“My father is no longer my worry any more. He’s not himself these days, even I have noticed that, but his act yesterday has me convinced.”
“Your marriage proposal to the duke, I assume?”
“Yes. If he was in his right mind, he would never punish me so.”
“There is talk around that Fallon has made a pact with the Dark One. His power is growing stronger every day, and people fear he will start a war. Your father’s realm is in danger.”
“He frightens me. I won’t subject myself to his will. I’m going to run.”
His eyes became large and frightened. “No, Melenthia, think about what you’re saying. If you leave, you will be banished from this house.”
“I don’t care. My father is going to sell me and his soul to that monster. I won’t stay here and do what everyone thinks is my duty. If I run, he can’t force me into something I don’t want to do.”
“If you run, Fallon will hunt you down and have you anyway.”
“He’ll have to catch me first.”
“This is no joke. That man does not take no so easily. He won’t just walk away humiliated; he’ll find you.”
“Would you have me marry him and risk my life under his roof, after he practically took me by force under mine?” She had told him about the night of her birthday.
“No.”
“Then help me, Lucan. You’re the only one who can help me. Kevaan was supposed to, but he has not yet returned from whatever errand he had.”
“What do you need?”
“I need you to cut my hair.”
“What?”
“I need to disguise myself as much as I can. If my hair is long, I will surely stand out. If I dress in my riding clothes and my hair is short, anyone not looking close enough will think I’m a man. Please, Lucan, don’t make me do it myself.”
“What else?”
“I need you to sneak into the armory. I’m taking my sword with me.”
“That would surely get you noticed.”
“I will keep it hidden unless I need it. It was a gift to me when I was born. It’s rightfully mine, and I will take it. Please, Lucan.”
He shook his head and frowned. “I don’t know if I can do this.”
She gazed intently at him. “He’ll be here in three days. I don’t have much time.”
“Three days? No, he is already on his way. Our watchman on the Aaralyn border sent word yesterday afternoon that he was in route. He’s expected to arrive by this evening.”
Her eyes were large now. “That really leaves me no time. Please, Lucan, help me.”
He sighed and felt his heart sink. She was right. She would never survive under his roof, even as tough as she was, but her leaving broke his heart. He didn’t have many friends besides her, and he loved her deeply. They had become friends even though it was frowned upon. She always made sure he was well fed and employed, and he kept her apprised of all the castle gossip. He loved her dearly and would worry about her everyday, but he agreed to help her. He knew that allowing Fallon to have her would put her in worse danger, danger even Kevaan couldn’t keep her from.
“Okay, Mel, I’ll do as you ask, but it will take me a little while to get into the armory. I can’t just waltz right in there under their nose and take whatever I want; that’s why it’s guarded.”
“Okay, I understand, but in the meantime I need you to cut my hair.”
He looked out into the sky. “We don’t have much time. The kitchen staff will be up soon, and, if you’re seen, things will not go well.”
“Okay. Get your shears and hurry.”
He left her standing by the bins, then returned almost immediately with the shears. She turned her back to him so the little light that was starting to peek over the horizon would help him see. He looked at her gorgeous hair and hesitated.
“Come on, Lucan. What’s wrong?”
“I don’t think I can do this.”
“You have to. Just think of me as one of the steeds and you won’t have any trouble.”
“You are not a steed, Melenthia, you are a beautiful woman with a gorgeous head of hair.”
She sighed. “Give me those.” She tried to grab them from him, but he pulled them away.
“No. I’ll do it. I don’t want it to be all uneven and look like it was done in haste. People will notice that.”
“Alright then, just hurry up.”
He took another deep breath, grabbed a handful of her curly red locks and chopped. He cut quickly and expertly; trimming the tails and manes of the horses was his expertise. He winced every time a large lock of hair fell to the ground. Soon though, he had cut it all off, and she turned to look at him. He left it just below her ears, and she ran her fingers through it, smiling.