Free Web NovelChapter 17: Take Heart
SOPHIA
The Duke gently grasped my forearms and pulled them from his neck. He stepped back, his gaze filled with regret. "Miss Pagemoore..."
Disappointment flared in my stomach. It felt like I’d swallowed lava. The burning heat of yearning denied swirled and swished in my belly, making me want to retch.
"My apologies," I said stiffly.
"Don’t do that," he said. "I’m not rejecting you. You are still married. I won’t have others speaking ill of you."
"I don’t care about the opinions of gossips. Should I live my life according to the rules set by fathers and husbands? What do they care about me, or any woman?" I couldn’t stop the tears from forming in my eyes. "I don’t want him to take my first kiss."
The Duke’s gaze sharpened. "What? You’ve never been kissed?"
I shook my head. "We never consummated, either. He doesn’t like me." I gestured behind me, unwilling to look back and see if Jace had managed to get to his feet. "And I don’t like him."
Duke Stonehart looked over my shoulder. "He’s not there. Apparently, he’s gone off to help Penelope."
The next thing I knew, the Duke put his hand on my back and pressed me into his arms. "I’ve never shared an intimate kiss, either."
"There are rumors you don’t like women. Some say not even a female mosquito is allowed near you."
"The only woman I wish to have around me is you. No others will do."
He tipped my chin, his thumb rubbing my bottom lip.
My heart raced as he lowered his head, his mouth getting closer and closer.
Finally.
Finally.
The barest touch of his lips brushing mine.
Every nerve ending in my body was taut, my breath trapped in my lungs.
"Sophia," he whispered. His breath fanned my mouth.
Then once again, his lips pressed against mine.
More pressure.
More heart racing.
More heat flushing my skin.
His mouth moved against mine.
I stretched on my tippy toes, curling my fingers into the hair at the nape of his neck. He wrapped both of his arms around my waist and drew me deeper into his embrace.
We were so close now, I could feel our hearts beating against one another.
His.
And mine.
One heart.
He pulled back a little. Placed one final, gentle kiss on my lips. Released me just enough so I could stand properly.
"We should go," he said softly.
I felt dazed. Dizzy. I nodded, feeling so giddy I felt like I could float into the sky.
"Come with me." The Duke took my hand and led me to the bridge on the opposite side of the dais.
We entered the maze.
A steward stood at the end of the path. He gestured for us to continue. "Congratulations Duke Stonehart and Miss Pagemoore on winning this year’s Hunter’s Ball. Please follow the directions of the stewards to exit." fɾeeweɓnѳveɭ.com
Getting out of the maze was much easier that getting through it. Especially with helpful servants pointing the way. When the Duke and I finally got to the beginning point, there was a crowd of very drunk people waiting for us.
Excited shouts filled the air.
Congratulations!
Huzzah!
Aren’t they a perfect couple?
Good on you, Stonehart!
Miss Pagemoore! Miss Pagemoore!
Woo-hoo! We won the pool!
Hands grabbed at us, and the Duke pushed back. Reasoning with cheerful people who’d imbibed too much wine was like trying to divert a pack of elephants from a peanut farm.
Nearly impossible.
Finally, the Duke scooped me into his arms and forcefully strode through the crowd.
"Hune!" he yelled as we broke free of cheering, laughing, dancing people.
Hune waited for us near the hill.
"Hurry, sir. I believe Mr. Willowmarch has spotted you."
"Sophia!"
Yes, that was definitely Jace screaming my name.
Duke Stonehart started running. I hung on to his neck as he sped through the garden toward the back of the Velle mansion. Hune kept up with us, jogging just behind.
"Hune," yelled the Duke. "To the airship!"
***|***|***
SOPHIA
I had never seen an airship up close before. They were mostly used in our military, though some nobility, those of the uppermost ranks and wealth, had private airships.
The balloon was silver and gray. The Stonehart crest was painted on both sides. The heart with two swords crossed over it.
It had been tethered by stakes into the ground. A rope ladder draped the side, fluttering in the wind.
"You go first," said the duke.
"What’s happening right now?" I asked.
He tapped the end of my nose. "I’m stealing you," he said. "Now up you go."
The rough-hewn ropes bit in my palms as gripped each step. My heart hammered in my chest as I ascended. When I reached the edge of the ship, two men in gray and silver uniforms helped me over.
Duke Stonehart had been right behind me and he easily stepped over the railing. We looked down to see Hune struggling up the ladder. The wind whipped the ropes, and Hune, to such a degree I thought the man might fly off the ladder.
"He’ll be fine," said Duke Stonehart. "The airship is his favorite thing. Isn’t that right, Hune?"
"I’d rather fall into a pit of poisonous snakes, sir."
"That can be arranged, especially if you don’t hurry!"
Hune finally made it.
"He looks a little green around the gills," I said. "Hune, are you all right?"
"I wish I was dead." He staggered away, yelling, "Where’s my bucket?"
I looked at Duke Stonehart. "Do we all get a bucket?"
He laughed. "If you need one, dearest. But I think you’ll do just fine."
Below us, men scrambled to untether the ropes holding the airship in place. They were strong lads, able to shimmy up the ropes they’d loosened until they’d reached the deck.
"Ready, sir."
"Let’s go home," commanded the Duke.
The wooden ship creaked as it rose into the air. I heard hissing noises and then whoosh sounds.
"Hot air is lighter than cool air," explained the Duke. "We use fire to heat the interior of the balloon, and that makes it bouyant."
He took me to the railing. Above, the deep night sky sparkled with stars.
"It’s beautiful up here," I said. I touched his arm. "You said we’re going home?"
"To Silverkeep. That’s the Stonehart estate. It’s been in my family for ages. I hope one day it will be your home, too."
"Not bloody likely."
We turned.
Hanging on the edge of the railing, hands bloody, shirt torn, sweat dripping, was Jace Willowmarch.
