Page 4 of Trapped with a Wicked Duke
The dim light from the small windows illuminated her path, casting long shadows on the walls. Rose's heart raced as she made her way through the winding passageway, trying to stay as quiet as possible. Finally, she reached the end of the passage and pushed open the door, emerging into the bright light of day. The sound of birds chirping and the smell of fresh air filled her senses, and Rose let out a sigh of relief.
My life, my real life begins now.
As Rose emerged from the castle, she was spotted by a stable hand and gardener. "Stop there, Lady Rose!" the young assistant gardener called out, running toward her. "You cannot just leave like this! His Lordship will have my head on a platter!"
The head gardener, a grizzled old man, nodded in agreement. "You will cause a scandal, Lady Rose. Think of what it will do to your family."
But Rose was beyond listening. She quickly ran her way to the saddled horse she had asked for earlier and mounted it. With a kick of her heels, she urged the horse into a gallop, leaving the servants far behind.
The young assistant and gardener exchanged a worried look, then the boy took off running toward the castle. "I will notify his Lordship," he called over his shoulder.
The gardener nodded, then took off after Rose. "Lady Rose, wait! You do not know what you are doing!" he yelled, trying to keep up with her.
But Rose was determined. She rode as fast as she could, the scenery passing by in a blur. She did not look back, did not slow down. She was finally free and not under the thumb of anyone, and she was not going to let anyone take that away from her.
Chapter Two
As she rode, Rose could hear the sounds of alarm bells ringing out from the castle, signaling her escape. But she did not stop, did not turn back. Rose rode as fast as she could, the wind rushing through her hair and the sound of hooves pounding against the ground filling her ears. But suddenly, her horse let out a loud whinny and stumbled, its hoof hitting a large log. Rose was thrown from the horse, landing hard on the ground.
For a moment, the wind was knocked out of her, and she lay there, stunned. The world around her spun, and she struggled to catch her breath. She felt a sharp pain in her side and tears filled her eyes. Slowly, she sat up, her hand pressing against her ribcage. She could feel the bruises forming already and her entire body ached. She looked around, trying to get her bearings.
Oh, no! Where am I?
She slowly tried to get to her feet, but pain made her collapse back down to the ground. Her horse was injured, and it was unable to go on.
I am stranded in the middle of nowhere in my wedding dress with the man who had promised to help me leave England waiting for me. I must find a way to keep going.
She was desperate, not knowing what to do. But just as she was about to lose all hope, a carriage appeared on the road. It pulled to a stop beside her, and the most handsome man she had ever seen stepped out.
Rose's heart raced as she caught sight of the man. He was tall and broad-shouldered, with striking features and piercing blue eyes that seemed to look right through her. Despite her initial fear that he would take her back to the castle, Rose was immediately drawn to him. She felt her heart flutter as she took in his confident stance and the way he carried himself with an air of authority. As he approached her, she felt a spark of something she could not quite put her finger on. Was it attraction? Fear? Whatever it was, Rose could not deny the impact this man had on her.
"Miss, are you lost?" he asked, his deep voice sending shivers down her spine.
Rose looked up at him, and her heart thumped a little faster and louder. A shiver of delicious delight danced over her skin. She had never seen someone so handsome, so confident. And she did not know what to do. But as he reached out a hand to help herup, she felt a sense of relief wash over her. Perhaps this stranger was exactly what she needed. He could assist her in her escape.
Thomas was riding in his carriage, his mind consumed with thoughts of the important meetings he had to attend in London once again. He was lost in his own thoughts, his gaze fixed on the road ahead, when he suddenly spotted a young woman careening across the meadows on the back of a horse.
He leaned forward, his attention fully on the scene playing out before him. The horse stumbled, its hooves slipping on the rough terrain, and the young woman was thrown from the saddle, landing hard on the ground. She lay on the ground without moving for a solid minute before slowly sitting up.
Thomas felt a surge of concern. He had a strong sense of duty, and he could not just ignore someone in need. "David, stop the carriage," Thomas commanded, his voice filled with urgency.
"Your Grace, stopping here may delay our arrival," David said hesitantly.
But Thomas was resolute. "What are you saying, Davis? We must help this young woman," he said firmly.
As he approached her, he could hear her horse whinnying in pain, and he could smell the rich, earthy scent of the meadows.The young woman was struggling to get to her feet, her delicate features contorted with pain.
Thomas reached out a hand to help her up, his heart racing. She was a vision of beauty, with brown hair and rosy cheeks, and a fierce determination in her blue eyes. He felt a sudden urge to protect her, to take care of her.
How is she not afraid? Is she running away from something or…someone?
"Miss, are you lost?" He helped her to her feet, his strong hand supporting her. "Are you hurt?" he asked, his voice filled with concern.
The young woman looked up at him, her eyes wide. "No, I am fine, good sir, thank you," she replied, her voice shaking.
Thomas could feel the heat of her body against his, and the softness of her hand as he held it. He felt a sudden urge to take her into his arms, to keep her safe. But he held himself back, knowing that he had to be careful. He was a Duke, after all, and he could not just act on his impulses.
"Please let me help you. I would never forgive myself if I left a lady in distress." Thomas guided her to his carriage. "I insist."
