“It was his idea for me to court you to help him escape your arranged marriage. How can you object?” He shrugged, palms up.
She paced in a circle, burning with humiliation. “I will be the laughing stock of court if anyone hears of this.”
“No one will hear of it.” He stopped her in her tracks. “All I am doing is trying to uphold my end of the bargain.”
“Is that what you consider spending time with me?” She faced him. “Upholding your end of the bargain? Then your bargain is done. I hereby relieve you of the chore.” Unable to bear the sight of him for another second, she gathered her skirts and fled. Stumbling on a tree root, she toppled over, landing on her side with a painful thump. She struggled to stand and smooth her skirts, attempting to maintain her dignity. Two warm hands gently li
