Oak And Mist (The Ambeth Chronicles Book 1) by Helen Jones

Author:Helen Jones [Jones, Helen]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2015-03-23T05:00:00+00:00

Do You Always Talk To Birds?

Caleb woke with a start, knowing there was something he was supposed to be doing. He sat up slowly, rubbing his hands over his face, trying to recall what it was. Then he remembered – Alma! It was like a shock of cold water. He jumped out of bed, pulling on the clothes nearest to hand and running his hand through his hair in a vain effort to make it presentable. He hoped she hadn’t woken yet – oh, why of all days had he chosen today to oversleep! Leaving the door wide open he ran out of his room and raced up the stairs. But when he got to her room he found the door unlatched, her dress from the night before thrown across the bed and no Alma.

He sank down into one of the chairs by the fireplace. Noticing Alma’s blanket on the floor, he reached over and picked it up, draping it over the chair opposite. Then he leaned forward, his head in his hands and let out a groan. He had failed her. Leaning back, he blew out a breath, considering his options. Perhaps she was still here? Maybe if he ran he could catch up with her and apologise. As soon as the thought entered his mind he was on his feet and running out the door for the stairs. When he reached the foyer below he ran out the main doors then stopped, blinking in the bright sunshine. The guards! They would have seen her. Turning, he spoke to the nearest one, who was looking at him with barely concealed concern at his dishevelled state.

‘Have you seen the Lady Alma this morning?’ he said abruptly, too worried to bother with pleasantries.

‘Yes, Caleb – she passed by some time ago. Seemed in a hurry, if you don’t mind my saying, sir,’ replied the guard.

‘Which way did she go?’ asked Caleb, crestfallen. He had no hope of catching her now, but he could still try.

‘To the Long Walk, sir,’ said the other. Caleb whirled and ran, calling his thanks over his shoulder as he did so.

***

Thorion saw Adara before she saw him, her lithe form clothed in green, her hair shining in the sun as she bent to smell an early blooming rose. Smiling, he moved quietly towards her, hoping to take her by surprise.

‘Good morning, my lady,’ he said, laughing a little as she jumped.

‘Oh, Thorion,’ she said, laughing back at him, ‘I didn’t hear you coming. Look,’ she went on, ‘it is one of the first roses. Is it not beautiful?’

Thorion looked at her tenderly. ‘It is not the only thing of beauty in these gardens,’ he replied, and had the pleasure of seeing her blush, her long lashes lowering to hide her golden eyes. He took her arm, twining it through his. ‘Come my dear, let us go. I am in need of open space and fresh air this day.’

Adara lifted her eyes to his, a questioning look in them as she fell into step beside him.

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