Forever My Love (Historical Romance) by Constance O'Banyon Page B

feeling you would always be honest."
    Royal stood up and dusted the dried grass from her black skirt. "My papa often told me that to have a friend, you have to be a friend." Her eyes were sharp and penetrating as they connected with Lady Alissa's. "You get out of friendship what you put into it. I suspect you have bullied and prodded your friends until they are afraid to tell you the truth."
    Lady Alissa jerked her head up. "Careful you do not go too far, Royal."
    "Don't try to bully me, Lady Alissa. I am not one of your toads that grovel at your feet."
    Suddenly amusement touched Lady Alissa's lips, and she smiled softly. "Is that how you think of my friends?"
    Royal pushed a stray strand of hair beneath her black hat. "I don't mean to be unkind, but, yes, I often think of them as your sycophants."
    Now Lady Alissa laughed aloud. "I have never met anyone as refreshing and original as you, Royal Bradford. I don't believe you would ever be a toad to anyone, would you."
    Royal was surprised by the girl's sudden burst of humor. "No, not a toad, but I might be considered a mule since I am so stubborn."
    "I would much rather you just be my friend and always tell me exactly what's on your mind. We can start with you calling me 'Alissa.'"
    Royal was doubtful that the two of them would ever be friends, but she tested the name. "Alissa."
    Lady Alissa did not hear Royal. She had reached down to her legs, daring to hope she could move them again. She concentrated all her strength on her right leg. Beads of perspiration popped out on her forehead, and she trembled from the intensity of her efforts.
    Seeing Lady Alissa's pallor, Royal dropped down beside her. "Are you ill?"
    "No," the girl said excitedly. "Watch this!" Had she moved her leg, or was it her imagination? "Did you see that?"
    Royal stared in wonder. "I thought you were... lame?"
    Lady Alissa closed her eyes as joy swept through her body. This time she moved both her legs, laughing and crying at the same time. "I did it—I did it!"
    Royal sank back on the grass and watched with tears in her eyes as Lady Alissa took a deep breath, pulled her leg forward, and pushed it back. "It's a wondrous miracle," Royal declared. Then she looked at Lady Alissa, undecided. "Does this mean you can walk?"
    Her new friend beamed at her. "I am hoping it does. I doubt I would ever have had the courage to try if the horses hadn't bolted... if I hadn't been forced to move my legs to keep from being crushed."
    "I am truly happy for you. It is as if something wonderful came from a near tragedy."
    "I owe it all to you, Royal," Lady Alissa said softly. "If it hadn't been for you, I would most probably be dead."
    Disconcerted by Lady Alissa's praise, Royal glanced at the sky. The heavy thunderclouds had moved away, as had the threat of rain. "I believe we should return to the others. They will probably be concerned by now. Will you allow me to help you onto Enchantress's back?"
    Lady Alissa shuddered. "I don't see that I have a choice."
    Royal grasped her hands and helped her lean against the tree. "You will be safe. Don't forget, it was Enchantress who really saved you today."
    Lady Alissa pushed down her fear. Leaning heavily on Royal, she reached for the saddle. Between them the two girls finally managed to get Lady Alissa firmly in the saddle.
    "Climb up beside me," Lady Alissa offered.
    "No, you are still shaky. It's but a short way back to camp, and I'm sure you will feel more secure if I lead Enchantress."
    As Royal grasped the reins and pulled the horse forward, Lady Alissa spoke to her. "Tell no one that I can move my legs, Royal. I want to be able to walk before anyone finds out."
    "It will be our secret, Lady—"
    "Just Alissa," she reminded Royal.
    ***
    It was a group of astonished teachers and students that watched Royal lead Enchantress out of the woods with Lady Alissa poised on the horse's back.
    Deborah rushed forward, pushing Royal away. "What has happened? We were so worried about you,