Charming, Volume 2 by Jack Heckel Read Free Book Online Page A

reached up to brush them aside.
    Will’s face went white. He murmured, “I . . . I am sorry I upset you. I will fetch Tomas to see to your needs while I ride ahead.”
    She watched helplessly as he turned and nearly ran from the field, not knowing what to say, and unsure that she would be able to speak if she did know what to say.
    Eventually, Tomas sauntered over and found her still standing as Will had left her. With a tip of his cap he began readying her horse. “Lord William’s ridden ahead to make sure the King is alright. Won’t be a moment, Lady Rapunzel, and we’ll have you on your way also.”
    When the horse was ready, she mounted, still trying to figure out how she was going to explain things to Lord William. She knew it was silly, but she’d spent so many years trading on her legendary hair, and the reputation for beauty it lent her, that she simply couldn’t believe that he—­no, that anyone—­but particularly someone in his position, might take the time to see that there was more to her. She hadn’t come up with anything approaching a reasonable plan when she turned a bend in the road and found the procession mired to the axles in mud.
    She pulled the horse to a halt and surveyed the scene. The carriage was well and truly stuck. Her driver and her footman were gathered about the back end trying to the pry the thing onto solid ground. And there, standing knee deep in the muck, was Lord William.
    Although Elle admired the way the muscles of Lord William’s broad back moved beneath the thin cloth of his undershirt, it was the unlikely nature of his presence there in the mud that held her gaze. She knew that for anyone from the court it would be unthinkable that a lord of the realm, much less the Lord Protector and likely the next King, would place himself in such an undignified position. Yet Elle was sure that Lord William had not thought a moment before trying to help.
    And, in a sudden rush, Elle knew she wanted to be just as thoughtless. She dismounted and strode over to where he was pushing against a tree branch to lever the carriage up. She lifted her skirt and stepped into the mud beside him.
    â€œLady Rapunzel? But . . .” Will said, eyes wide.
    â€œBut nothing. Let’s move this carriage!” She put her shoulder against the wheel and pushed. She wasn’t sure whether her efforts made any difference, but her attempt seemed to inspire Will. The veins rose beneath his flesh, his muscles flexed, he flushed a deep purple, and the carriage rolled free.
    Unfortunately, as it moved, Elle felt her feet slip in the mud and her legs go out from under her. But instead of ending up face-­first in the muck, she found herself in Will’s strong arms.
    â€œThank you,” she whispered.
    â€œMy pleasure,” he said, and set her effortlessly onto the road.
    The King’s voice reached out from within the carriage. “Well done, Lord Protector.”
    Will stepped out of the mire, wiped his hands on his breeches, and moved toward the door of the carriage. He paused to look at Elle. She favored him with her best smile, and he gave her a broad muddy grin in return.
    OVER THE NEXT two days, Will and Elle never found a single moment to be alone. There was always something in the way—­usually the Royal Herald. After the third time the Royal Herald boomed out, “Lord Protector and Dragon Slayer William Pickett approaches Lady Rapunzel for a private tête-­à-­tête!” or “Lady Rapunzel wishes a personal interview with his Lordship William Pickett—­alone!” Will and Elle gave up. So, when they reached the fork in the road that would take Elle to her family’s estate and Will to the castle and his destiny, they had not had a chance to exchange anything much more personal or significant than “Good day, Lady Rapunzel” or “Good morning, Lord Protector.”
    As