Jade’s head began to ache as the carriage muddled its way through the paved road. She hadn’t slept all night and the long, winding road left her with little chance to doze off. Even when her eyes closed for longer intervals Luke’s scream would startle her awake.

Ambrose was manning her carriage while his son was in charge of her belongings in the vehicle behind them. She did not intend to stay long at her country estate but even a meagre amount of female garments needed an absurd amount of space. The girl almost wished she could have the old wardrobe back which could easily be stuffed into a rucksack.

Jade gazed out of the window again and estimated they had half an hour before sunset. She pulled the bell string and the carriage slowed down to a halt.

Jade listened to Ambrose’s dismount on the stone and his quiet steps towards her. The shutter of the carriage opened and the breath the brown haired girl was holding was let free. It was almost as if she were waiting for something to go wrong.

“I think it’s time we settled down for the night. We must stop at the next inn,” Jade ordered with a friendly smile, hiding her moment of panic. She was grateful she had managed to find her former employee. The man had only lasted a month before leaving Permelia’s employment. The carriage driver had searched for Jade even before he vacated his position but found no inkling of her location.

“As you wish, my Lady,” Ambrose’s wizened eyes crinkled with a look of fondness. The man had been extremely effusive when he had been informed of her changed circumstances.

The carriage staggered back and forth before continuing its journey. The clip clop sound of the horses' feet lulled Jade closer to slumber. She had only rested her eyes for a moment when she blinked awake at the sound of joyful laughter. She opened the glass window behind the shutters and found the carriage parked outside a homely looking village tavern.

“Miss, should I help you out?” Ambrose’s young daughter asked as she opened the polished door. Her eyes were stuck to the staff in Jade’s hands. The young maid had been riding in the other carriage alongside her brother. Any other time she would have kept her maid close but Jade did not feel she was up to having company during the journey.

The brown haired girl shook her head in negation. She gazed down at her staff and decided it was time to forgo it. The taller girl let the stick roll back into the carriage with a clatter and took firm steps onto the solid ground.

Once inside the cosy cottage entrance Jade saw many locals loitering for their daily beverages or an escape from the cold. They stared at the important looking Lady walk in but Jade was unbothered by the attention. She signalled at the inn owner to come forth from behind the counter.

“My good man, we need two rooms for the night. One for myself and one for my staff. I should hope you would oblige immediately. We intend to head out early tomorrow,” Jade observed the middle aged man with a cool, steely stare.

“Y-yes, We have the rooms available. Do you travel alone, My Lady- ?” The portly Inn owner looked around in wait of a male travel partner. Out of the capital bounds a woman traveling along was a rare sight and Jade did not begrudge him for looking alarmed.

“Lady Durnn,” Jade added helpfully, “And, yes, I travel alone.”

The inn owner hastily bowed and pulled out his register from behind the counter. He beckoned over a young bar maid and informed the party she would lead them to their rooms.

As they ascended one staircase over the other Jade could feel tendrils of perspiration beginning to form. By the time the group reached her room she could sense her knees shaking. Dismissing the family of her three loyal servants Jade collapsed on the welcoming rug as she shut the door behind her. It was absurd how a little exertion had destroyed her stamina.

Jade grunted into a standing position and locked the room behind her with a firm twist of her key. She then proceeded to change into her night clothes. A maid would have been a great deal of help but she craved solitude. Her chosen maid was just a means to an end. Having a companion just provided Jade a sense of respectability in her travel.

The traveller shivered as a cold breeze induced her goose bumps on her thin arms. With idle thoughts of finding the ajar window Jade opened up her plait and began brushing her hair. Try as she might thoughts of the injured Prince meandered through her mind. She wondered if the Prince would ever forgive her for abandoning him.

There was a disturbance in her room and Jade clutched her brush like weapon. She fumbled for the new-fangled torch to see who was disturbing her. The curtains were displaced with tremendous motion and Jade stood ready to pounce but a bedraggled Luke emerged instead of some dreaded beast.

“What are you doing here? How did you find me?” Jade hissed, eyes round and incredulous.

