FOREVER KNIGHTS: #6 Malevolent Attentions
Trying to Run Mera Down

Finally, Mera reluctantly dropped her rock. Muttering. “They are quite odd. How did Marcus manage to put little Bethy and Airon to sleep while simultaneously infuriating Dear William?”

“It’s a talent.” Nora sighed.

“Oh, he’s something special.” Mera returned dryly.

Flushed William shouted over the carriage. “She wrote me a missive. Not I, her.” Before he climbed atop the driver’s bench.

“Sure, she did.” Marcus murmured as he hopped up the otherside.

Crossing her arms over her chest Mera gave Nora a sideways look. “He does know he’s boarding a carriage with the boy he’s been poking a stick at?”

Ashamed Nora nodded. “He knows.”

Watching the carriage round from the drive, Nora grimaced when it rocked despite the driver’s well-trained hand.

“Oh. Looks like William won.” Mera commented.

Wincing Nora shook her head slowly. “Will they ever grow?”

“They’re nearly men already.” Mera frowned dubiously.

“True.”

“At least they’re somewhat tolerable but Worthington…” Lips tightening until white. “I’m telling you. My brothers and yours...No one would ever replace Worthington’s corpse.” She gave Nora a solemn look.

Nora laughed nervously. “You almost sound serious.”

Mera gave her a long look. “Well, I aim for home before they rally a search party.” She rolled her eyes.

“They do frequently compare you to the family puppy.”

“Ever since they found me.” Mera groaned. “I cannot tell you how I love the comparison.”

“They only wish to protect you, Mers.”

“Yes.” She nodded. “As the twins only seek to defend your honor.”

Nora’s eyes narrowed on her friend.

Laughing slightly, the ladies rose and swept leaves from their skirts, saturated from the stoop.

“See you tomorrow.” Meralee, the taller of the two, rounded to whisper. She walked toward the cobblestones to make way across and down the road, to her own home.

“Go inside.” The Voice boomed.

Nora’s head shot up and she looked fervently around. Finding nothing. “I know you’re here. I know you’re real! Where are you?” Brows knitting, she looked at where it’d originated.

Movement in the fog and a flicker of a shadow distorting the light from the street candles, drew Nora’s attention down the road. Something heading for Meralee.

As the brunette stepped off the walk, Nora registered a clatter from the other direction and her head whipped to see Worthington’s white carriage aimed for Mera at a breakneck speed.

Nora shouted for her, running to the edge of the lawn to try and stop her.