about Ryder, then they could stop this insane dinner party.
Footsteps echoed from the grand hall, and she sat a little straighter. Finally, they could start this meeting so it could be over quickly. She waited until her parents stood, and she followed. All eyes focused on the door in anticipation.
SIX
The butler entered the room and bowed. “Your Highness, Queen Ruth and Prince Ormond from the kingdom of Edan are here.”
The queen appeared slightly older than Clarissa’s mother, having more silver streaks in her hair and more aging lines around the eyes. The tall lady had red hair that didn’t match very well with the rainbow of jewels sparkling in her crow
n. She was thin—almost too thin—and walked with a haughty air of confidence about her.
Behind her, a mousy man strolled in, stumbling a few times on his shoes in the process. He quickly righted himself, but kept his eyes downcast. Clarissa didn’t know why he was so clumsy. There was no rug to trip over, so perhaps his knee boots were too big for his feet. Or he could possibly have poor eyesight.
He wasn’t as frail as his mother, but Clarissa doubted he possessed any true muscle. He was nearly as tall as his parent, though, and his gangly legs kept getting tangled for some odd reason. His hair was more sandy red compared to his mother’s fire red, and it curled tightly around his head. The color contrasted greatly with his pale skin. He wasn’t the most unattractive man she’d ever seen, but referring to him as good looking was quite out of the question. Plain and dull were the best descriptions she could think to use at this moment.
In his hand, he held tightly to a bouquet of pretty, lavender flowers. They appeared to be the Rapunzel flower, but...didn’t that particular flower only grow in one part of the kingdom? Then again, maybe that’s what she believed because of how many times she’d told that story to the hospital children. Perhaps this type of flower grew in abundance in the kingdom of Edan.
“Welcome to our home,” Clarissa’s father greeted, before glancing at Clarissa.
Queen Ruth nodded to him, and then to Clarissa’s mother. “It’s a pleasure to talk with you once again.”
“Indeed, it is,” the king agreed.
Queen Ruth turned to her son. “This is my son, Prince Ormond.”
His gaze bounced up just long enough to glance at her parents, then to her, before falling back to the floor. “I’m happy to meet you,” he mumbled in a squeaky voice.
Clarissa held back from curling her lip in distaste. She couldn’t do that yet. Perhaps this man was just extremely shy...in a pitiful sort of way.
“Won’t you please have a seat?” Clarissa’s mother said, motioning her hand toward the loveseat closest to them.
Once Enchanted Page 4