“I didn’t expect it to look so majestic,” Perry said in awe.
“Only the best for you, my love.” Smiling, Jax settled back into his embrace as she waited for George to pull the carriage up to the front of the house.
No sooner had the wheels rolled to a halt than the door on Perry’s side flung open.
“Lord Rapaste! We have been eagerly awaiting your arrival since we received word from the inn last night you were on your way. Welcome, sir, to Ogdam Oasis.”
Jax leaned forward to look past Perry’s muscular frame and waved shyly at their greeter. He was a tall, broad man, probably no older than forty-five, although his smooth, dark olive skin made it impossible to know for certain. He wore a robe of crimson linen, and the flaps of his turban fluttered in the breeze. Bright amber eyes contrasted against his bushy black eyebrows and his wild salt and pepper beard.
The man ignored her greeting, his gaze focused solely on Perry. Based on the intense way the man examined her husband, Jax was thankful that before leaving Saphire her court physician, Master Charles Montivarius, had brewed a harmless dye that could be used to tint the unique color of their eyes, a mark of their ducal heritage. Before leaving the Kwatalar inn the previous night, Jax and Perry had applied their first dose with pleasing results. Instead of Perry’s regal lavender gaze, he now sported irises that could pass for noble amber.
Perry hesitated only a moment before jumping into character. “Oh—yes, thank you for your kind welcome. My wife and I are delighted to be here.” He climbed out of the coach and turned to assist Jax down from her seat, but George was already there, his arm outstretched, playing the role of the diligent valet.
“It has been a long time since we’ve had a Mensinian lord among our ranks.” The man rocked on his heels, clutching his hands behind his back. “My name is Ferran Ogdam, and this is my family’s ancestral home.”
Standing at Perry’s side, Jax surveyed the huge estate looming in front of them. The double doors situated on the terrace beckoned her to explore what lay on the other side. “It’s lovely, Master Ferran.”
From the look on his face, Ferran seemed surprised she had spoken to him, but he hardly gave her the time to wonder why. “Thank you, Lady Victoire. I am proud of it, indeed.”
In the awkward silence that followed, Perry cleared his throat. “Master Ferran, we’ve been on the road for quite some time. Would you mind showing us to our suite?”
Ferran sprang into action. “Of course. I’ll send for someone to collect your bags. If you’ll follow me…” his voice trailed off as he turned and led the way up the steps of the veranda. Potted plants provided a splash of green against the pearly white stone already glittering in the increasingly bright sunlight. “We’ve made arrangements for your valet, as per your instructions. He’ll be in the chambers across from your suite.”
Perry shot a furtive look at Jax. “Valet?” he mouthed.
Jax gave a slight nod, then her eyes darted to George, whose face had taken on an odd shade of pink. Evidently, the Captain of the Ducal Guard did not approve of the identity he had been given for the length of their stay.
With a hand flying to his mouth, Perry gulped back a snort. “Excellent, Master Ferran. I’m glad to see our requests were granted.”
Ferran Ogdam turned on a heel, forcing their party to stop short. “Here at the Oasis, we aim to meet every one of our guests’ needs. If there is anything we can do to make your stay with us more enjoyable, please do not hesitate to ask a staff member.” He pulled back the double doors and ushered them inside the cavernous entryway. “Ah, here is my lovely wife now.”
Jax pulled her attention from the silk tapestries lining the stone walls to the strikingly beautiful woman entering the foyer.
“Greetings, my lord and lady,” she purred with a curtsy, batting her long, dark lashes in their direction. She tucked her curtain of midnight black hair behind an ear, revealing a stunning diamond earring that dripped down to graze her shoulder. It matched the sparkling necklace that hugged her throat. Jax had never seen such elaborate jewels worn in a ducal court, let alone on the ears of an untitled nobleman’s wife.
“Greetings, Madam Ogdam.” Perry gave a deep bow of his head.
Jax, too, dipped her head, but more so to avoid the scrutinizing gaze of their hostess. “I was just telling your husband you have a lovely home.”
“Please, call me Abra.” Although the words were friendly, her tone was reserved. She showed no sign of the welcoming hospitality her husband displayed.
