Visions of Mistletoe by Sahara Kelly

Author:Sahara Kelly
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Published: 2019-12-12T00:00:00+00:00

*~~*~~*

They had a room.

Michael’s spirits lifted as he saw a genuine smile of relief cross Ariadne’s face when the landlord gave them the key. It was a small inn, and only one room was available, but they were assured it was a good size and would suit them well.

He didn’t volunteer the information that they’d have been quite happy with some straw in the cellar, since they both maintained the appearance of a weary but decent couple halting their journey for a night. A young lad followed them with Ariadne’s bags and promised hot water as he put them down next to the bed.

Michael found a coin in his pocket and slipped it into the grateful lad’s hand. It wasn’t much, but they wouldn’t be expected to have a lot of money on their persons, anyway. Not in a place like this.

The furniture was sturdy, the bed firm and the linens clean. There was no sign of luxury or elegant trappings, just the basics.

Which, to judge by Ariadne’s face, was absolutely perfect.

“I cannot pretend to be other than tired,” she groaned, sitting on the edge of the bed. “It’s been far too long since I spent that much time in the saddle.”

“Are you all right?” Concerned, Michael crossed the room in two strides and rested a hand on her shoulder. “We should have stopped earlier,” he said, kicking himself for not realising what a strain their ride would be.

She waved his sympathy aside. “I’m perfectly well. Just sore and stiff. Nothing that won’t pass after a night’s sleep.” She glanced up at him. “And food wouldn’t go amiss.”

“Agreed.”

“Michael,” she said tentatively. “This is awkward, but you well know I have some money with me.”

He opened his mouth to speak, but she held up a hand, stopping the words before they came. “Please. Let me finish. We are both sharing this trip and I chose to accompany you. We have pooled our resources, limited as they are, and I know we must not over-extend ourselves. But please use it?”

He sighed, understanding the logic, knowing she was right, and hating it all the same. “I cannot argue, Ariadne, much as I would like to. We’ve been bluntly honest with each other about our circumstances, so I find myself forced to agree, although I do so with a certain level of discomfort.”

“Duly noted,” she grinned. “I trust you can overcome that discomfort enough to obtain a tray of food for us, perhaps? Denying ourselves tonight in case we need money for the morrow…it is a noble thought, but I’m not convinced it’s a wise one.”

A knock on the door followed her statement, and Michael moved to answer it, finding a maid outside with a large jug of steaming water.

He beckoned her inside as he glanced at Ariadne. “Very well, my dear, I shall endeavour to do just that while you refresh yourself. Will ale be acceptable?”

“Indeed, yes,” Ariadne nodded, rising to help the maid pour the hot water into the ewer. “And I’ll leave you some water.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.