“I found you in the middle of nowhere. This was hardly a challenge. I just had to peer through every window before finding you,” Luke clapped his hands in an effort to clean them. Jade surmised he must have used the drain pipe to climb the building.

“You shouldn’t be here. It’s not safe. I thought your brother would do a better job at keeping you contained,” Jade held her head as all her mental faculties went up in smoke. She could not figure out what her next course of action would be.

“Everyone should know by now that I’m not the one to stop when I’m searching for the love of my life,” Luke declared nonchalantly and took a seat at Jade’s vacated chair. The girl gaped at him before turning crimson.

“It’s not safe,” Jade grumbled.

“When have I ever cared about my personal safety?”

“That’s exactly why I want you to turn back,” The girl growled, “I’m now quite certain I am the target, not you.”

“You did an excellent job saving my hide. It’s time to return the favour,” The Prince was unperturbed by her agitated state. He had already expected some resistance and had all answers to her argument.

Jade grumbled something inaudible though her face remained vexed. It only make the Prince more amused.

“You do like me,” Luke drawled, “I don’t know why I was searching for a clue in your words when your face reveals all.”

“Pardon me for saying this but declarations of this sort are not easy for me,” Jade mumbled, stiffly after silence that carried on for far too long. She could not figure out why she still hesitated to stay the words out aloud.

“I never thought you were shy,” Luke wondered. He crossed his ankle over the other as he gave the girl an unabashed stare. It seems he was determined to guess all her secrets.

“Do you want me grab you by the collar and plant a kiss on the lips?” Jade allowed her irritation at her own cowardly behaviour to seep through her voice.

The Prince blinked back at her and rose from the chair. For a moment Jade wondered whether he would take up on her words. The handsome man moved forward with his grey eyes still fixed on her and Jade smothered the instinct to take a step back. She limped forward and came face to face as if awaiting judgement.

“Why do you make it sound violent? We could just hold hands. Like this,” Luke gave Jade a sweet smile and took her calloused fingers in his. Jade could not help smile back. His grin was infectious.

“I don’t believe I’ve ever held your hand before. I think I just shook it a couple of times,” Jade swallowed twice before her mouth allowed the words to exit her mouth. The tall girl was still being avoidant and she wished she could shake away her worries completely.

“Well, the one time we did hold hands I do not want to remember,” Luke replied, sombrely.

“Of course, I forgot. Has not my return taking away your discomfort?”

“Yes, it has but I don’t see myself forgetting that event ever. To compensate I shall never let go,” The Prince said, gently. His voice held a gravity that should have made Jade uncomfortable but she found a odd sort of warmth dance in her chest. She watched him study their joined hands.

“Don’t even think about telling me how masculine my hands are. I’ve heard all the variations growing up. Not that I cared but I’d rather not relive those moments,” The brown haired girl tried to being levity to the moment.

“You have strong hands. They’re agile, brave and beautiful,” Luke declared. His dimple was hidden in the shadows as was the expression in his eyes.

“Your flattery will still not give you a kiss,” The girl replied with a raised brow.

“I thought you were on the verge of collar grabbing at my eloquent words,” Luke laughed with full abandon and Jade was loathed to interrupt him but she must.

“I am supposed to be in this room all alone,” Jade finally detangled her hands from his.

“Tell them you have a very masculine laugh and proceed to show it to everyone in the morning. I know you’re good with voices,” Luke bit his lip as if trying to control himself from another burst of mirth.

“What do you plan to do for the night? Will you go down and take up your own room,” Jade asked, planning ahead like always.

“Perhaps, I shall take your floor,” Luke declared with a shrug.

“You could share one side of my bed. I shall keep my hands to myself. Your virtue shall remain intact,” Jade announced with faux innocence.

“I don’t know what you’ve heard about me but I shall put my fingers in my ears and perform a rather loud jig if you continue with your outrageous line of thought,” The Prince was barely jesting as he threatened her. It was Jade’s turn to laugh.