Ferran’s robust chest puffed proudly as he noticed Jax, Perry, and George taking in his wife’s beauty.
Jax met George’s confused glance. These two did not seem like they belonged together, but if Ferran was wealthy enough to afford the jewels glittering from his wife’s ears and neck, then perhaps there was more to this humble villa owner than she thought.
“Come now, you must be exhausted,” Ferran said, waving his hands for the trio to follow him up the spiral stone staircase sprouting from the center of the room.
Jax gathered her skirts and trailed after Perry and George. She turned to bid Abra good-bye, only to find the woman appraising her with narrowed eyes. A glint of orange burned in her amber gaze, and it took her a moment to rearrange her features into a brilliant smile. Abra bowed and slinked back through the doorway from which she had entered.
A chill ran down Jax’s spine. What was that about? Could Abra have recognized her?
Despite the heat, Jax pulled up the hood of her traveling cloak, hoping to obscure her face from view while Ferran led them up the spiraling staircase toward the guest rooms. Perhaps this wasn’t as good of an idea as she’d thought it was after all. She was the leader of the most powerful duchy in the realm. Paintings of her hung in museums and libraries. Her portrait was plastered on Saphire’s gold currency that spread its wealth across the continent. Could she really go unnoticed, even in the forgotten paradise of the desert?
She kept silent as she followed behind Perry and George, keeping his distance from Ferran. She wanted to ask Ferran about the incredible artwork adorning the cool stone walls, but thought it best she keep her questions to herself for now. She didn’t want to give Ferran a reason to study her any more closely than he already had. So instead, she admired the centuries-old paintings and tapestries of Kwatalarian history in silence.
“Here we are,” Ferran announced as they arrived at a dark wood door. “Your suite, Lord Rapaste.” He unlocked it with a large, golden key boasting an impressive signet molded into the bow. He placed the key in Perry’s outstretched palm, along with a spare assumingly for Jax, then motioned to George. “Your chambers are this way, valet.”
Cringing at Ferran’s curt disrespect, Jax gave George a sheepish shrug before following Perry into their rooms. The door shut behind her with a snap. Master Ferran had not escorted them inside and given them a tour, but she then realized that only visiting dignitaries rated such treatment. Perry’s false identity as the son of a Baron hardly warranted the type of pomp and circumstance they would receive as the respective Duchess of Saphire and Lord Pettraud, the seventh son of Duke Pettraud.
“What’s wrong?” Perry’s inquiry broke through her thoughts.
She shook her head and smiled. “Nothing, other than your total disinterest in our host and his home. I was brimming with questions about the architecture and décor.”
Perry gathered her in his arms, giving her a teasing tickle. “Then why didn’t you ask?”
“Didn’t you see how he reacted when I addressed him out front? What if he’s already figured out who I am?”
Perry chuckled. “Darling, the poor sod was just surprised a beautiful woman chose to pay him a compliment.”
“What makes you say that?”
Pushing back the hood of her cloak, he stroked her pale cheek. “Can you imagine how he must be treated by other high-born visitors? Despite being Master of this estate, he is basically viewed as the help by guests. I’
m sure your words of praise just took him by surprise. I doubt he’s ever heard such things from an extraordinarily stunning woman.”
Jax flushed at his compliment, but pushed him away with a laugh. “Please. Just stand me next to Abra Ogdam, and I’ll go invisible.”
Perry’s eyebrows knit together. “That’s an odd pairing if I’ve ever seen one. And I thought I married above my station.”
Jax’s eyes took in the sitting room of their suite. While it looked inviting, it was nowhere near as lavish as the entryway and halls she had seen so far. “Maybe first impressions are not all that they seem.”
Perry flopped down on the chaise lounge situated near the balcony doors and grimaced. “Not as comfortable as it looks, for sure.” He rubbed the small of his back.
Just then someone knocked at the door.
