The carriage Roland hired was getting us home more quickly, but we did have to change horses more often. The third evening was upon us and we would be stopping for the night soon. We were finally back in Roland's duchy, but we would not arrive at the castle until the next day.

Roland's thumb stroked the back of my hand as he held it in his and I watched his thumb move back and forth. He had told me that he sent messages to Amber and Cedric that he was hiring a coach and we would be going home early. Elliot was not aware of what Roland's messages contained, so we were gone before anyone knew. And after we woke from our naps the first day in the carriage, and he told me this, he began to kiss me again, but much more gently.

He apologized for hurting me, and promised he would protect me and what could I say to that? I had nowhere to go, and he was being nice. The first two nights, we stayed at small town inns which were much better than where we had been in the royal city. The beds were comfortable, the food was delicious, and the people were courteous. Last night, there had been music and dancing, and Roland had pulled me out to the floor and showed me he could dance like common people.

He had too much to drink again, and did not want to leave me alone in my room, but I finally tricked him. I followed him into his room, got him to lay down, and he was asleep instantly. Then I tiptoed out and went to bed in my own room. Guilt washed over me because of Roland's kisses. I did not mind them as much when they were gentle, but Cedric's kisses, those made me feel alive, and breathless at the same time. And I wanted Cedric's arms around me, not Roland's.

"Baileywick will not be expecting us," Roland mused. "It will be good to shock the old man." I smiled at him. Baileywick did not like me and the feeling was mutual.

The carriage slowed and Roland peered out the window. "Here is the village." He sat back and squeezed my hand. It was not long before we were outside the inn. Roland climbed out, then helped me down. I took his arm and we walked inside.

The duke asked for two rooms but the innkeeper informed us that there was only one room left. I immediately tensed on his arm. "We do have a room with some other women. Perhaps they will share with the young lady."

"No, she'll stay with me."

"I can-"

"It will be fine, dear," he patted my hand.

I was beginning to panic. The innkeeper showed us to the room, and the coachmen began to bring our luggage. The room was small but clean and fresh smelling and had a window. I walked over to the window, to look out instead of at the bed. Once the luggage was settled and Roland and I were alone I turned to him. "I don't want to sleep in the same bed."

"Why?" He moved over to me by the window.

"I…uh…I'm…we aren't married."

He leaned in for a kiss and wrapped his arms around me.

I pulled away. "You said you wouldn't hurt me."

"Am I hurting you now?"

"No." He kissed me again, lightly, but longer. I felt like my body was beginning to betray me.

"I'll ask for a pallet, or I'll sleep on the floor." He kissed my forehead.

"I can sleep on the floor."

"You will take the bed. Now, come on, let's go see what they have for supper." His lips found mine again and I leaned in, immediately feeling guilty for doing so. We pulled away and went to the common room. Every table was at least partially occupied so we shared with a group of people who were laughing and shouting over each other.

Roland could share in their conversation easily but I could not. The town was having their annual fair, and most the people were performers or vendors, and many knew each other as they had met at other fairs, or had come to this one before. I watched and smiled or nodded when Roland would try to include me, however, I mainly listened.

Roland again got a bit lost in his drink, but as this inn had cider flowing, I too drank a bit much. I had to stop myself though, knowing that Roland was going to be a handful. There had been a boar hunt, so we dined on roasted meat, and the meal was better than anything I had had at the palace or since then. Finally, various people began to play music, and the musicians spilled out into the road where they were joined by others from the other inn and the residents. The street filled with people dancing and singing.

Pulled out the door by Roland, his hands found my hips and pulled me close, drawing me into a dance. The music was lively and the songs seemed to be fast and I found myself dancing with several people before I realized I could not see Roland through the crowd. There was not much time to think about it because I was pulled into someone else's arms to dance.

"Are you looking for someone?" he asked me. He was very good looking, but his smile was more like a leer.

"Yes, I was."

"Well, you've found me."

I laughed a little and he pulled me flush against him. "No," I said, pushing away.

"What's the problem?" He looked mad, and pulled me to him again.

"I don't want to be this close," I pushed away again but he held me tight.

"You are very pretty. Anyone ever tell you that?"

"I don't care what you think!" I was becoming scared, and he was pulling me away from the crowd, where it was darker. He did not say a word but I felt a wall at my back, and his lips and teeth on my neck. "Stop!" I was going to scream for help but his forearm pressed against my throat as he ripped my dress off my shoulder with his hands.

Then he screamed and fell to his knees. For a moment, I was paralyzed as I drew air into my lungs. I saw him, his hands over his eyes as he knelt screaming unintelligibly on the ground. Realization dawned on me, there was light in this previously darkened area, and it was coming from my amulet, which was now visible because of my torn dress.

Covering it with my hands, and taking some deep breaths to calm my nerves, I wondered what had happened to the man. Then again, I did not care, so I turned and ran, searching through the crowd for Roland. There were so many people, and it was still dim out there, I did not think I was going to find him.

Turning toward the inn, just wanting to be away from everyone and everything, I bumped into a couple in an embrace much more suited for a private room. "Watch it, kid!" The woman yelled at me, after pulling her face off the other person. It was Roland. Our eyes met and he smiled at me. "Sofia."

I gasped, glared at him and ran for the inn. There were still many people to dodge to get to the stairs, but soon I was in the room and locking the door behind me. Then I sat on the bed feeling numb. Things will be better tomorrow. I'll be home. I strangled a cry and then blurt out loud, "Who am I kidding? It's not my home and it will still be nearly a week before Cedric is there!" And why would Cedric even want me anyway? I let Roland kiss me and hold my hand and now… My hand went to the tear in my dress. I began to shake as I realized I needed to change into my nightgown. Inspecting the dress, I saw that it could not be saved.

Looking in the mirror, I saw scrapes and bruises where that man had started to bite me. My amulet still glowed just a little, and when I put my hand upon it, my shaking stopped. Leaving the lamp burning, I crawled into bed, and waited for Roland to come knocking, but I soon fell asleep.