“I did intend to take refuge in your room for the night but your plan is much well thought out. It will be hard to explain my appearance in the morning otherwise,” The Prince winced as he opened the window. It seemed his shoulder was still giving him pain.

“How did you even get here so fast? You’re injured. A horse ride would aggravate your injuries further,” Jade interrupted his descent into the darkness.

“A horse is not the only mode transportation I have. Surely you remember our horseless ride,” Luke reminded his companion.

“Ah, I didn’t suppose a horseless vehicle could be useful outside the city.”

“It you’ll excuse me but the stable boy must be thinking I drowned in the outhouse and I’d rather he not check up on me and find me gone. Good night,” The dark haired man glanced his way down in hopes he was not already caught.

Jade made a decision and marched forward with a determined look in her brown eyes. Luke’s grey eyes crossed as she ventured near. She gently caressed his face with her bare fingers before leaning down and planting a light kiss on his unshaven cheek.

“Good night,” Jade whispered and turned around shocked at her own daring. But at least she could sleep happier with the thought that the Prince would have no confusion left about her feelings.

...

The next morning Jade was awake bright and early. She dressed herself before the maid made her appearance and asked for a private parlour. She read the local newspaper and took a sip of her tea having already dined while her maid inhaled the lavish breakfast before her.

“Ahem,” The middle aged inn owner knocked on the half open, oak wood door, “My Lady I have a guest gentleman who wishes to make use of the private parlour. Would you be amiable at the thought of sharing. I will send him off if you choose to decline.”

“Please do send him in. I have no qualms sharing the room. I have nearly finished anyway,” Jade tried to look subdued but she was certain she knew who would enter.

“Well, if it isn’t Lady Durnn,” Luke entered the private parlour with a conjured up look of sheer delight on his handsome face.

“Sir Luke, what a pleasant surprise. I did not expect to encounter you on the way to my father’s country estate,” Jade let her biscuit drown in her tea and stood up to greet him with her skirts flaring around her. Despite the lie on her lips her lightness of spirit was not manufactured.

“Oh, we’re headed in the same direction. My father has given me instructions to inspect your deceased cousin’s estate. You must come out and see the beauty that my ride is,” Luke exclaimed, conversationally. Jade could surmise where he wanted to direct the conversation.

“It’s not the latest horseless vehicle, it is? Oh, how adventurous! I thought only the royalty had access to it,” The tall girl’s voice was now pitched higher then her usual. She could see the audience of both the inn owner and her maid bought her outrageous lies.

“My father does work for the crown as you know. We are allowed to have access to their resources when work needs to be done,” The Prince took Jade’s hand to lead her out of the room. The indecisive maid dropped her spoon and follow them to the chilly outdoors. Outside her own carriage was ready with Ambrose and his son sharing a pipe.

“You must give me a ride the moment you have time,” Jade’s grin was bright and she could barely control her composure.

“Why not now? We are going on the same direction.”

“Miss, my Lady, are you certain?” Ambrose abandoned his pipe and came forward smelling faintly of smoke. Jade could see the worry lace his narrow set eyes.

“Sir Luke and I are very good friends. We have known each other for as long as I have been away but I understand your trepidation...” Jade worried her lip as the older carriage man looked upset by the development.

“Your father would never forgive me for abandoning you before and certainly not now. My conscience is already tormented...” The white haired man whispered.

“Mr. Ambrose, I shall narrate an extraordinary tale one day but the gist of it is your Lady has saved my life more than once. She would have been given a medal of bravery had she allowed it. I don’t intend to repay her kindness with cruelty,” Luke gave the man a congenial smile. He understood the older servants fear for it mirrored his own troubled thoughts. He had no interest in staying too far away from Jade. He had seen the trouble at hand and wished to protect her from it. After all it was his own folly that had led to Jade’s enmity with the witch.

“Now, you’re making me blush,” Jade rolled her eyes. Despite her unaffected airs her cheeks were tinged pink.

“It is the truth. I would be dead without you,” The Prince uttered and the trio of servants looked startled at the words.