Jax reached for the large brass handle. “That will be George checking in.” She pulled, the heavy door swinging in, revealing an empty hallway other than a pile of trunks perched by the threshold. “How odd.” She turned her head from side to side. She neither heard nor saw anyone moving about on the landing. Whoever left the trunks had made a swift exit. “I guess this is what was meant by sending someone to fetch our luggage.” She hoisted her traveling bag on her shoulder.
Perry dashed to her side. “I’ll get those.” He quickly pulled the trunks into the room. “Well, now you can definitely say the service was charming and helpful.” He grinned.
“Not to mention handsome,” she cooed, stroking his chin.
As Perry returned to stretch out on the chaise, Jax poked her head into the bedroom and her nose wrinkled. The canopy bed was certainly spacious, but it took up most of the room. “This was the largest suite available?”
“Perhaps if they knew they were entertaining a Duchess, they would have tried harder.” Perry wagged his eyebrows.
“Thus defeating the entire purpose of our secret getaway,” she said with a smile.
He clutched his hands with concern. “Are you certain you’re safe out here, Jax? It’s one thing for Beautraud or Savant to send a letter to rankle you, but are you quite certain they wouldn’t resort to something more dastardly if they find out you’ve left the confines of the palace?”
She met his troubled gaze with her own and sighed. “I hate to think such dark thoughts about the other leaders of the realm, Perry, but I can’t say it hasn’t crossed my mind.” She stood at his side, resting her hand on his shoulder, and glanced at her traveling satchel, now propped in the corner of the room, picturing the harsh words etched in parchment criticizing her recent decisions. “People lash out when their way of life is threatened. I don’t hold their apprehensions against them because I know what I’m asking for is revolutionary change. This respite gives me time out of the spotlight, and maybe when we return, the Dukes will come to their senses.”
Perry covered her hand with his own. “Well, given all that’s going on, I do hope you can relax a bit while we’re here.” In a swift movement, he moved his hand to circle her waist and pulled her down on the chaise with him, settling them both into its cushions.
She squeezed his hand as she nestled against his chest. “I hope both of us can.”
Chapter Four
Jax’s eyes fluttered open, the scent of honey and lavender luring her away from her nap. She jolted back in surprise to see two petite figures lording over her. “Uma? Vita? How did you get in here?”
“Perry asked me to bring you some tea,” Vita’s lilting Savantian accent explained. “He said you were murmuring in your sleep and thought it might help you unwind.” She smiled and placed a tray filled with a steaming teapot and buttery biscuits on an end table.
Jax saw the indent of Perry’s figure still etched into the chaise. She hadn’t even heard him leave. “Where has he gone off to?”
Uma smoothed back her mousey brunette hair as she settled into a nearby armchair. “He’s checking in with George and Hendrie, making sure everyone is on the same page about our visit.” She plated two of the brown sugar-glazed biscuits and handed the dish to Jax. “I told the boys we’d meet them around lunchtime. I figured you’d want to try out the sauna attached to your room.”
“Sauna?” Jax felt her spirits lift as she gobbled down each savory, yet sweet treat in a single bite. She could overlook the uncomfortable furniture and small living space if she had her own private bathhouse.
Escorting Jax to the bedroom, Uma nodded as her brown eyes danced with delight. “Yes, I know these rooms are not what you’re used to at home, but it appears the Ogdams have invested their gold in the amenities of their villa, not the accommodations.”
As if to emphasize her point, Uma pressed a small, brass button melded into the smooth wall of the bedroom. A stone slab popped out and swung open, revealing another chamber attached to the suite.
“Virtues, I never would have found this secret room,” Jax exclaimed. “Master Ferran didn’t mention we had our own sauna when he dropped us off.”
Uma and Vita shared a conspiratorial look. “I’m sure you would have solved the puzzle sooner or later, Duquessa,” Vita said with a giggle.
Jax’s cheeks flushed red, a mixture of pride and embarrassment painting her face. Her past problem-solving exploits were well known throughout the realm, and it was no secret that she enjoyed unraveling a mystery when it crossed her path. “Still, it seems a bit odd he wouldn’t have pointed it out.”
