As they walked, Thomas noticed a rose bush growing near the stream. He plucked a perfect, red rose and turned to offer it to Rose.
"It reminds me of you. Beautiful, vibrant, and full of life," Thomas said, holding out the rose.
A blush rose on her cheeks as she looked down at the rose. "Thank you, Your Grace," she said, smiling. "It is lovely."
"Is it your favorite flower?" He watched her as she lifted the rose to inhale its fragrance. Her hair glistened with hints of red that caught the sunlight.
Rose gave a small laugh. "It is not my favorite, actually," she said, twirling the stem between her fingers. "My mother has an obsession with flowers, and she named all of us after them. I prefer the gardenia, but I am thankful I am not named after it. The rose is an interesting flower, though."
Thomas was glad to see Rose opening up to him, even if just a little bit. "What are some of the properties you find most interesting?" he asked, trying to keep the conversation going.
"Well, did you know that roses have antiseptic properties?" Rose said, her eyes lighting up with excitement. "And they can be used to make perfumes and other fragrances. I find it fascinating how something as simple as a flower can have so many different uses."
As Rose continued to speak, Thomas found himself fascinated by her knowledge and passion for the subject. She wandered off to a large lilac. He watched as she stood on her tiptoes to smell the small purple flowers.
"You know, Lady Rose, you are just as captivating as the flowers you admire," Thomas said, watching as she stood on her tiptoes to smell the lilacs. "Your knowledge and passion for these simple things are truly mesmerizing."
He could not help but be drawn to her beauty, both inside and out. He wanted to learn more about her and to see what other hidden talents and interests she had. How would she react if he got close to her once more? He took a step toward her, ready to ask another question, but she suddenly took off running back down the path.
Chapter Seven
"Lady Rose! Please stop!"
Thomas chased after her, his heart racing. She was running too fast, and he was afraid she was going to fall and hurt herself. He caught up to her just as she nearly tumbled off a cliff.
"Be careful!" he exclaimed, grabbing her arm to steady her. "There is nowhere for you to go out there but rocks."
Rose's eyes were wide with fear, and she was breathing heavily. "I am sorry," she said, her voice trembling. "I do not know what came over me. I just…"
Thomas pulled her close, his heart racing with a mix of fear and adrenaline. "Just be careful," he said, his voice gentle. "I do not want anything to happen to you whatever you might think of me."
As Thomas held her close, Rose suddenly became aware of a strange feeling in the pit of her stomach. She was physically attracted to him, and it confused her. She had never felt this way about a man before, especially one who had taken her against her will. She pulled free from his embrace, her heart racing.
"Yes," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "If I had tumbled off that cliff, it would have ruined your plan."
Thomas' eyes met hers, and she could see the confusion in his gaze. "My plan?" he repeated, sounding bewildered.
'"Yes," Rose said, her voice gaining strength. "Your plan for me to pretend to be your beloved to gain supporters or whatever it is you want."
Thomas's expression softened, and he took a step closer to her. "Lady Rose," he said, his voice low and gentle. "I never intended to hurt you. I just want to protect you, and I truly need your help."
Rose shook her head, her eyes filled with tears. "I do not need your protection," she said, her voice trembling. "I can take care of myself."
Thomas reached out to touch her cheek, and she stepped back, afraid of how his touch made her feel. She needed to stay calm and not give in to her growing attraction to him. "Please," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "Do not touch me." She was afraid that if he did, she would want him to take her in his arms and kiss her, and that was not a risk she was willing to take.
Thomas sighed and dropped his hand. "I am sorry," he said, his voice filled with regret. "I had hoped you would agree to my plan."
Back in the carriage, they were silent for some time. Rose stared out the window at the passing scenery. Her heart was still racing from the close call, but she could not help but feel a strange attraction to Thomas. She had never felt this way before, and it both scared and confused her. She was a prisoner, yet she was drawn to the man who held her captive.
As she gazed out the window, she felt Thomas's eyes on her. She turned to face him, and their eyes met. The intensity of his gaze was almost too much to bear, and she quickly looked away, breaking the eye contact.
"Please do not run away again," Thomas said, his voice filled with concern. "I do not want anything to happen to you."
"Yes," Rose said, her voice cold. "You would not have your payback."
Thomas' eyes darkened, and he looked away. "Is that what you think of me?" he asked, his voice filled with hurt. "That I only care about my own gain?"
Rose whirled in her seat and sat forward, her eyes blazing. "You want to use me to lie to others?"
