Her reaction to his words was unexpected. At first he had thought she was going to take him outside to tell him why she couldn't go to the castle with him. He was both shocked and relieved when she agreed to go.<br/><br/>But the way she said it and the way she turned toward him eyes closed confused him. He wanted to take her to the tree. They needed to talk, but somehow he sensed something more bold was needed.<br/><br/>Scooping he up into his powerful arms he bolted through the tavern door into the cool, dark, night. As fast as his legs would carry them he headed toward the castle.<br/>