“He barely had time to show us the one attached to Hendrie’s suite after our arrival yesterday.” Uma led the way into the spacious chamber with its large pool of steaming water and incense lanterns. “I believe another round of guests arrived shortly after you and Perry did. Ferran and his wife were scrambling to accommodate them. They seem to have quite a bit on their plate.”
Vita pursed her lips. “Duquessa, it is not right for you not be the sole focus of your hosts’ attention. Why did you not rent out the entire estate for your stay?”
“That would have been a very ostentatious request. The whole point is to not draw attention,” Jax explained. “I’m here to keep a low profile. If that means forsaking some of the luxuries we are used to at court, then so be it.”
Vita turned away, failing to hide her disappointment. “I’ll unpack your bags while you bathe.”
Pressing a hand against her mouth, Uma held in her laughter until the stone slab snapped shut. “She’s certainly adjusted to the fineries of royal living rather quickly.”
“Well, to be fair, she did grow up the daughter of a wealthy nobleman,” Jax pointed out as Uma helped her slip out of her traveling gown and into the welcoming waters. Vita had only been in Jax’s service a few months and had taken quite nicely to living in a palace.
Uma tossed in a few additional hot stones that sat stoking on top of a small fireplace. They sizzled as they plunged to the bottom of the large basin.
Jax leaned her head against the rim and relished in the steam seeping into her nostrils. Laced with lavender and mint incense, she felt the heavenly waters work their magic on her nerves. “How was your journey here? Vita didn’t give you too much trouble, did she?” she asked her lady-in-waiting. A small part of Jax feared Vita looked down on Uma because, despite her high ranking in court, Uma came from a common-born family.
“She was a gem. She practically slept the entire ride.” Uma shot Jax a narrowed look. “You haven’t been working her too hard, have you?”
“What? Me?” Jax sputtered for only a moment before realizing her friend was teasing her.
Uma walked around the room, lighting each incense lantern dangling from the cave-like ceiling. “I rode up front with Hendrie most of the way. It was quite nice.”
Closing her eyes, Jax breathed in deeply. “I’m sorry you have to pretend to be cousins while we are here. I wish Grand-Père had fashioned a better story for the two of you.”
“We’re pretending to be members of a noble family. Romancing a cousin isn’t entirely unheard of, you know.”
; Jax snorted at the remark, so similar to the one she’d made to Perry. “Then you do plan to romance him, hmm?” She cracked open one eye just in time to catch Uma hurrying toward the door, her face ripe with embarrassment.
Her lady-in-waiting did not meet her suggestive gaze. “I just meant to reassure you that your over-the-top cover stories haven’t caused a problem for me.” Uma had always been very tight-lipped about her personal life, as if afraid to jinx it by expressing her growing feelings for Hendrie out loud.
Jax closed her peeking eye. “Well, I’m glad for that, dear one.” She waited for Uma to push the stone slab open and leave the room, but she heard no sound of it opening. She opened her eyes to see Uma’s slender figure hesitating at the doorframe. “Is everything all right?”
“Are you sure it’s wise for us to be so far away from home?”
Jax hadn’t expected such a weighty question from her lady-in-waiting. Uma usually shied away from political matters unless a social obligation required her to study up on a visiting dignitary. “Where’s this coming from?”
Wiping sweat from her forehead, Uma leaned against the wall. “I’ve been corresponding with Lysette ever since she and Jaquobie arrived in Isla DeLacqua to oversee the restoration. They’re both worried you may have bitten off more than you can chew.”
The water splashed around her as Jax abruptly sat up straight. “What in the name of the Virtues is that supposed to mean? Do Jaquobie and his wife think I can’t handle a simple land acquisition?” Her voice snapped more harshly than she meant it to.
Uma held up her hands. “No, of course not, Jax. It’s just…Lysette has shared some disturbing reports with me about threats coming from Beautraud and Savant.”
“I would hardly consider them a threat,” Jax said for what felt like the millionth time.
“It may seem that way now,” Uma began. She perched on the edge of the basin, averting her eyes to give Jax some modicum of privacy. “But Lysette writes that Savant has sent mercenaries to the isles to rally the DeLacquans against you.”
Paradise Plagued Page 3