Lord of Misrule (Below the Salt #8)

Chapter 10

“ T ell me again. What did Lord Tolin say when you told him you wanted to be the Bean Queen?” Brenna asked the next morning, as she helped Kit knead dough for the bread that she’d make for this day’s meal.

“He said he’d never let a commoner tell him what to do,” explained Kit, using the back of her hand to push aside a stray hair as her hands were covered in flour.

“Is he going to punish us? Oh, Kit, now he knows we were trying to deceive him. He’s a noble. He will never let that go.”

“I don’t know and neither do I care.” Kit let out a puff of air from her mouth and looked around the kitchen. “Where is Parker? I told him to take those dirty pans to the scullery and to come right back. This floor needs sweeping. I swear that boy is doing less and less every day.”

“That’s because he has a new friend now,” Brenna told her, stretching and holding one hand on her lower back. “He and King are nearly inseparable.”

“Well, not so today, I guess. Look.” Kit nodded at the door to the kitchen. Parker was standing there by himself staring out at the great hall. “Parker, come here, sweetheart.”

“Yes, Mother.” He shuffled over slowly with his head down.

“What’s the matter?” she asked. “You look so sad.”

“I am sad,” the boy admitted with a sigh, climbing onto the bench, dragging his finger through the flour dusting the table. “Lord Tolin took King away from me.”

“What?” Kit’s head snapped around. “What do you mean?”

“He said he wanted his dog back and that I needed to work off my punishment.”

“Well, this is going too far.” Kit took off her apron and wiped her hands.

“Kit? What are you doing?” asked her sister with concern in her voice.

“I am going right out there to find Lord Tolin and to show him my wrath.”

“About what?” asked Brenna. “It’s his dog! And he’s right. Parker is supposed to be here working off a punishment, not just playing with King.”

“I don’t care. He has no right to take it out on my son since he and I had heated words. I won’t allow him to do this.” She stormed toward the door.

“Please don’t. Kit, come back,” cried Brenna, but Kit kept on walking. Sure enough, when she got to the great hall, she saw Tolin standing there talking to his brothers and his squire. His hand was on his dog’s head. The dog sat at his side.

“Lord Tolin,” she said, storming up to him, not caring that she was interrupting.

“Excuse me?” Lord Tolin scowled at her. “I am in the middle of a conversation with other nobles. You’ll wait until I am finished.”

Kit bit her tongue and waited, knowing there was nothing else she could do.

“Tolin, this has gone too far,” complained Rook. “It has got to stop.”

“I’m the Lord of Misrule, and so it is the way it is going to be. It’ll stop after Twelfth Night. Now go. I’ll be out in the stable as soon as I talk with my baker.”

Daegel and Rook headed off one way, while Jarvis went another.

“Now, what is it, baker?” asked Tolin, giving her his undivided attention.

“Parker told me you no longer are letting him play with King. I want to know why.”

“You do, do you?” He raised a brow. “Walk with me.”

“My lord?” she asked, but followed when he started to walk away. The dog led the way.

“Why is the boy even here?” asked Tolin, not looking at her when they walked.

“That is exactly what I keep asking myself,” she answered.

He stopped and looked at her and sighed. “He is supposed to be working off a punishment. A sentence, that is, which I gave him in order to keep him out of the dungeon. Isn’t that what you wished? That the child be spared from being put behind bars?”

“Well, yes, of course I didn’t want that to happen.”

“And isn’t that what we agreed upon? That he and you would work off his sentence in the kitchen until Twelfth Night?”

“I—I suppose so.”

“Suppose so?” His eyes narrowed.

“I mean, yes. Yes, that was the agreement.”

“So tell me. How much work has Parker actually been doing?”

She knew Tolin was right and that she really couldn’t fight him on this. Her son had become so infatuated with the hound and she let him play rather than work, picking up the slack for him.

“Parker is just a child, my lord. Please, don’t be so hard on him.”

“Perhaps you should be more strict with the boy.”

“I feel I am doing all that I can as a single mother.”

“I know.” He nodded and continued to walk. “That is why I decided to take the boy into my care for the rest of the time until his sentence is over.”

“What?” she gasped, stopping in her tracks. “Nay. Please, don’t take my son away from me, I beg you. He is all I have.”

“Calm down, I am not taking him away from you. Since you are his mother, I decided you need to come with us.”

“Come with you? Where?”

“I leave in an hour for a hunting trip with some of my men.”

