Chapter 53

Snow is coming out of Rose's chamber when I find her. Her green eyes look at me with disbelief. She turns from me walking down the corridor. I call out to her but she never turns around. The proud Scott in me would not be ignored so I chase after her, throwing my arms around her.

Snow lets out a squeal, her feet flailing in the air. "Put me down Eric!"

I carry her to the library and sit her down on the table, closing and locking the door, I turn back to her. "What did Rose tell you?"

"She told me that she has seen you and Lily being affection with each other. The way you touch her, hold her hand and even look at her. I have always found that endearing about you, that you loved her so but is there something more behind your affection towards Lily. She told me she found the two of you in the floor, Lily lying in your arms with her head on your chest. Really, are William and I being made fools of?" She scoots from the table, her hands reaching for my face.

Moving my head, I turn from her touch. "You know me Snow, how could you even think that. I have seen you be affection with William but only I see my wife with a good friend that she loves like a brother. William wanted you once, wanted to make you his but I have never accused you of betraying me."

A hurt flashes in her eyes and it takes me back a bit. "I have heard the whispers in the halls and from the servants. Some say that Lily and you are often found alone but now, I'm not sure Eric. Rose told me she saw you kiss Lily in the garden a few days ago. I don't want to believe this."

Taking her hands, I look her deep in the eyes. "Then don't Snow. I could never betray you; it's not in my heart. I'm not good with words Snow but I will try. I gave you my word and my heart on the day we wed and that has never changed. You only have to look into my heart to know I speak the truth. I would gladly cut my beating heart from my chest and give it to you before I would cause you such hurt. I will not deny I care for Lily but no more than I would a sister. Snow, you have wounded me beyond hurt. If you think me capable of this then you don't know me."

She turns from me, a sob escaping her lips. "Eric, forgive me. I do love you, more than anything. My heart knows the truth but my head believes the lies. Please tell me, did you kiss Lily in the garden?"

Grabbing her arm I turn her around, my entire body shaking. "No, I brushed some dirt from her cheek. Perhaps you need to spend some time alone to think."

Snow calls my name as I walk down the hall. I duck into our chamber and grab my hunting gear and leather hunting clothes. Snow is standing in the hall, her eyes pooling with tears. "Eric, please."

I lean down to her, my nose inches from hers. "Please what? I need some time alone too."

"Eric, where are you going? Come back here, I beg you." She lets out a heavy sigh waiting form my answer.

"I need some time to think Snow and I think best in the woods. Do not send anyone after me, I will not come back." I don't recognize the voice coming out of me, my bitterness spitting at her like venom.

"Are you going to the hunting lodge?" Her voice is small, her face looking doleful.

"Yes." That is the last thing I say to her as I leave for the stables.

Farron rushes by me, his shoulder hitting mine. "I'm so sorry Sire. The page said Rose is ill."

"Ill, no but she does have a nasty bruising to her face." Farron creases his eyebrows.

"Pardon me my King, what do you mean?" The worry and surprise on his face tells me he doesn't know the truth.

"Your wife needs to mind her own damn business. She told Lady Lily that she thinks she and I are having an affair. This is rubbish; she had made this truth up in her mind. Lady Lily gave her good smack for her medaling. Rose is not ill just upset." Farron's face changes from worried to frustrated.

"She expressed her concern that you and Lady Lily where too close but I told her that it was nonsense. I know that you love the Queen and Lady Lily loves the Duke. You know how gossip travels in the castle sire; Rose takes it as the truth. She loves the queen very much; she was only trying to protect her." I nod to Farron and he nods to me.

"You need to have a chat with your wife; her words have caused enough harm for one day." As I walk away I hear Farron walking behind me.

"My King, Rose made these accusations to the queen didn't see? I am sorry and will talk to her immediately. Please forgive her, it will not happen again." Farron bows to me and I grin back at him.

The stable boy Otis brings me my horse, the stable master Adam bringing me my saddle. "Will there be anything else sire?"

"Yes, tell Hope I am sorry. I will be back in a few days." Adam grins at me, placing the saddle blanket over the horse.

The ride to the hunting lodge gives me time to think. I had stormed out of the castle without a goodbye to my Snow. My heart was heavy and my spirits low but my heart was aching as well and this I could not ignore.

The sun is nearly down when I reach the lodge, the summer breeze blowing the scent of honeysuckle around me. I smile remembering how Lily tore into Rose. William was right to take her and kiss her. He believed her without fault and never questions her love for him, why couldn't Snow do the same?

The fireplace comes to life as I lay another log on the fire. Pulling my riding clothes from my bag I change quickly. I hated wearing this royal attire but for my Hope I would do about anything.

William and I had used the lodge just a month ago and there was a layer of dust already. Running my hand over the table I push the dust to the floor. The fire wasn't necessary but it made me feel better. I needed the distraction, the flames dancing at me.

Gazing into the fire I lose myself, my thoughts returning to the hall and my fight with Snow. A jolt shakes me as I realize that me leaving looks like I was having an affair and Snow kicked me out. I just have Rose the confirmation she was looking for. Running my hand over my face, I go outside to the well.

Pulling up a bucket of water, I hear an owl screeching. The moon gave little light through the darken sky. It was going to rain soon and I had no time to travel back to the castle before the storm set in.

The cool water felt good on my face as I splash some over my neck. Snow was on my mind and I worried she might come after me. Going back to the door I hear the thunder in the distance. This was going to be a storm of all storms, the wind blowing the bows of the trees to their breaking points.

The lodge creeks and groans, the thunder getting louder. The crackle of lightning gains my attention as I look to see a tree on fire behind the lodge. I race to the well, pouring bucket after bucket on the small pine.

The wind makes it hard for me to stand, the rain coming down as if the heavens had opened up.

I make it back to the lodge, drenched from head to toe. I strip down to my pants, laying my clothes out to dry.

As the storm rages on I try to settle in for the night. Looking through the bedroom window I can tell the storm was getting worse by the hour. Slept was not coming soon for me so I go back to the fireplace.

A clap of thunder is soon followed by a flash of lightening that sizzles through the air. I smell smoke; the lightening had hit another tree.

Going outside I see a plume of smoke rising from the roof, the lodge was on fire. Running back in I try to find my clothes. The fire was shooting out of the fireplace, the lodge filling with smoke. Grabbing my shirt I see my boots in the corner. The smoke and the heat get more intense as I cross the floor.

A beam from the roof collapses as the fire engulfs the front room. I brace my arm over my eyes, running towards the door.

My lungs feel like they are about to explode, my eyes burn and my feet feel the flames lick at them.

A forceful wind whips into the room, pushing me back from the door. I try to get back to my feet only to feel the heat and the smoke take me.