The Laird's Future Bride (24 page)

Ariyona was tired of being confined within the carriage. She asked one of the men to ride in the carriage and loan her his horse. He complied at once. Ariyona rode the day beside Brookes who asked her unceasingly if she was truly unharmed. He did not trust Jareth and Ariyona could see his hatred of the king upon his face. Ariyona assured him she was fine and changed the subject. Jareth was one thing she definitely did not want to think upon.

Late afternoon found them at a manor belonging to Brookes’s parents, Lord and Lady Salvoy. The lord and lady came out of their keep and bowed to the king and princess. Then Lady Salvoy gave a hug to Brookes.

“My son, you have been too long from home. I am pleased that you have honored us with a visit.”

They feasted long into the night, knowing that they were but a day away from their own castle. Ariyona was fussed over by Lady Salvoy and her daughters, as well as the serving girls. Everyone did all they could to make sure Ariyona was not lacking for anything. Ariyona was glad when they finally went to bed. Her head was full of mead and music. She had danced until she nearly dropped from exhaustion. It seemed as if every time she was ready to sit down Brookes was there to lead her into another dance.

She dropped off to sleep as soon as she hit the pillows, but it was not a peaceful sleep. Jareth haunted her in her dreams. He kept saying that she belonged to him and that she would never escape. She woke up sweating. Dawn was breaking and she had escaped her dreams once more. She got up, poured herself some mead, and chased away the remnants of her dream. She was glad when they set off for home, though Lady Salvoy begged Brookes to stay. He told her he could not, that he was in service to the king, and swore to see the princess safely returned to home. Home! Ariyona was glad for that word and was smiling as they rode out the gates of the keep, once more taking to the road that led to the castle and her mother.