Chapter 11

One month later

"But I don't want to." Carolyn whined as he watched her pace back and forth in front of the fireplace in her room. They had quickly fallen into the habit of taking their dinner together in her chambers after the rest of the keep had retired for the night, and tonight had been no exception.

"Then don't. But they are your parents and they are worried about you. I would imagine from the tone of that letter that if you are not home within a fortnight, I shall find them upon my doorstep."

"What do I tell them?

"Tell them as little or as much as you'd like. Very few people know what happened with Johns and all but one of them will be remaining here."

"I don't want to leave."

"You have to go home sometime."

"I feel safe here."

"You can't hide forever."

"Is that what you think I'm doing? Hiding?"

Spreading his hands, Riddick lifted a brow.

Carolyn sputtered. "I thought you understood!"

"I do. But I can also understand your parents concern. While they thought you were enjoying a trip to your future husband's home, you were in fact returning home early, when you were attacked, because you were attacked. You have spent the last six weeks recovering in the home of the notorious Dragon Slayer. Your mother has probably spent hours on her knees praying for your virtue.

"But we've done nothing inappropriate here!"

"Perhaps, but people will talk and word will spread that you've been here un-chaperoned. It's time to go home, Carolyn."

"And you're just going to send me off by myself, just like that"

"Sending Agnes with you is not sending you off by yourself, Carolyn."

"Will I at least get to see you before I leave?"

"No," Riddick said standing. "I'll say my goodbyes tonight."

Carolyn whirled on him. "But why? Have I done something to anger you?"

"Of course not, but I do have a realm to see to. Your visit here has been a pleasant distraction but it's time that we both get back to our duties."

The stricken look that flashed across her face was enough to make him sick. He watched as she took a breath and straightened her shoulders.

"But of course, Lord Riddick. If my father taught me anything it's that time itself can be more valuable than money and I certainly regret if I stole any away from you. Please, accept my thanks for you generous hospitality."

She almost broke as he stood, looking at her quietly.

"Lady Carolyn. You are welcome in my home anytime. I pray that you have safe travels back to the Three Realms."

Carolyn nodded but did not look back up him. Letting himself out of her chambers he took a deep breath when he was back in his own. She didn't realize that this was for the best, but she would once she was back at home safely ensconced with her family.

"So you're going to let her leave, just like that?" James demanded as he burst into Riddick's rooms the next morning.

"Why does everyone think that it was such an easy decision?"

"Because you're not showing us that it wasn't."

"Oh, for Gods sakes, James, we're all adults here and we have jobs to do and roles to play." Riddick nearly yelled, thumping his fist on his desk before running a hand over his head. "Please see Lady Carolyn to the border. The men are to accompany her home and are not to return until they have a letter from Lord Raven informing me that she arrived in good health."

"Will you at least come say good-bye?"

Riddick hung his head this time, running both hands over it. "No," he whispered huskily.

"I certainly hope that those duties you're attending to and those roles you're playing keep you warm at night. I'll be back when I'm damn good and ready. I suddenly feel the need to go home for a few days." James spat out at him, slamming the door as he left.

When Riddick could no longer hear James' spurs on the stairs, he entered Carolyn's chambers, He really didn't know if he could think of it any other way now, and looked out the window.

Carolyn was speaking quietly with Agnes beside the carriage he had provided for her use. She smiled brightly as James walked towards her. He watched it dim as James took her hand and spoke to her.

When she looked up at her window, Riddick swore that she was looking straight at him, even though she couldn't possibly know he was there. She quickly brushed a tear away and let James help her into the carriage, Agnes close behind. He stayed until he could no longer see them.