Rejected

Chapter 26

"She will never have you," The bearded man spat wrathfully as if summoning the ability to maim with a look. His hands and feet were bound making escape virtually impossible but he still possessed the ability to wound with his tongue.

"You, of all the people, should know you are in no position to prophesize," The fair headed one hid his shaking hands. Whether it was to hide his weakness or reduce the temptation to wring his enemy's neck, it was not clear.

"It would hardly need a fortune teller to see the fate of your miserable romance. The irony makes me laugh. You always thought there was no one in this forsaken kingdom who could be your match but you found just the girl who might be too good for you."

"SHUT UP!" His companion roared abruptly giving up the pretence of a cool head. The guards around him shared panicked looks.

"Is that not right? Is that not what you feared the most? She is too good for you and she will never think you worthy of her company. Oh, what was her name, yes, sweet Delilah; The Lady who refused to be the future queen of this kingdom."

"Take him away before I commit fratricide with my bare hands." The other one grumbled and the guards did not need to be told twice.

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There was something stifling about the air. It was so thick and cloying that she feared her outreaching hand would touch the nauseating presence. It consumed her attention so much that she once again missed a good portion of the conversation occurring in front of her. And it was with shame Delilah turned her attention back to her rapturous brother who had not ceased to converse. Thankfully Cecilia was never bereft of her ability to speak when fully awake.

Delilah adjusted her travelling cap morosely unable to settle comfortably while she tried not to think about this morning's events.

They had left the rickety old inn as soon as the sun peaked out from behind the smooth curves of the hillside with her concerned brother by her side. The Prince had returned to whatever was left of the treacherous matter but not before handing over his responsibility to the older Winsham sibling. Delilah had not witnessed the exchange between her brother and the Prince so she was not privy to any explanations that might have been given. Her brother had as of yet not demanded any clarification but only shown concern over their welfare which was characteristic of Edward's good nature. He was pre-disposed to wait for as long as possible to hear her side of the story.

Cecilia's gwaffs of laughter, which had been carefully concealed during the month long sojourn, filled the carriage. All her lady like elegance had been a carefully constructed front and the former Cecilia's appearance made Delilah feel glad she was going home.

"She sounds so beautiful," Cecelia chirped, still not done laughing.

"She is the most precious being," Edward's eyes gleamed while talking about his newborn daughter.

"I cannot wait until I get her in my arms and twirl her around forever."

"And then she'll be sick, Cissy, all over you," Edward stated dryly.

"Disgusting, Ed," Cecilia wrinkled her nose and pouted.

"You're quiet?" Edward asked Delilah with a confused smile. He could read her like a book sometimes but after a month of separation her demeanour was undecipherable. It was understandable that the shock of being accosted by robbers would make her retreat into a quieter shell.

"You know me well enough," Delilah shrugged, tongue tied, "I am hardly the chatterbox."

"I have so many questions," Edward halted and waited for Delilah's nod, "The man who saved you did not say much but he seemed honourable and steadfast. I was just so grateful he found you when he did."