Ned interpreted her laughter as a sign that she had caught his reference and grinned broadly in response. "Probably better that you aren't predisposed to kidnapping," he quipped. "Rescue does sound like such a bit of effort." Particularly for someone who didn't have a dozen acclaimed knights and an entire kingdom at their disposal to command to do all the hard work for them, which Ned didn't. (It did not occur to him until later that he had automatically cast himself in the role of her rescuer, in the event that she were kidnapped — and yet had still not managed to acquire her name).

"Until we meet again, then, Miss," he said with a smile. "In more favorable circumstances, perchance."

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