Page 18 of Trapped with a Wicked Duke
Cassian nodded, a determined look in his eyes. "Let's go find Rose."
As they made their way out of the castle, they were met by a group of family members. Daphne, Jasmine, the Earl, and Countess were all there, their expressions filled with concern.
"William, Cassian, be careful," the countess warned, her eyes filled with worry.
"And watch out for bandits!" Daphne added, her eyes wide with excitement.
Jasmine stepped forward, a mischievous twinkle in her eye. "And don't forget about the legendary dragon that is said to roam these parts."
The Earl laughed, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Don't listen to your sister, boys. Just be careful and bring Rose back safe and sound. I hope she is all right.
William and Cassian exchanged a look, both of them trying to hide their amusement. They had heard this same advice from their family members many times before.
"We will," Cassian promised, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. "And if we do come across any dragons, we'll make sure to send one back for you, Daphne."
Daphne giggled at her twin brother's joke. "I would like that, Cassian. Thank you."
William mounted his horse, a smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "We'll see you all when we get back with Rose."
With that, they turned their horses and rode off, their minds set on their mission to find Rose.
Cassian rode beside William, his horse's hooves pounding against the dirt road. "I don't understand, William," Cassiansaid, his brow furrowed. "Why wouldn't Rose want to get married? All women want to get married."
William laughed, adjusting his grip on the reins. "You have a lot to learn about women, Cassian. Not all of them are looking for love and marriage."
"What do you mean?" Cassian asked, looking confused. "Of course, women want to marry. It's what they're made for."
William chuckled, shaking his head. "Rose is different. She's always been independent, and she's more interested in her plants than romance."
Cassian frowned, looking thoughtful. "I can't imagine not wanting to get married."
"You're still young, Cassian," William said with a grin. "You'll learn."
The two brothers rode through the rolling hills of the English countryside, the sound of their horses' hooves pounding against the ground in a steady rhythm. The sun was shining, and the fields were dotted with wildflowers in full bloom.
"It's beautiful out here, isn't it?" Cassian said, taking in the scenery around them.
"It is," William agreed. "I am glad we decided to take this trip. I am worried about Rose, but at least we're doing something to help."
Cassian nodded, a determined look on his face. "We'll find her, William. We have to."
Chapter Nine
Thomas stood at the bottom of the staircase, tapping his foot impatiently. His mother was already in the carriage, and Rose was running late. He was already feeling the weight of the evening's expectations, and now he was going to be delayed. As he was about to go up and retrieve her, Rose appeared at the top of the stairs.
Thomas' eyes widened in shock as he saw her. She was wearing the gown he had specifically told her not to wear. It was a scandalous, low-cut gown that was sure to turn heads at the soiree. He felt his anger rising.
"What do you think you are doing?" he asked, his voice low with anger. "I told you not to wear that gown."
Rose stood at the top of the stairs with her chin held high. "I do not care what you told me, "she said, her voice steady. "I like this gown, and I am wearing it."
Thomas clenched his jaw and took a step forward. "You will go change right now."
Rose stood her ground, her eyes blazing. "No, I will not, Your Grace. You cannot make me change."
Thomas's frustration grew, and he took another step forward. "I can, and I will," he said, his voice becoming more forceful. "You will go change into something more appropriate."
Rose shook her head, her eyes flashing with defiance. "I will not. You have no right to tell me what to wear. Are you perhaps… scandalized by it, Your Grace?"
