Free Don't Forget to Dream by Kathryn Ling Page B

there was nothing to be said as this pain Rhyla understood, any light-hearted comment would only be condescending. Lady Emelia ’ s brother and sister-in-law had died childless several years back leaving the estate to fall with her, but she was too old to live there by herself so she left the management to a trusted servitor, Master Stephen. Rhyla had been involved in several correspondences with Master Stephen over the last few weeks. Having her around had meant Lady Emelia had not had to wait for Master Smythe or one of his juniors to be free to attend her. She was quickly learning a gr eat deal about managing estates. It was much more complicated than the farm she had grown up on. She soon came to realise that she knew more about crops and livestock than Lady Emelia and was surprised that her mistress was willing to take her comments into consideration.
    The great hall was nearly empty as Rhyla looked around once again. There were three maids at the far end looking like they were cleaning the tables but on closer observation were wiping the same sections over and over as they chattered enthusiastically. A few minutes passed before they realised they were being observed and quickly moved along to the next table while talking much more quietly.
    Lady Emelia and Rhyla strolled down the hall towards the closest hearth where several cushioned chairs and a few stools clustered around. Lady Emelia pointed out a few more banners as they passed but Rhyla only recognised a few of the houses.
    Rumbles of booted feet approaching from the main entrance drew their attention before they could be seated. Through the open doors came a dozen men covered in the dirt and grime of travellers. They were all talking loudly amongst themselves, oblivious to the other occupants of the room but Rhyla recognised Callum before he had taken even a half dozen paces. It had been six days since she had seen him from her window as he rode away. Not a day had passed without her thinking of him, concerned despite Lady Emelia ’ s reassurances. He was out there because of her and if anything happened to him she would never forgive herself. But here he was, alive and well, though she noted quickly that he was armoured and wore his sword. The relief at seeing him was overshadowed by fear for why he had needed to ride armoured.
    Only moments passed before he saw them. Callum quickly spoke to Martin before leaving his men and str ode up the hall to greet firstly his Grandmother and then Rhyla. His features were grim as he approached but he soon smiled for them, even if it was not as warm as Rhyla had hoped to see.
    “ Good morning Grandmamma, ” he said as he took her hand and kissed her on the cheek, careful not to dirty her gown in the process.
    “ Callum, how wonderful you are back. We have all been so worried, ” Lady Emelia said with a quick glance at Rhyla.
    “ Good morning Rhyla, ” Callum said with a brief nod in her direction.
    Rhyla quickly sank into a deep curtsey and lowered her eyes, needing the moment to draw breath. She chided her self for such foolish behaviour. He had done no more than walk in the room and greet her, cau sing her to blush and forget to breathe. As she rose she forced herself to look directly at him.
    “ Good morning, Prince Callum. ” There, that wasn ’ t so hard was it ? She chastised herself, even as the smile that deepened upon his lips and lit up his eyes made her heart race even faster.
    Lady Emelia soon interrupted her brief reverie. “ I assume you shall be hastening to report to your father. ”
    “ A page said he is hearing a dispute between the weavers ’ guild and some barge men all morning. As much as I am sure he would like an excuse to recess I am content to wait. We have only just ridden in. ”
    “ So I see, ” she said looking him over in a slightly disapproving way. “ Well that can ’ t really be helped but I do hope you find a moment to bathe before lunch. Your father may not mind seeing you