Erin and Lark had chosen a room in a secret passage for their date for the evening. Everyone thought they were asleep. Torches burned in sconces in the walls and they sat on blankets Lark had managed to sneak from the laundry room.

They snacked on bread, cheese, and wine as they enjoyed themselves.

“What would your father do if I asked him for your hand in marriage?” Lark asked.

Erin laughed, “You know what he told you before. First, he will inquire how you managed to get into the castle, and then he will have you thrown out or worse, into the dungeons.”

“I am being serious,” Lark said....