“That does sound like a story I want to hear,” Ambrose finally announced. Jade was absurdly pleased to have his approval despite him having no bearing on her decisions.

“It’s not as much fun as he thinks,” The taller girl snorted. She asked for her travelling case to be pulled out and the maid obliged by placing it in the vehicle’s trunk along with her staff and her empty pots.

“Well, it wasn’t as much fun when we lived it but I think it would make an entertaining book,” Luke declared, “Now, get in the vehicle. We must be off if we are to reach before sun down. The days are very small.”

Luke jumped into the driver’s side while Jade slumped into her own seat. After Luke understood the directions to their destination he pressed levers and whisked them away.

Jade giggled in her seat as their conveyance raced through the country road. The barren trees started to blur at the speed they were going. Instead of the scenery Jade gazed at the driving Prince. She knew her decision to keep him close was selfish but she could not go through another adventure without him at her side.

After a hurried breakfast for Luke and another stop for lunch of trout fish at a roadside attraction the pair resumed their journey. They had barely conversed with each other for all their future topics would lead straight to the witch and they were intent to keep the mood light. Jade eventually dozed off and finally awoke to find her estate in view.

During the golden hour of the afternoon the pair drove through the lane of oak and finally turned into the stone carved estate. There were no servants to welcome them but Jade had expected as much. Per her reports Permelia had gotten rid of all excess expenses to ensure she bleed the estate dry.

“This is well situated,” Luke glanced around appreciatively. Despite the obvious signs of neglect like the bird’s nest growing on the empty fountain he could see the rustic charms of the home.

“It’sa not as grand as your summer palace but it suits me just fine. I suspect my cousin’s holdings are much larger but I doubt their beauty can compare,” Jade said proudly.

“What will you do with both your properties? I can foresee many grand parties for you to hold if you wish,” The Prince observed the windows and estimated the amount of rooms the house contained. His brother’s friends had homes the same size and Luke had seen the grand homes being used in various ways.

“I wish to live a quiet, sedate life right now. This property I shall have for my own use but the other shall have another purpose,” Jade’s face could not contain the look of quiet determination.

“Do you intend to rent it?” The Prince asked as they travelled around the perimeter of the exterior.

“No, I intend to make it a refuge for troubled women. There are so many women who haven’t a place in the world. I want to make it a safe haven for all those who want to escape their circumstances,” The girl explained. The pair came to a halt in front of a dwindling sun. The colours across the countryside were mesmerising.

“This won’t be easy,” The dark haired man cautioned.

“Not all tales will be fairy tales like mine but I aim to persevere.”

“Not all women are decent and honourable like you,” Luke uttered, softly.

“I will give them sustenance and a way to earn their keep. I shall not keep the women who want easy bread,” The girl revealed. It seemed she had plotting for quiet a while, “I just feel like so many things could have gone wrong for me. If it were not for Mr Gepetto I wouldn’t have known what to do.”

“You were incredibly brave for walking out from your home to restart your life. Most indolent gentleman would have lost before they begin,” The man’s eyes were earnest as his words.

“I’m humbled by your acceptance. I hope you don’t think me a fool. My endeavour might put me in debt if I cannot balance the books,” Jade revealed her fears in front of him. She placed a hand on a stone railing as her feet began to tremble under the pressure.

“You will still have the money pouring in from your land tenets. You cannot possibly mismanage any worse then your stepmother,” The Prince tried to give her hope. He knew she was more than capable of running the estate all by herself.

“That reminds me I need a through examination of the steward’s books but before that I shall need my staff. If we need a tour of the house then I need some support,” Jade said glumly. She paused the man in his steps, “You sit tight. It won’t take a moment to retrieve it.”

Luke watched the girl’s disappearing back and turned towards the colourful sunset. He waited impatiently as the sun lost its height. He couldn’t help but wonder whether Jade needed his help in opening the heavy trunk. His shoes crunched along the gravel as he turned towards the vehicle. To his surprise there was no one there. The trunk was open but the staff was missing. On the floor were the two bean pots smashed on the gravel.

.