by C. J. Archer
"I shouldn't have come. I'm sorry." I turned away to re-enter the garrison.
He caught my hand, only to let it go again. "I'm sorry too. I'm not good company today." It would seem we were both in quarrelsome moods. "There's one other thing."
"Yes?" I said on a rush of breath.
He stepped back, as if he expected me to attack him—or kiss him. I felt like one of the maids I'd seen looking at him longingly, as if a desperate look could compel him to notice them. Hailia, I was pathetic.
I cleared my throat. "What is it?" I asked, sounding quarrelsome again.
"The footman, Seb, couldn't have raped Ingrid. There is a witness who states he saw Seb here at the palace that evening."
"The witness might be a false one, just like Zeke falsely claimed Brant was with him on patrol."
"The witness is the duke of Buxton."
"Oh."
"Don't be disappointed," he said, more gently. "Our list is shrinking."
Our list. I liked that he still included me. Liked it very much. I gave him a flat smile that he returned.
"Captain Hammer, sir," said a guard striding toward us along the corridor. As he stepped into the light cast by a torch, I saw that it was Zeke. He bowed his head, not meeting Dane's gaze, and held out a note. "A message came for you, Captain."
Dane read the note then tucked it into his doublet pocket. "I have to attend to this. I can't escort you to the gate, Josie."
"I'll escort her, sir," Zeke said. "It'll be an honor." He still did not raise his gaze to meet Dane's. He must feel very sheepish about lying for Brant. At least he didn't sport signs of physical punishment.
"You've been assigned other tasks," Dane said. "I suggest you return to them."
"Yes, sir. Thank you, Captain." Zeke bobbed his head and returned the way he'd come.
"Are his other tasks arduous ones?" I asked, watching him go.
"Very," Dane said. "Quentin will escort you."
"I don't need an escort. Let me say goodbye and I'll see myself out."
He opened the door and indicated I should walk ahead of him into the garrison. "Every time you see yourself out, you find trouble."
"I can't help it if trouble finds me." At his grunt, I added, "I'll be fine. I'll avoid the Deerhorns if I see them."
"I'm sure you will, but it's the Deerhorns I don't trust."
He did not enter the garrison with me but left. I said my farewells and departed through the external door that led directly outside. On a whim, I didn't head in the direction of the forecourts and gate but instead toward the prison next door. Dane was wrong to trust me. I was more than capable of doing the opposite of what I was told, although I didn't plan on finding trouble. I simply planned to speak to Brant, and I would do so in the open where he wouldn't dare harm me.
I called out to him from the prison entrance. He rose from the chair by the far door in the outer guard's chamber and joined me. He looked around, his one good eye squinting in the sunlight. The other was swollen shut. The skin around it was various shades of black and purple, and his nose was swollen too.
"Come to inspect his handiwork?" he sneered.
"Yes, as it happens." I remained at arm's length, not the ideal way to inspect a patient's injuries, but I could see everything that I needed to know. He was lucid, his good eye focused, his speech not slurred. He moved easily enough so he sported no broken bones.
"Why do you care?" he asked.
I didn't, but I wouldn't tell him I'd wanted to see how much punishment Dane could mete out on his own men. "I'm a healer by nature. Do you have a headache?"
"No."
"Blurred vision?"
"No. It's just some bruises. I expected worse." He glanced over his shoulder toward the prison. "I've seen him do worse."
"To the prisoners?"
"When he gets real angry, he snaps." He clicked his fingers near my face. I blinked but remained where I was. He chuckled. "Hammer's a violent man, Josie. You best remember that. One of the men in there ain't never going to be the same after the captain almost killed him."
The swallowed the bile rising up my throat. "What did the man do to incur his wrath?"
"Raped one of the maids."
Balthazar and Theodore had implied it, but why hadn't Dane told me there'd been another? Perhaps it didn't matter since the prisoner couldn't have done these latest crimes, yet I couldn't help wishing he'd told me everything. I was disappointed that he still kept secrets from me. How many others did he keep?
