Pulled by Roses- A War of the Roses Story

Chapter Six

Thomas walked with Katy to the main courtyard. Her small trunk had been placed on the wagon, along with Lady Jane's. Richard stood gallantly next to Gawain; Morgan being held by her stable boy. Jane sat quietly atop the chestnut gelding. The Earl of Warwick spoke to her softly. She nodded in understanding of her duty.

"My Lady," the young boy spoke taking Katy's hand.

"Allow me," Richard commanded, cutting in and assisting Katy atop the sturdy mare. She touched Morgan's warm neck lightly.

"She is in good hands, Sir Thomas," Edward called from the top of the stairway. Thomas looked up to his sister, taking her hand.

"Do not be a fool, remember who you are." Katy nodded looking into his brown eyes. "I await father's response to my position here. I will write when I receive news." Thomas turned his attention to Richard. "She is yours to protect."

"I would give my own life for hers," Richard assured. "Nothing will happen to Lady Kathryn while under my care. She will be treated as if she were the duchess and have anything her heart desires." Thomas threw his arms around the young duke, who embraced back. Richard quickly mounted Gawain and began his march. Guards flying his banners lead them, Katy trailed not far behind Richard. Jane was further behind her, followed by the wagon and more guards.

Time passed quickly on the ride and Morgan's confidence never faltered, rivaling that of Gawain. Her head always held high. She did not like to be second. Katy fought the mare's drive to match Gawain, her head swinging back and forth. Richard turn briefly back, watching Katy struggle to keep her place. He pulled slightly to the left, "Please, ride with me." Katy loosened slightly and Morgan trotted lightly next to him. "You need to control her more," he teased.

"She doesn't like being second," Katy commented bluntly. "Seems like you need to train her more." Richard laughed, tapping Gawain lightly.

"Me? No. She is yours, from this day forth." Morgan matched his speed.

"Mine?" she questioned, looking at her dark coat. "I couldn't possibly."

"A thank you gift." He couldn't help but smile, "For coming with me." Katy's cheeks flushed and she looked forward. "She is one you'll need to keep an eye on," he teased.

"Something we have in common, it would seem," Katy lightly tapped and Morgan sped ahead. Richard couldn't help but chuckle, speeding Gawain up to meet the young lady. Katy cut to the side of the guards ahead of her, Richard not far behind. The wind flowed through her hair and her dress raised as Morgan ran. Morgan could feel when Gawain was close and would speed up just as Richard approached Katy. At the top of a hill, she slowed Morgan, lightly tapping her neck.

"Wonderful show girl," she whispered to the mare. Morgan let out a loud breath and relaxed her stance. Richard soon appeared, looking stern.

"Give me your reins," he commanded, holding out his hand.

"Richard, I..."

"Give me your reins," He commanded, louder. Richard looked over his shoulder at Jane and a guard quickly coming. "Do not come any further!" He commanded forcefully.

"Your Grace," Katy spoke shakily, for she thought it was all in good fun, "I did not mean..."

"We don't have much time," he whispered, "They thought you were escaping and going back to Ireland. You will have to ride with me to shake the thought. If word gets back to Edward, they might take you." Katy handed him the reins and he quickly tied Morgan to Gawain.

"I should like something to hold on to," Katy called as they rode back. Richard ignored her and kept riding to rejoin the group, his group.

"We are not far from Gloucester, your Grace," a guard spoke, standing at attention. "We are ready to proceed when you are." Richard dismounted Gawain and handed him to the guard.