“What? You are going hunting? But it’s winter, my lord.” Kit couldn’t believe what she was hearing.

“Aye, it is. But we could use more food and the only way to get it is to hunt it down. We’ll be gone for two days, so pack appropriately.”

“Wait. What? I don’t understand, my lord. You are taking my son with you to hunt?”

“Did you not hear me the first time?”

“And I am to come with you? Why? How? I am needed here. In the castle kitchen.”

“Your sister and the other bakers will cover for you until we return. I need someone to cook over an open fire and serve those in the hunting party. That will be done by you and the boy.” He got to the door leading to the courtyard and stopped. “We leave in an hour. Be at the stables with your son and ready to go. And I warn you, don’t be late.”

He left her there blinking in confusion. Did the man really think she was going to go on a hunting trip in the middle of winter? She wanted to refuse. But even if she did, he would still take Parker with him. Nay, she couldn’t allow her son to be away from her. The poor child was scared of the dark as it was. Kit had no choice but to do this. It was crazy, but she couldn’t think of a way to get out of it and only had an hour to prepare. By the rood, would life ever get any easier?

She stormed back to the kitchen, seeing two servants carrying what looked like a large pallet over their shoulders. Several women followed carrying pillows and blankets. Then Jarvis walked by with a rolled-up smaller pallet over his shoulder.

“Jarvis, where are you all going?” she asked.

“To your room just off the kitchen,” he answered, not sounding particularly happy about it.

“Wait. Why?” She ran after them and Brenna followed with Parker right behind her.

The servants entered her family’s room and threw down the pallet. Then the women started putting the soft blankets and pillows on top of them.

“Mother, what is all this?” asked Parker.

“I’m not sure,” she answered.

“That is Lord Rook’s pallet,” said Jarvis nodding toward the larger one. “And this one is mine.” He tossed the smaller one down on the floor.

“I don’t understand,” said Kit. “Why are you and Lord Rook going to sleep in here?”

“We’re not,” said Jarvis, nodding as the servants left the room. “They are for you and your family to use.”

“Really? But why?” she asked.

“To sleep on,” said Jarvis. “It is by the Lord of Misrule’s orders.”

“Oh,” she said, looking at the comfortable-looking pallets and all the soft pillows and blankets.

“Oliver has also been allowed to sleep inside the great hall by the fire from now on.”

“Oh,” she said again. “Thank you. But I don’t want to take Lord Rook’s bed. Or yours.”

“Lord Rook doesn’t live at Blake Castle, he’s just visiting. This is just the pallet he was using.”

“And his wife, Rose? And their baby? Please don’t tell me they are going to be sleeping on the floor now.”

“Nay. She’s sharing a bed with Raven and the children. But Raven’s husband Jonathon as well as Rook will be sleeping in the great hall by the fire along with me. I can’t say any of us are happy about it. Excuse me, I need to get the food that the cook packed up for the hunting trip.”

“Thank you,” she said softly, as the squire left.

“Kit, can you believe this?” asked Brenna, her eyes sparkling. “It will be so much more comfortable to sleep on this pallet rather than the floor. Mayhap my back will stop aching now.” With her hand on her large belly she slowly lowered herself atop the larger pallet to test it out.

“Is this my bed?” asked Parker, jumping atop the smaller pallet and hugging a pillow.

“Yes, Parker. I’ll share the larger one with Brenna, but that one can be yours.”

“I want to go to bed right now,” said Parker, snuggling into the blankets.

“Nay, you can’t,” she told him. “We need to pack to go on the hunting trip.”

“I’d rather stay here,” said Parker.

“Believe me, so would I, but we can’t.”

As much as Kit didn’t want to go along on the hunting trip, she almost felt as if she owed it to Tolin now. She had thought he was angry with her when she left. Especially since he made a big deal about never letting a commoner tell him what to do.

Mayhap the man had a heart after all. Of course, Rook and Jarvis were going to hate him. But like the games the man liked to play, this was no different. Tolin was still playing games, and this time using the title of the Lord of Misrule to get away with his silly decisions.

Then again, he’d made sure she and her family were comfortable. Mayhap his decisions weren’t so silly after all.

“The horses are ready my lord. Will there be anything else?” Oliver bowed before Tolin, having prepared things for the hunting trip.

“Yes. I want you to join the hunting party.”

“Me?” asked Oliver.

“Yes. Not to hunt, but to care for the horses until our return.”

“But my wife is here at the castle and about to give birth, my lord.”