"Why did you let him think I hurt you that night?" Brant asked.
"What?" I said, trying to focus. "I didn't say that, just that I saw you and you admitted to lying about being on patrol."
"He didn't do this because I lied." He indicated his eye.
I shook my head, frowning. "I don't follow."
"He fought me because he don't like that I got into your house. Guard duty out here is my punishment for lying about patrol." He bared his teeth. "You told on me. You told him you saw me at your house. Don't deny it."
"H—he guessed," I stuttered.
He wiped the sweat from above his top lip with the back of his hand. "That so?" He returned to the guard chamber and slammed the door shut.
I walked quickly away, checking over my shoulder every few paces to see if he followed. My nerves didn't settle until I'd left the main gate far behind. Despite the heat, I decided to walk home. It didn't feel right to ask for a carriage.
The long, straight Grand Avenue took me past the coach house and stables then cut through the forest like a gash. It was some distance to the intersection with the village road, but the dense trees offered shade from the burning sun. I was soon sweating, however, and considered resting when I heard hooves to my left. Bright pink and deep blue flashed between the trees and a woman called out to her companion, begging him or her to slow down.
The hooves faded and I thought them gone when they suddenly emerged from the forest up ahead. The riders were both women, their cloaks billowing behind them like sails as they approached at a gallop.
"Miranda!" cried the woman in pink. "You're going too fast!"
It was Miranda and Kitty. I stepped aside and waved so they'd see me. Miranda slowed down as she passed then came to a stop.
"Josie! What a surprise." She wheeled her horse around just as Kitty stopped beside me. "Where are you going?"
"Home," I said.
"On foot?" Kitty asked. "But the village is miles away. It must be fifty, at least."
"Five."
"It feels like fifty in this heat." She pressed the back of her gloved hand to her forehead and cheeks. "I'm so hot, I'd jump into a fountain if one were nearby."
"Oh yes, let's return to the palace and do just that." Miranda winked at me. "The one on the main forecourt is closest, although not the biggest."
Kitty lowered her hand. "You cannot be serious. I'm a duchess."
Miranda sighed theatrically. "I forgot. Duchesses can't be seen enjoying themselves."
"I enjoy myself." Kitty sniffed. "I just don't think getting wet is much fun unless one is taking a bath."
"You don't like riding fast, either."
"My husband will scold me if he finds out. He thinks ladies should walk their horses. Anything faster is undignified."
Miranda opened her mouth but shut it again and drew in a fortifying breath.
"Where have you been riding?" I asked them.
"Through the forest," Kitty said, tugging her horse's reins to keep it from turning. "Do you ride, Josie?"
"No. I haven't got a horse."
"Poor you. Riding is an excellent activity."
"But only at walking pace," Miranda chimed in.
Kitty beamed at me. "Next time you come to the palace, perhaps I can teach you."
I thanked her but declined the offer. "I can't just borrow one of the king's horses."
"Nonsense. Of course you can, if you're with me. I think it's an excellent idea. I'm in need of a project." She cast a gla
nce toward the palace. "The days do stretch on if one is not a candidate for the king's affections. Oh." She nibbled on her lower lip. "Miranda, I am sorry. I didn't mean to be cruel."
Miranda laughed. "It's all right, Kitty. I forgive you since I am quite recovered from his disinterest. Are you going to return to the palace now?"
"Yes, why?"
Miranda dismounted and handed the reins to the duchess. "Take her back to the stables for me. I'm going to walk with Josie for a while."
"Walk? In this heat?"
"There's a pond through there." She pointed at the trees to our right. "We'll paddle in it to cool down."
Kitty blinked at her. "You're not serious." She looked at the trees then looked at Miranda again. "No, you can't be. Paddling in a pond, and dressed in your riding blues too." She smiled. "You are amusing, Miranda." She tugged on the reins and clicked her tongue for the horses to walk on. "Don't forget, Josie," she said as she headed off. "Wear a riding outfit next time."
