Chapter 12
“Y-Your Grace…” Chloe stammered.
“Which way is it? Left or right?” the Duke demanded.
Next to them, a pack of hounds were in full pursuit, their excitement palpable. Chloe squinted her eyes against the wind, her breaths sharp and ragged. The more agreeable route would undoubtedly be to the left. If they opted for the right, they would have to traverse a shallow but wide creek. As she was about to answer, the Duke’s horse abruptly veered right at the fork.
“Oh!” Chloe exclaimed.
She squeezed her eyes shut as the steed leaped with astonishing power over the creek. The jolt from the saddle made her wince, but more overwhelming than the pain was her fear.
“Please, no!” she cried, her words escaping her lips before she had time to think.
