Early that morning, Duke Dominis escorted Gyla out to the stables. He informed Her Majesty of their day out the previous evening and ensured they’d return for supper. She’d been delighted at the news, insisting that tomorrow be a girl’s day to discuss things the duke would find rather boring. Code for gossiping about Gyla’s trip with the duke. 

Of course, Ajax would accompany them with a guard of Duke Dominis’ choosing.  A sturdy fellow with a thick beard and happy brown eyes. 

The ride to the site was plentiful with splendid sights and recognizing different bird calls. A cat crossed their path, gray and white and moving across the road at a trot. A herd of deer in a grove scattered at their noise. A farmer with goods heading down to the market. 

Basil answered all her questions with more patience than her father. Each time he did, he graced her with one of his small smiles and soft eyes. 

“Your Grace!” Men called out as they arrived. 

Gyla watched on as Basil greeted each one and shook their hands. She curtsied when introduced and offered a polite ‘hello’. So far, this little adventure produced a wonderful boost to her ego. The men were enchanted with her, not expecting her to take any interest in their work. The duke also appeared pleased with her attention to the site. 

It was not so different from her home’s mines. Fresh air. Dangerous work. Plenty of men around that Naomi would like to see shirtless. 

“I remember when the duke first came out for an inspection,” the foreman grinned down at her, a front tooth missing. “He helped topple one of the trees.”

“Oh?!” Gyla turned her eye to the duke who very obviously avoided her gaze. “Did you find the task difficult, Your Grace?” 

“Logging is not an easy job. I wanted to understand the perils.” A neutral answer. He continued to refuse her gaze. 

“It is important to maintain the equipment and rules for everyone,” Gyla nodded in understanding and returned to the foreman. “I trust His Grace has been more than adequate with such support.” 

“Indeed, my lady,” the foreman’s grin never wavered as he spoke, “I also do my best to run a tight ship around here.”

“Hopefully, not too tight. We all need to have a little fun,” she teased. 

“Would you like a demonstration, my lady?” 

Gyla turned to the duke who appeared glower at the suggestion. 

“I would love to,” she picked at her skirt in thought, “but would hate to be a distraction. I do understand this is serious work.” 

“I am sure the men are capable of focusing on the task at hand. They wouldn’t want to embarrass themselves in front of a noble lady.” At last, Basil voiced his opinion, a lightness to his tone as he shot the foreman a playful look. 

“That’s right!”

Gyla and Basil set themselves to the side, their guards steps behind them. They watched in silence as the men prepared the chosen tree. A huge giant of the forest with tough bark and pines on top. Birds flew off as the men called out and equipment scratched the earth. Axes and crosscut saws. Ropes and ladders. 

“They’ll use the ropes to help the tree fall in a safe direction,” Basil whispered in her ear and she shivered at his breath on her neck. He mistook it as a sign the shade chilled her and wrapped her in his jacket.

The tall trees did block the sunlight and cool the area quite a bit. A relief to the men as they sweated, no doubt. 

“Thank you, Your Grace.” 

“Basil,” he corrected. “We agreed on that, remember?” 

“Yes, of course… Thank you, Basil.” Gyla blushed prettily and turned her eyes back to the men. 

Loud cracks filled the air as the first axes swung. The bark split unevenly at the strikes. The entire tree shook with each force. 

Gyla instinctively grabbed onto Basil’s arm. Pines fell around them like confetti. 

“It’s alright,” he comforted her, placing one large hand over her own. 

Gyla sucked in a breath, the heat of his hand like an ember. Her heart fluttered at the feeling. His fingers a tad rough against her hand, callouses from sword practice and other manual labor. She idly wondered about how he’d look chopping wood. Shirtless and muscles dripping with sweat. 

She cleared her throat and focused on the demonstration. Lustful thoughts were for nighttime only. 

Shouts rose up from the men. Panicked. The tree began to tip, surely a good sign. 

Gyla isn’t sure what happened. The tree began to fall as it should but she swore it spun. 

“My lord!”

“My lady!”

Gyla couldn’t process any of it. One minute she stood watching and the next, her back hit the dirt, eyes staring up at branches. A heavy figure lifted off of her in a rush. Basil. She blinked, still dazed as he helped her to her feet in one rough pull. Her wrist immediately burned from the force. 

“Dammit, woman!” Basil shouted with flushed cheeks and leaves poking out of his hair. Blue eyes narrowed on her in such fury, darkened to storm clouds. His hands gripped her upper arms tightly and they protested the brutal treatment. 

Gyla stumbled back from his hold, scorned by the curse. It rang in her ears as loud as the tree’s bark cracking. An axe to her esteem. 

“My lady!” Ajax spun her around to check for wounds. “Are you alright?” 

Several of the men rushed over, concern in their eyes. 

“I’m fine,” Gyla choked out and brushed Ajax’s hands away. “I’m fine.” She forced a smile to the workers. “I think I shall take my leave now.”

“Gyla–” Basil started, but she shrugged his jacket off and practically threw it into his arms.

Her heart should have slowed by now. This was far from the first time she had a scare in her life. But, it wasn’t the scare that made her blood rush through her ears. Rather, the curse and fury of blue eyes. 

“I am so sorry for the interruption to your work,” her legs wobbled as she curtsied and she managed to rise but only barely. “Ajax and I know the way, Your Grace.” He tried to refute but she barreled on ahead. “Finish your inspection.” 

Gyla spun on the ball of her feet and rushed back to the horses. The duke’s kind man asked if she was alright, but her ears rang too high for her to respond. She thought Ajax might have for her. She saddled herself up and turned back to the castle without a glance back. She didn’t even wait to see if Ajax followed.