I followed Leinard's back, going over the words I had basically spat out to him during a moment of anger. Maybe saying that I'd never want to think of him and spitting at his boots was a tad too over the top. Now that I had some time to calm down, one emotion came clear about the entire experience. Regret.

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I was beginning to regret my words to Leinard, but on one hand I felt I had a right to say it. What they did was underhanded, yet if they were up front would we have complied? Probably not. On this understanding, I realized my folly.

I sighed. "Hey, Colonel."

Leinard stopped, but he didn't turn around.

"Famine."

"I'm sorry about, you know, saying I'll never think of you again, and pointing fingers at you, maybe spitting at your boots." I awkwardly apologized, toeing a pebble on the ground before me.

I kept my eyes focused on the small grey rock that seemed out of place. A shadow covered it.

"Famine. Me too. I'm sorry if it looked like we had tricked you, but it was the only way we could appease all the knights' uneasiness they held towards the three of you. Also, we're in a desperate circ.u.mstance. I never wanted to hurt you. I was against it, but Deacon went ahead and did it anyway. Not that this is an excuse to justify."

I looked up and stared into his grey eyes, seeing a new revelation. My heart raced with a validation. I was wrong and way off the mark in regard to Leinard's intentions.

He inched closer and brushed dirt from my cheek. His vanillcitrus scent was potent, swaying my heart for him.

"I like you too." Words from my heart spilled out of my mouth.

I felt his arms wrap my waist. His breath warmed my cheeks as he leaned in and pressed his lips to mine. I received his kiss with my heart racing with a pa.s.sionate fire for him.

Our kiss deepened and opened into an honest and intense moment.

I wanted to touch more of him; in places that would strip away his status, so he was vulnerable beneath me. I would carve myself into his whole being until there was no doubt he was mine and I his.

"Famine." Leinard moaned as he pulled away when he realized I wasn't going to stop.

He lowered himself on his knees as he held my hands and bowed his head. "I promise I will never deceive you like this again. I owe you my life. My heart belongs to you."

I groaned, my regret becoming guilt. Of course, I was going to accept Leinard's apology.

"Colonel. Water under the bridge." I gently helped him stand tall again.

I lovingly kissed his forehead as a token gesture. Our lips met once more in a gentle tender moment.

Leinard smiled, turned and lead our path back to the mansion.