“She will be fine,” Tolin assured him. “Lord Rook’s wife, Rose will be here. She has a child now so understands the needs of a pregnant woman. Plus, there is a midwife at the castle who will be checking in on her per my request.”

“Thank you, my lord, but I am new to the stables. Are you sure you want me along?”

“We’re here,” came Kit’s voice from behind him. “We’re ready to go as you instructed.” Kit had a bag over her shoulder and held her son’s hand. They were both dressed in traveling clothes and capes.

Oliver looked at them in confusion, his eyes darting back to Tolin.

“I’m sure,” Tolin told him with a nod. “Now, make haste. We have no time to waste.”

“Mother, there’s King!” shouted Parker excitedly, letting go of her hand to run over and hug the dog. “Is he coming on the hunting trip too?” asked Parker, looking up at Tolin.

“Of course. He always comes along on my hunting expeditions,” Tolin told him. “I was hoping you’d be able to take care of him for me while we’re there.”

“I will, I will,” cried the boy. “King can even sleep with me. I’ll feed him and brush him and play with him a lot.”

“That will be fine.” Tolin’s eyes darted over to Kit. She looked up at him and swallowed deeply. So this seemed to be all part of his plan. He’d never meant to take the dog from the boy or the boy from her. It was a roundabout way of making Parker happy...and also her, she supposed.

She smiled at him and nodded slightly.

“All right, we’re ready to go.” Raven walked into the stable pulling on a pair of leather gloves. She had a bow and arrows over her shoulder.

“You’re going to hunt too?” asked Kit in awe. This woman was a true inspiration to Kit and possibly to every woman at the castle.

“Yes. I’m one of the best hunters we have,” said Raven.

“But what about your baby?” asked Kit.

“My daughter is being watched by my husband and my nursemaid and Lady Rose until my return. Sparrow will be well taken care of, so I am not worried.”

“I see,” said Kit. She liked the idea of this woman’s blacksmith husband caring for a child. Matter of fact, she admired any man who would take the care of any child into his own hands. She looked back over at Tolin who was talking to her son.

“You’ll ride with me, Parker,” he told the boy.

“I will?” Parker’s eyes grew wide and he slowly got to his feet. “I’ve never ridden on a horse with a knight before. I’ve never even been on a horse at all.”

“Then it’s time you learn how to ride. After all, you are eight years old already. I have been riding a horse since I was five.” He mounted his horse, the sound of leather creaking as he settled himself in the saddle. “Up you go, son.” He reached down and grabbed Parker, pulling him up into the saddle in front of him. Parker smiled more than Kit had seen in a long, long time.

“Will you be riding your own horse?” asked Raven.

Kit turned to realize she was talking to her. “Oh, I don’t know.”

“Kit you’ll ride with Oliver,” said Tolin, having overheard them. “I don’t have another spare horse at the moment.”

“Yes, my lord,” she said, hurrying over to Oliver who had a horse saddled and waiting for them. When they got out of the stable she saw Jarvis with an extra horse. It had some supplies it was carrying but had more than enough room for a person to ride it. Rook and Daegel and two other men whom she didn’t know were all mounted and ready to go.

“What about that horse?” asked Kit. “That seems to be extra.”

“That’s for our supplies. And for all the kill we’ll bring back from the hunt,” Tolin told her. “Hold on, Parker.” He kicked his heels into the sides of his horse and the animal shot off, leading the way. King barked and stayed steady at his side. The rest of them fell in line. Kit and Oliver were in the rear.

By the time they made it to the camp, it had started to snow. The temperature was dropping quickly.

“Jarvis, get the tents set up and find wood for a fire,” called out Tolin, getting off the horse and helping Parker to the ground. King was there immediately barking, wanting to play with the boy. “Men, get your weapons. We’re hunting wild pheasant and hopefully we will bag a deer.” Tolin busied himself with his weapons.

“My lord, I can help Jarvis tend to the fire,” said Kit, wanting to be helpful.

“Good,” he answered with a nod. “I’ve got enough food packed, so you’ll just need to cook it. We should be back in a few hours. Hopefully we’ll catch enough game to have food to eat for tomorrow.”

“A few hours?” she asked, looking around. She didn’t feel comfortable out here alone in the woods. “Who will be here to protect me and my son?”

“Jarvis is quite capable, and I’ll leave Oliver here as well. We won’t be far. Just give a shout if you get in trouble.”

“Great,” she said, letting out a deep sigh. When the men left for the hunt with Raven, the dog followed. Parker ran over to Kit.

