"Your Grace, how exactly is your plan going to work again?"

William was standing in Elijah's quarters, listening to The Duchess's plan of throwing a masquerade ball this evening. She's convinced that, since William and Elijah both look similar, it will be the best way to not raise suspicion. William had his doubts about this plan. He did not speak like a duke, or even know how to behave like one.

"Yes, William. They won't be able to tell that you are not Elijah. This will help not raise suspicions if no one sees him for the rest of the day. The snow storm seems to be passing, so at first light you can go and look for him. Then this whole mess will be over."

The Duchess continued to pace back and forth as she rubbed her hands together. "Just stay in here until the ball. I will take care of getting your outfit ready and making sure no one disturbs you."

The Duchess left the room and William stared at the closed doors with confusion. He had no idea how he was going to pull this off. He ran a hand through his hair as he started taking a look around Elijah's quarters. He's been in here before, but he never actually spent this much time in it.

He was looking through Elijah's closet to see if there were any that would help fool everyone. That's when he noticed a box tucked away in the corner. Curious, he opened it and found multiple letters.

He opened the first one and his heart nearly stopped as he started to read it:

Father,

It has been 4 months since you left us. Left me. It has been more difficult so that I can put into words; trying to be the man you were. Mother is insisting that I agree to an arranged marriage to Lady Elizabeth of Sussex. I met her on one occasion and, even though she is lovely, this does not feel right to me. What should I do, father? I miss your guidance.

Elijah

Williams heart started to pound faster in his chest as he pulled out another letter.

Father,

Today is December 19th. Mother has planned this arranged marriage for Christmas Day. I am growing more troubled as it gets closer. I find that I cannot sleep at night and I cannot think clearly during the day. As of late, it feels that I am living the life of a stranger. I know I lived my youth somewhat adventurously, but this... It's not right. I wish you were here to tell me what to do. Or to at least tell me why this is what I must do. Mother keeps telling me it's about duty and honor. While I believe Duty and honor are two of the most important things to uphold, I find that I am longing for more. I want to spend the rest of my life with someone who sees me, Elijah, and not the Duke of Kent. Is this possible, Father?

Elijah

William's hands shook as he put the letter in the box and closed it, returning the box to its resting place. He knew his best friend was troubled, but this...This was worse than he imagined. William let out a long breath as he realized that he could not let Elijah marry Lady Elizabeth.

"Get back inside, Elijah, or else."

"Or else what, Kitten?"

Elijah was currently trying to gather some more wood since the snow had settled down. They had to wait at least another day before they could travel. His wound was still very fresh and tender and they wanted to give the snow an extra day to stop. Elijah insisted that he go get the wood, and Catherine had followed him out the back door with her hands on her hips and her voice stern.

"It's best that I get the wood," Elijah said as he bent to pick some up. He enjoyed their verbal sparring. Since she had no idea who he really was, she tended to speak freely to him. He didn't know why, that made him feel almost normal. Like anyone else.

"Why's that? Because you are a man?" She quipped.

"No, Katherine. Women are perfectly capable of getting wood. You, on the other hand, ended up with a head wound and nearly got hypothermia. And I don't think I would be able to carry you back inside again."

She sucked in a sharp breath. "Is that an offense on my body?"

Elijah stood up and turned to her. His gaze trailed from her head all the way down to her toes and back. "Not at all. After I carried you inside last night, it reopened my wound, remember? I'm still too weak. If we are going to speak freely...I must say, Kitten, your body is quite perfect the way it is."

Elijah clearly saw the shock on her face at his honesty. She seemed at a loss for words and it took her a few moments to collect herself. What did she say to that?

Unable to think of anything else she said, "Don't call me Kitten."

Elijah chuckled as he watched her turn and march back into the cabin. Elijah was starting to grow concerned by how comfortable he was beginning to feel around her. She was starting to not feel like a stranger and it was almost as if he's known her forever.

He felt a little embarrassed about what he said in regards to her body. But, he couldn't seem to be anything but honest with her. She appeared to be someone who has never received compliments like that before. Almost as if she was uncomfortable in her own skin. Her very smooth skin, Elijah thought. He had started to like when she cleaned his wound. Every time her fingers brushed against his skin it sent chills down his spine.

Nothing even close to that has happened on the few rare occasions that he has made physical contact with Lady Elizabeth. And that was only a respectful kiss on the hand. Nothing more.

After Elijah collected enough wood to last them the rest of the evening, he made his way back inside and found Katherine sitting by the fire reading a book.

He set down the wood and brushed his hands together before he spoke. "Katherine?"

"Hmm?" Was her absent reply as she turned the page in her book.

"I'm sorry if what I said made you uncomfortable."

She took a deep breath before she set her book down and looked up at Elijah. "You didn't."

Elijah frowned at her short answer. He could tell she was not being honest. "Then why do you appear troubled right now?"

When she didn't answer, Elijah added, "I believe it was you, Katherine, who vowed never to lie to me."

She let out a defeated breath. "Yes, I suppose I did. You didn't make me uncomfortable, Elijah. The truth is that no one, especially a man, has ever complimented me in such a way."

"Were they blind?" He asked. She was absolutely stunning. Her fiery red hair definitely matched her personality. Her ocean blue eyes were trusting and sincere.

A small chuckle escaped her. "How is your wound?"

Elijah noticed the change of subject, but was willing to go along with it. After all, they were getting into dangerous territory. "It's a little sore," he replied honestly.

Katherine rose to her feet and started to approach him. "Lie down, Elijah. Allow me to tend to you."

"As if I have a choice in the matter," he replied dryly.

Katherine knelt down next to him and started to clean his wound. Unable to stop himself, he reached out to stroke some of her hair. She gasped as her eyes met his.

"Elijah..."

"I like when you touch me," he said quietly.

Need and hunger took over as he pulled her to him and crushed his lips against hers.