The Royal Hunter

by Donna Kauffman

  Talia felt she should be arguing with him, but in truth, she was so relieved she could have wept. She had no idea what she was going to face, only that it had to be easier with someone she could trust by her side. She smiled at that. Here she was, in the arms of a man who sold his loyalty to the highest bidder, and yet she was willing to trust him to remain loyal to her for … what? Great sex?

  As if he had read her mind, he said, “You have to realize that you can trust no one.”

  “Except you. A mercenary who is being paid by the queen.” She hadn’t meant it as an accusation; she just wanted his reassurance.

  He nodded, not remotely offended. In fact, there appeared to be increased respect in those fathomless eyes of his. “I may sell my services, Tali, but I decide where my loyalties lie and it doesn’t always have to do with money.”

  “Or great sex?”

  A surprised grin broke out on his face as understanding dawned. “Ah. So that’s what prompted this concern?”

  “I figured I didn’t have much hope of enslaving you with my feminine wiles, not when I’m up against a queen’s ransom.” She’d said it jokingly, but his expression was serious when he responded.

  “I answer only to myself. I’ll never be a slave to anything or anyone, ever again.”

  She opened her mouth to ask him what he meant, but he took full advantage and kissed her.

  “But I find myself not so bothered by wanting to protect you,” he murmured. “I need you to understand that, other than myself, you must trust no one at court.”

  “And Baleweg?”

  “I doubt he’ll go to court with us. He has no use for politicians and their machinations, although they would love to capitalize on his formidable skills. He can’t help the queen, and if what he says about Emrys is true, his presence there might actually create more problems than it would fix.”

  “But won’t it be better to have him with us, in case we need his skills, if there’s an emergency?” She felt a chill steal over her skin as fear bubbled up again.

  “Baleweg has kept himself alive and prosperous by keeping to himself and following his own instincts. We won’t be able to change his mind.” Archer smiled then and traced a finger down the side of her face. “Does it bother you so much to be stuck alone with me?”

  “I’m not sure.”

  Archer tipped his head back and laughed. “Ah, a woman after my own heart.” He looked at her, still smiling. “You’ll do well at court, Tali. Never stop questioning everything and you’ll do just fine.”

  “Does it bother you that Baleweg all but thrust the job on you? Your job is done when you return with me. I don’t want you risking—”

  Archer cut her off. “I made that choice. Not him.” His eyes burned into hers. “Tell me you know you can trust me. Honestly.”

  She swallowed hard then, knowing without knowing how that she’d gotten more from him than most, perhaps more than anyone. “I trust you.” She reached for his face. “And thank you.”

  He closed his eyes at her touch and she could feel the muscles twitching in his cheek. He was as tense as she’d ever seen him and she tried not to let that frighten her further. Who was this man and how had she come to care for him so deeply? And want him to care for her the same way?

  He opened his eyes and took her hand in his. “We have to hurry. You’ll have no idea what is going on and I can’t explain it all to you in the short time we have left.”

  She stilled as the finality of the moment began to sink in. “How short?”

  “Now. Baleweg is waiting at the house.”

  She fought panic and barely maintained a edge. “I can’t go now. I have to rearrange those appointments and … get things together and—”

  “And nothing. We don’t have any more time, Talia. Stella will have to handle things here. The worst that could happen is that she postpones the appointments, until …” His voice trailed off.

  “Until what?”

  He traced a tender finger down the side of her face. “Until I deliver you back here.”

  Talia looked into his eyes and found herself trying not to connect with his feelings. Would he be satisfied with bringing her back and going on his merry way? Or did he want … something else?

  She shook free of those thoughts. Everything was confusing enough without bringing her disturbing feelings about Archer into it. If Archer wanted something more, he’d say so. He wasn’t exactly a shy man.

  What about her? If she wanted more? Would she say so?

  Talia sighed. “Okay. I have to explain things to Stella. I’m certain enough about the two adoptions tomorrow—I’ll let her handle them rather than make these people wait until … until I get back.”

  Devin took her hand then and it felt so natural, the sense of strength she got from it. A part of her thought it would be smarter if she could do this on her own, rely only on herself, as she’d always done. But he squeezed her hand just then and she knew she wouldn’t turn away from what he had to offer. She pulled him toward the door, then had to jump back as it swung open and Stella came stumbling in.

  “Hi, boss. Afternoon rounds are done.” She smiled, then caught sight of Talia and Archer’s joined hands. Her young brown eyes fairly danced as she looked back up at the two of them. “Cool.”

  Talia flushed, but her thoughts were on what she had to tell her. “Stella, listen. I—we—have to go out of town and I’ll need you to take care of things here for a few days.” She said it all in a rush, knowing from the speculative gleam in her employee’s eyes what she was thinking this sudden trip was about. She was about to correct her, but a squeeze from Archer stopped her. Letting Stella think what she thought was probably just as well.

  “There are only two dogs getting medication at this point and I’m certain you can handle that. All the instructions are on the clipboard and you can follow what I’ve written in the past. Make sure you note the time and condition when you administer them. In case of emergency, contact Ken. The other two appointments for adoption are coming later tomorrow. I’m sure everything will be okay, and I trust you to handle the paperwork. You’ve done it with me often enough so it shouldn’t be a problem.”

