Anger and humiliation burned through my veins, yet I could not place with whom it was that I was truly angry. It seemed so absurd to be hurt by seeing Aidan and Laurel together. After all, he was nothing to me... or so I told myself. I watched him grow from a boy into a man, marveling at the brilliance of the light and transformation of him. To me, he had been nothing more than a help-mate, caring for my beloved creatures. I took pity on him, wishing for him to accomplish so much more in this world, hence our study lessons.
Even still, it had been years since we had spent time together, pouring over a primer. Only to myself could I admit that even then I loved him, as a boy, but nothing more. The greatness that I saw in him had never diminished, nor had my feelings, yet I had to admit that they had changed dramatically.
The bitter wind beat at my cheeks, stinging them until tears sprung to my eyes. I was grateful for the pain, as it helped dull my embarrassment for having such lustful thoughts concerning one that I had cared for almost as a mother would. Surely, God would exact punishment on me. Just then, the voice of wickedness spoke out from within me. I knew full well that there was no blood between us, and though I felt horrible for the maternal feelings that I once had toward him, my body could no longer see him as a boy. Indeed, judging by his kiss, there was no means by which he could see me as a mother figure. The more I thought about his warm hands holding me close, the more my flesh burned, and the harder I rode.
Xavier was a wild spirit, and for that, William had always loved him. His coat was black as the night around us, his large head thrusting with each stride. We flowed together, each with our chests heaving as we ripped through the darkness. As we entered the woods, branches reached out to me, tearing at my gown and pulling my hair from it's restraint. As each twig ripped at me, I felt nothing but the exhilaration of letting go the troubles that plagued me. All would have remained well, if I had not glanced back long enough to notice the glint of white, another horse in pursuit.
Panic filled me and Xavier fed off of every ounce. Being as hot-blooded as he was, raging, he picked up our pace to break-neck speed. We sailed over one fallen tree after another, as I fearfully buried my hands in his mane. It seemed that no matter how fast we would run, we were never free of the fiend that chased not far behind. Xavier stumbled, yet kept his feet beneath him, all whilst scaring me witless. Sternly, I tucked his head and sat back in the saddle, the shift of my weight cueing him to stop. As we hit a patch of damp leaves, his hindquarters slid from beneath him, and I found myself tumbling from his back.
Though I was thankful to have been going so much slower, it did not stop the pain from lancing through my hip as I landed in a heap on the ground. I gasped and raised my arms to protect my head as the large white horse slid to a stop only a couple feet from where I lay. Aidan left his horse with such speed that all I could do was stare up at him, dazed. A look of sheer panic screamed across his face as he fell to his knees beside me.
"Oh Dear God! Morgane, tell me that you are not hurt!"
For a moment, all I could do was stare up at his beautiful face, marred by fear. 'Twas the first time I had ever heard him call me by my Christian name. His hands roamed my body frantically, searching for broken bones. I could not help it, touched by his great show of concern, I broke down in tears.
"I am well. I really am. How stupid of me to ride out so recklessly... and to scare you so," I sobbed.