“Mother, I’m cold and hungry,” said the little boy.

“So am I,” she said, pulling her son close to her, still not able to believe Tolin had just left them here like this. What she would give right now to be back in the hot kitchen warming her bones, baking something to fill their bellies.

“Are we going to have to stay out here all night?” asked the boy.

“I’m afraid so.” She watched Oliver and Jarvis unloading the supplies from the horses.

“Is this part of my punishment?”

“I’m no longer sure,” she told him. “It might just be another game that the Lord of Misrule decided to play with us. Either way, we’re going to have to make the best of it, so we will. Come, Parker. Help me find some wood for the fire. We’ll be warm and have something to eat very soon, I promise.”

“Why did you bring Kit and Parker along on the hunt?” asked Raven, as the hunting party rode to an area where they would be sure to catch prey.

“To cook and to serve us,” Tolin answered.

“I know that is what you what everyone to think, but now I want the real answer.” His sister was too observant. He might be able to fool his brothers, but Raven was not going to settle for any answer but the right one.

“All right, I admit it. I wanted to spend some time with Kit. It is too hard to do so at the castle. She has too much work to do and there are too many prying eyes.”

“Ah ha! I thought so.” Raven smiled. “Why did you bring the boy? There is no reason for him to be here.”

Tolin hesitated. When Raven kept staring at him as they rode, he figured he’d better tell her everything after all. “I knew Kit would never leave her son, so I figured if I commanded him to be here, she sure as hell wouldn’t stay behind. I have to admit I am growing fond of the child and realize he could never be a thief as he was accused of being.”

“You’re playing your silly games again, Tolin,” Raven warned him.

“Games? What do you mean?”

“Why don’t you come right out and admit to Kit that you want to spend time with her? That you like her?”

“I couldn’t.”

“You could, but you won’t. You’re afraid it might make you seem weak, aren’t you?”

“Nay. I don’t think that at all.” He was afraid Kit wouldn’t like him back, and that was the reason he hadn’t told her. Tolin didn’t do well with rejection.

“I’m sure she’d like you if you gave her a chance.”

“I have given her a chance. Several.”

Raven scowled at him. “I’m not sure dragging her and her child out here in the cold to wait on you hand and foot is a good attempt at courtship.”

“Huh?” His head snapped up with a jerk. “Who said I wanted to court her?”

“You didn’t need to say it. I’m a woman. I know these things.”

“Raven, she’s a commoner and I’m a noble. I’m not looking to court or even marry beneath my status.”

“Oh, like I did?” She raised a brow.

“I didn’t say that. Jonathon is a great guy and a talented blacksmith.”

“Kit is a wonderful, strong woman and an excellent baker. There is no difference. Where love is concerned, status doesn’t matter.”

“Love? Slow down. I barely know the wench.”

Raven’s eyes narrowed. “If you at all want her to like you, then I suggest not using the word ‘wench’ when you refer to her or talk to her.”

“I didn’t mean anything derogative by it.”

“Tolin, if you don’t tell her soon that you are attracted to her, then I am going to do it for you.”

“Nay!” He held up a hand. “I’ll do it. Just give me a chance.”

“Twelfth Night is approaching quickly. She’ll be gone from the castle before you get around to it if you don’t move a little quicker.”

“I’ve been busy. Father put me in charge of the Christmastide events.”

“Well, you’re not at Blake Castle to oversee things, are you?” She shook her head. “I only came along on the hunt to keep an eye on Kit and her son.”

“You didn’t think I’d protect them?”

“They’re back at camp now, and you’re here. That proves my point.”

“There is nothing to protect them from. Besides Jarvis and Oliver are with them.”

“We’ll bring back food from the hunt,” Raven told him. “You need to return and talk to Kit now while you have a chance to be alone with her. Don’t think Rook or Daegel are going to give you that chance you’re looking for. As soon as they return you will have missed your opportunity.”

“But I’m leading this hunting expedition. I need to bring back a kill.”

“You need to stop being so competitive and delegate authority when needed.”

“Do you really think so?” Tolin supposed that mayhap his sister had a point. He didn’t want to waste this opportunity.

“I know so. Now go. We’ll be back soon with enough meat that we won’t have to spend two nights in the cold.”

“Mayhap I will return to camp after all. Just to keep an eye on Kit and the boy. Kit seemed nervous that I was leaving them.”

“She needs you.”

“I’m not sure about that, but I’d like to think so. Kit is a very independent woman. I’ve never met anyone like her before.”

