Web of Deceit

**A Few Hours Earlier **

“Seems like she’s not coming here today...” Florian said with a hint of teasing in his voice.

Leonard watched as his younger brother stepped out from the shadows of the stables and into the open where he could see Florian’s face clearly. Florian had a beautiful smile on his lips; however, his smile didn’t reach his eyes.

“Why are you here?” Leonard asked instead of reacting to Florian’s words.

“I could ask you the same thing,” Florian replied as he looked around the stables with distaste.

“This place doesn’t suit you and you’re not a big fan of horses. Did you come here just to see me?” Leonard asked innocently.

“My nose told me that a very sweet-smelling little maid had been working here every day,” Florian replied before he laughed playfully.

“Well, it seems like you scared her off because she didn’t turn up today,” Leonard replied smoothly.

“You knew that she wouldn’t be here, but you still came. I don’t even want to know what that means…” Florian mut