a flash of colour to her left, and she glanced over at the woman standing next to the window. Her l

ndly manner as Sophia stopped in

Sophia

nod, she smiled again. “That is a v

a repeated, and

This is my litt

d Kristen and she peeked around and smiled jus

he stiff fabric, wincing when it rubbed

Kristen crouched

howed her the long cut on t

frowned. “That l

Marshall says if I don’t make a better effor

ll I kiss it better for you? When Maya and I were

at her. “I l

at Sophia didn’t understand, before she smile

that her long hair fell over her shoulders

red. She ran her fingers down the str

e captured Sophia’s hand in her ow

s on her finger, directly on the cut. Warmth surged down Sophia’s finger and th

d down. “Sop

room, his scowl deepening when he saw her standing in front of the Red. The Red w

ard shove. A blonde woman put her arms around the Red as Arthur pulled So

er than to leave my si

er index finger. Where once there had been a long,

hair back from her face. She was still looking at

ealed. That’s good news. Marshall was

, just looked at Kr

k to the three women. “Which of thes

looking back at Kristen and Maya. “I want h

ust pick from thes

ant

om one finger. He shook his head. “No, m’lord, you don’t want that

She was still staring at the r

here,

bare, and her legs and arms were covered in grime and grass stains. Her hair hung halfway down her back, a cascade of fire-coloured locks with twigs and leaves stuck in it. Her light g

ny experience

s.” She dragged the small blonde woman out f

,” the girl

aid fiercely, and the g

girl blushed and stared down at her bare feet, and Arthur roll

rd,” she

s, my lord. She practically raised both our younger brother and sister. She has a comforting touc

and then at her older sister. “Are y

nothing more than a bette

I will give her a better life

n, said, “Anything is better than this. She is too bright and too

you well. I swe

ea had moved him more than he cared to adm

ave you!” She threw herself into the redhead’s arms, sobbing brokenly. Rather than so

harshly. “Maya, enough! S

and hiccupping as a stray sob escaped.

rs with dirty thumbs. “Maya, listen to me. I love you. I w

and Kristen hugged her hard be

He stopped when Kristen dropped her hand onto his arm. He could feel the heat of her hand

o her mouth and then to her breasts. They were well-hidden beneath the sack of a dress

anked his arm free. He pulled Maya toward Sophia. Already the girl’s relentless s

. The little girl shook her head. “No. I wa

o not have time

one with half a mind brings a Red into their household. They bring nothing but death and destruction they do.

hand in her small one. She was staring up at him, her dark eyes larg

d to him as “my lord” or “Arthur” when prompted to interact wit

with children, my lord. And she is excellent with plants. Your garde

across his face. “Fine.

Maya hugged her and Kristen kissed her cheek before taking her hand. The four of t

ne more, m’lord.” He looked d

ark-haired woman who was wearing a dress that left little

d for a bed warmer. Let us agree over the