“What’s taking you two so long?” Daegel shouted from up ahead. “I could crawl faster than you’re riding.”

“See you back at camp.” Raven sped off to join her brothers and the rest of the hunting party.

Tolin looked one way and the then the other, not knowing what to do. “What the hell. I just hate it when Raven is right.” He turned his horse and rode back to camp. When he got there he found Kit down on her knees trying to build a fire. She looked up as he rode into camp.

“Lord Tolin?” She got up and brushed off her hands. “Why are you back so soon?”

“Where is everyone?” He dismounted and looked around.

“Jarvis went out to collect firewood with Parker. Oliver has the pack horses down by the creek, watering them.”

Perfect, he thought. He would finally have a minute alone with her. “Let me help you with that.” He walked over and hunkered down and restacked the sticks.

Kit watched as Tolin started a fire with little to no effort at all.

“There you go.” Still hunkered down, he rested one arm on his knee, watching the fire. The flames glowed, lighting up his face, making him look even more handsome. His rugged body was clothed in a tunic covered by a surcoat and cloak. His breeches were tight, clinging to his sturdy legs. The breeze picked up, blowing his long black hair back behind his shoulders. Snowflakes continued to flutter in the air, settling atop him in a dusting of white.

“Thank you,” she said in a mere whisper.

“Bring me some more kindling. We need to keep the fire going until they return with more wood.” He held out his hand.

Kit picked up a few dry sticks and hunkered down next to him, breaking them up and tossing them into the fire.

“You never told me why you left the hunting party and returned here.” She wanted to think it was because of her, but it was too bold to even imagine.

“I have my reasons.” He stood up and brushed his hands together. Then he looked around and rolled a log over for them to sit on. “Have a seat by the fire and warm up. You look cold.” He nodded at the log and held out his hand to help her.

“I’m not cold,” she told him, feeling warm and alive when she was around him.

“Then why are you shivering?”

That was when she realized her body was shaking again. How could she tell him it wasn’t from the cold but from being in his presence?

“Mayhap it would be good to warm myself for a few minutes after all.” She gently reached out and laid her hand on his arm. He led her to the log and with his other hand on her back he helped her to get settled. Then he sat next to her and they both looked at the fire and didn’t say a word.

Her anxiety became worse. She decided keeping busy would stop her from being so nervous around this handsome man.

“I’d better get started with the food.” She tried to get up but his large hand clamped around her arm to keep her from going.

“Nay,” he said surprising her. She would have thought he’d be giving her one order after another of what he wanted her to do.

“Nay?” she asked, her eyes on his hand.

“I want you to stay here, Kit.”

“Y—you do?” Her gaze slid up his arm and to his face. His bright blue eyes captivated her as he stared at her so deeply that she couldn’t move right now if she tried.

“Yes,” he answered, and cleared his throat. “I thought this would be a good time for us to talk.”

“Talk?” She didn’t understand. “Is this about Parker’s punishment? I’m sorry he’s been ignoring his duties and spending so much time with King, but that dog has him infatuated. He’s always wanted a dog but we couldn’t afford one. King is more of a friend to Parker than any of the children back in town.”

“Shhhh,” he said, releasing her arm and raising his finger to her lips. The soft touch of his skin against her mouth had her thinking about their kiss under the mistletoe again. “I don’t want to talk about punishments or dogs or boys right now.”

“Then...what?” she asked, as he slowly lowered his hand.

“I want to know more about you , Kit.”

“Me?” That truly surprised her, because she didn’t really think he cared.

“Yes. Tell me about your life. You said you are a widow? Tell me about Parker’s late father.”

She wished he hadn’t asked that. She would rather talk about anything else. Still, she had to answer. “Crispin was Parker’s birth father,” she said. “We weren’t married.”

“Really?” That seemed to take him by surprise.

“We had plans to become married, but he met his untimely death before we could. He was assisting the woodward in the forest during a storm. Lightning struck and he was hit by a falling tree limb. He died instantly when it hit his head.”

“Oh, that is unfortunate. I’m sorry.” His face remained stone-like, but she saw caring in his eyes. “So when you say he was Parker’s birth father, that means you ended up marrying another man?”

“I did. Crispin’s brother Gerold was a widower with no children. He was the town baker. He took me in and married me, stepping into the role of Parker’s father after he lost his wife.”

“You don’t sound happy about that.”

“I wasn’t. But I knew I would never be able to raise Parker on my own, so I took him up on his offer.”