I didn't bother telling her I didn't own a riding outfit.
"She truly isn't aware how ridiculous she is," Miranda said, linking her arm with mine.
"That's part of her charm," I said. "She isn't being cruel, she simply isn't aware of how the real world works."
"She is the most cosseted woman I've met, and believe me, there are many here. She's quite good company, though. We laugh a lot."
"Does she laugh too?"
Miranda chuckled and hugged my arm. "Usually, although it's possible she doesn't always understand why."
We veered off the avenue as a wagon passed by and headed into the trees. I'd been through this forest before, to collect sap and bark from the pomfrey trees, but not since the palace was built. The king had declared the lands surrounding the palace for his exclusive use only, and villagers were banned from foraging and poaching. Since there were other copses of pomfrey trees, I hadn't been too concerned, but the decree galled some of the villagers.
The forest soon opened up to reveal a pond. I was certain it hadn't been here before the palace was built.
I stared at the water glistening in the beam of sunshine. "I thought you'd made it up to tease Kitty."
"I found this place only yesterday." Miranda removed her riding cloak and placed it over a log. "Help me undress, please, Josie."
"You're going in?"
She flashed me a wicked grin. "Aren't you?"
I glanced around at the trees. They were utterly still. There wasn't a breath of wind in this part of the forest. The air was hot, I was hot, and the clear water looked inviting.
"We'll be able to hear riders coming in advance of seeing them," she assured me.
"Is it deep? I can't swim."
"Nor can I. We'll stay near the edge."
I unlaced her bodice and placed it next to the cloak on the log then helped her with the skirt. She hung it over a low branch and kicked off her boots. She stood in her chemise, stays and underskirt. "Don't have second thoughts now."
"I'm not," I said, removing my own clothing. Unlike hers, mine didn't need another's assistance. "I can't believe I'm doing this." Standing in my underthings in the middle of the day, outside, seemed far too daring. My father would be shocked. Meg would be shocked. I didn't care. I wasn't naked, after all. "I can't believe you're doing this, Miranda. You always seem so regal and composed, not wild."
She laughed. "Don't tell anyone or my reputation will be ruined."
The cool water felt wonderful lapping at my ankles. I took another step and mud squelched between my toes. I almost got out but Miranda caught my hand and together we waded to our knees. The mud gave way to sand and pebbles. The water was as clear as glass. I could see the bottom and a school of tiny fish darting by.
Miranda promptly sat and laughed at my shocked gasp. "You can't get the full benefit of the refreshing water unless you immerse yourself in it. Come on."
I plunged down beside her then decided to go further. I pulled my hair loose of its pins, shook it out, and lay back until only my face was above the water. Miranda followed suit and together we lay there, staring up at the blue sky in silence. It was relaxing, perhaps a little too much as I felt myself beginning to nod off.
"If I stay here any longer, I'll drown," I said, standing. "I'm going to dry off then I'd better go."
She followed me to the bank where we squeezed the water out of our hair and plucked wet underclothes away from our skin. "So have you shown that to the captain yet?" she asked.
"Shown him what?"
Her wicked smile lit up her face. "The body beneath the clothes."
"Miranda!" I grabbed my boot and threw it at her.
She dodged the boot, laughing. "He'll like it."
"I'm not listening to you."
She picked up the boot and tossed it back to me. "You're right not to show him yet. Secure a promise from him first then show him."
"Miranda, there is nothing between—"
She clapped a hand over my mouth and put a finger to her lips for silence. "Someone comes," she whispered. "Quickly."
We gathered our clothes and ducked into the forest. We separated and slipped behind a tree trunk each. I didn't dare peek but I recognized the king's voice, clear across the pond. Merdu, why did it have to be him? The other voice belonged to a woman but I couldn't hear what she said.