“Was he a good husband and father to your boy?”

Kit held back her tears, slowly shaking her head. “Nay, I can’t say that he was. He was too busy with work and drinking and bedding other women to pay much attention to me or Parker.”

“Oh. I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be. His ill deeds were probably what took his life.”

“I don’t understand.”

“I was away with Parker at the time, visiting friends in another town. I guess he was drunk and tripped and hit his head. He passed out and bled to death. It was late at night. He died before anyone found him.”

“My, your life has been tragic.”

“Yes, it has.”

“Are your parents still alive?”

“My mother is and she’s remarried. They moved overseas and live in Ireland now.”

“Why didn’t you go to Ireland to live with your parents after this happened?”

“My stepfather didn’t want us. He never got over the embarrassment of me getting pregnant out of wedlock. My parents disowned me, and now they’ve done the same to my sister.”

“I’m sorry, Kit. I didn’t know.” He reached out and put his hand over hers.

“I had a hard time rebuilding the business after Gerold’s death, but I did it. At first the customers didn’t want to come back to the bakery. I was the widow of a guild member, so I was able to keep the shop. It took a while for people to accept that.”

“How did you run the place by yourself? Isn’t that a lot of work?”

“Yes. But Gerold’s sister Vivian lived with me for a while and helped me out. She used to help Gerold before I came along, so she knew the business. But then Vivian married Willis, the town’s cordwainer. So I’ve been on my own with only Parker’s help and occasional help from Vivian since then.”

Kit couldn’t help becoming emotional. Life had been so hard and just kept getting more difficult. She felt as if she were about to burst. A stray tear dripped down her cheek. Before she could brush it away Tolin reached up and gently did so for her.

“Enough about me. Tell me about you,” she said, finally feeling better as the flames from the fire as well as Tolin’s body heat warmed her.

“There’s not much to tell,” said Tolin. “I’m the second eldest son of Lord Corbett Blake. I’m a knight and...that’s it.”

“What do you mean that’s it?” She smiled. “That is much to be proud of.”

“I fight for the king, and I must admit I like games and I don’t like losing.”

“I could tell that from the first day I met you.”

“I like you, Kit.” He reached up to stroke a stray lock of hair from her face. “You are a survivor and I admire that. With all the despair in your life, you seem to keep a positive attitude and don’t let things get you down. You are perhaps one of the strongest women I have ever met.”

“I am only doing what I need to do. For my son’s sake. If it wasn’t for him, I am sure I would have given up long ago.”

“Don’t ever stop being who you are.” He reached over and kissed her on the mouth. Kit’s eyes closed and she reached up and put her hands on his shoulders. She returned the kiss, feeling herself becoming alive again after so many years of thinking she could never have feelings for another man after Crispin died. Their lips parted gently and he still cupped her cheek.

“Have you ever been married?” she asked him.

“Me?” He chuckled in a low voice. “Nay, and I don’t plan on ever doing so, if I am lucky enough. I like not being tied down to anyone or anything. I enjoy being free as the wind, no ties to bind me.”

She wanted to ask him what he meant, but the sound of approaching voices startled her and she jumped to her feet. “I believe Jarvis and Parker have returned. I will tend to the fire and then start preparing the food.”

Kit darted away, almost grateful for the interruption. If her son hadn’t returned just then she might have been tempted to kiss Tolin again. Her heart swelled when she was with him. Even though she’d despised him at first, her attraction to him was growing steadily, even though her feelings seemed to waver back and forth. He’d been kind enough to keep Parker out of the dungeon and to devise a punishment that kept her with her son. Life in the castle seemed to have kept Parker out of trouble. Being with Tolin’s dog kept the boy from getting into mischief.

Kit had started to have feelings for Tolin. More than once now he’d kissed her, making her feel as if she could possibly open her heart to love again someday. But after Tolin’s comment about never wanting to marry or get tied down, she realized he was not the man for her.

While Kit was strong and independent, it was only because she had to be. But she was at a point in her life where having a husband and father for her son was the only thing that would keep her from losing her business. She needed to remarry soon in order to keep her entire family from ending up homeless out on the street. Nay, Tolin wasn’t the man she needed. He liked his freedom way too much. In time it would become an addiction to him and that would only lead to her heartbreak, as she’d already seen in her past.

“Parker, help me with the fire and then to prepare the food,” she told her son, glancing quickly over her shoulder to take one last look at Tolin. Sadly, he was gone.