Miranda had more courage than I did and she watched them. I dared to follow her gaze and caught sight of the king removing his clothing with the help of the woman. Stripped down to his underthings, he then assisted her out of her clothes. She turned and— Lady Morgrave! So her efforts had been rewarded after all. She seemed to have won his affections.
I turned away when it became clear they weren't going to stop at their underthings. I didn't want to see either of them naked. Miranda turned away too and pulled a face.
"Shall we go?" she mouthed.
"They'll see," I mouthed back.
Splashes and giggles came from the pond, and I dared another peek. The king was in the middle of the pond, the water up to his waist, and Lady Morgrave was submerged to her knees. He beckoned her to join him where it was deeper but she refused. He splashed her and she squealed.
"Now," Miranda hissed.
We raced off, clutching our clothes and boots, heading further into the forest instead of toward the road. When we came across another smaller clearing, we stopped, panting and laughing. Miranda couldn't contain her giggles and made the most unladylike snort.
"Did you see it?" she asked through her tears. "Did you see his small—?"
"Miranda! Merdu, if someone hears you, you'll be in trouble for talking about the king's…appendage like that."
She pressed a hand to her chest and drew in several deep breaths. "You're right. It's time to be a lady again. It was fun being wild with you, Josie, but I must think of my parents and how horrified they'd be if I were found like this. Help me dress, will you? It's impossible to do on my own."
I glanced around, suddenly feeling self-conscious in my undergarments. Neither of us was entirely dry but we dressed anyway and I fixed her hair into the most elegant arrangement I could manage. I left mine down to dry completely.
We walked through the forest in what we hoped was the right direction until we came to a path. A sign indicated the palace was one way and the village the other so we parted with a promise to meet again.
I hadn't got far when a group of riders forced me to the side, and I almost fell into the ditch. It was immediately obvious they weren't Glancians from their shorter stature and darker hair, and a quick scan of their faces confirmed it. My stomach dropped when I recognized Lord Barborough. It was too late for me to run into the forest; he'd seen me.
He told his men to go on without him then ordered me to remain. "I wish to speak to you, Miss Cully." He didn't dismount but sat rigidly in the saddle, his useless arm resting across his lap. His good hand clutched the reins tightly. His apparent anxiety was the best proof that his arm didn't work.
"My lord
?" I asked. "If you please, I must get home. I am expected."
"But you live alone."
Despite the heat, cold tingles crept down my spine. How did he know? Had he just come from the village where he'd been asking about me? Dread wrapped its fingers around my insides and squeezed. I was in a forest, far from the palace, with a man I didn't trust. A man who wanted me to spy for him or suffer the consequences.
I tried to step past him but he moved his horse to block my path. "No, Miss Cully. You're not going anywhere until I have information."
The problem was, I had no information to give.
Chapter 11
"This won't take long," Lord Barborough said. "I simply wanted to know how you've fared with the servants."
I wished I'd spoken to Balthazar more. If anyone had suggestions for what I should tell Barborough, it would be him. "It's been difficult, my lord. The servants are busy and unwilling to talk to me."
"Did you search your patient's room?"
"Yes," I lied. "I found nothing to indicate where she lived before working for the palace."
He shifted in the saddle and stared over my head into the forest. "What about the captain of the guards?"
"What about him?"
"Don't be coy, Miss Cully." He shifted his weight again and his useless arm slipped. He nudged it with his other hand, not loosening his grip on the reins. "You two are…friends."
"Yes, though not the sort of friend you're implying."
His eyes widened at my brazenness.
"I haven't seen his chambers," I went on. "I don't even know where he sleeps at night."
"In the room next to the king," he said.
"If you know where it is, perhaps you should search it."
"Perhaps I will. He might be the sorcerer. After all, he has access to the entire palace and is close to the king. And if I were a sorcerer and needed to disguise myself as a man, that's the form I'd choose. Don't you agree, Miss Cully?" His voice was oily, his smile slippery. "Yes, I believe you do." He eyed me closely then chuckled.
I walked off. To my surprise and relief, he didn't try to stop me.