  Stella looked surprised, but willing and excited to take on the increased responsibilities. “Sure thing. I can handle it, you don’t have to worry.”

  “Also, will you keep an eye on Marble for me? Not that he needs much monitoring, just keep some cat food and a water bowl on the porch, in case he deigns to eat here.”

  “No problem.” For the first time, Stella looked concerned. “Will I be able to reach you? I mean, if I have a question or anything?”

  “Um—”

  Archer stepped in and with a smooth wink leaned down to Stella’s ear and whispered, “I’m whisking her off for a bit. I’m not certain about the phone service. You understand. Certainly you and the others can get by, right?”

  Stella nodded, totally mesmerized.

  “You’re a top sort, Stella.” He squeezed her shoulder and Talia was surprised the girl didn’t go into cardiac arrest right then.

  “Thank you, Stella,” Talia added. “I’m sorry to dump this on you. You can always call Karen and Sue in for extra hours if you need to. And you know Ken is just a call away. Don’t worry about any overtime, I’ll cover it.” She smiled. “I know you’re up to the task and we’re pretty low on guests at the moment anyway. Oh! If the county shelter calls or any of the rescue leagues, well, use your judgment. Don’t take any extreme cases, or … or call Ken and see if he can help. Damn.” She looked up at Archer. “How can I just go like this?” she asked quietly. “What if they need me?”

  “You’ve trained your staff well.”

  “What about Mr. B?” Stella asked. “Is he staying?”

  “Oh. Um. Well.” Talia sputtered for a moment, unsure how to explain why they’d be taking Baleweg with them on a lover’s holiday.

  Archer came to the rescue again. “He’ll be leaving with us. We’re dropping him off
to visit some other friends while we’re gone.”

  “Oh. Cool.” Stella beamed at them both. “Well, have a great time.” She impulsively leaned in and hugged Talia. “Thank you for trusting me with this. You won’t be sorry. I’m glad you’re taking some time for yourself. You so deserve it, as hard as you work.” She glanced at Archer, then wiggled her perfectly plucked brows at Talia. “Way to go, too. He’s a total hottie.” Then she stepped back and smoothed her T-shirt and shorts, striving to look professional and mature. “Well. I guess I’ll go check the charts and make up my schedule for the next couple of days.”

  Talia smiled and sighed in relief as Stella all but skipped off to the kennels. She was only eighteen, but very responsible and not afraid to ask for help. Talia would worry anyway, but Archer was right, she’d trained her well. A certain pride filled her then and she tried to ignore the little hitch that went along with it. She was used to being needed, in fact, she’d made certain she was needed here. It was what her whole world revolved around. Or had.

  “Baleweg is waiting,” Archer said quietly.

  “I know.”

  “She’ll be fine.”

  Talia looked up at him. “I know that, too.”

  He opened his mouth to say something and she could see the understanding in his eyes. Instead he squeezed her hand, which said everything anyway. “Let’s go.”

  The closer they got to the house, the harder she had to work not to throw up. The anxiety was too much. She worked to focus on one step, and then the next, and not think about what came after. Sort of like clacking up to the top of the first hill of a roller coaster. She’d just focus on surviving the climb … not the screaming descent that followed.

  Archer lifted his head and gave a sharp whistle.

  Talia leaped in surprise, then laughed at herself. God, she’d better get a grip. What kind of astronaut was she anyway?

  “Just calling Ringer.” A hawk circled above them, then dove straight down. Talia squealed and ducked but Archer just swore and stuck out his arm where the hawk landed with amazing smoothness. “Always the showboat.”

  Talia’s eyes widened. “Ringer?” She looked quickly around to make sure no one from the kennels was watching.

  Archer sighed in disgust. “Now maybe you see what I have to deal with.”

  If she hadn’t been so shocked, she’d have laughed. She imagined there was little Archer tolerated in the way of having his chain jerked, so she rather enjoyed the idea that this little … thing … had so clearly wrapped him around his, well, claw. Maybe she would find time to get to know the beast better.

  It occurred to her then that maybe she was simply another stray Archer had adopted. And while she was reassured by the idea that the man had a heart, she wasn’t sure she liked the idea of being a rescue project.

  Baleweg met them on the porch. “We must go,” he said, his blue eyes projecting a calm and serenity she didn’t remotely feel.

  “I just need to pack a few things.”

  “The court will provide what you need,” Baleweg assured her.

  “But … I’d feel more comfortable in my own clothes. At least let me take my own toothbrush.”

  “Toothbrush?” Archer asked. Talia just looked at him. “What do you call it?”

  “I don’t know. What is it?”

  “A little brush on a stick you clean your teeth with.”

  “Oh.”

  She rolled her eyes. “Well, I’m sorry, but it’s our only defense against tooth decay. How do you keep your teeth from rotting out of your head?”

  “They’re sealed,” he said, as if she were dense. “You just rinse with—”

  “Children,” Baleweg called. “Really.”

  Talia sighed, knowing it was the stress making her snap at him, but unable to reel it in. “Well, I don’t care what you all do in the future, I want my own toothbrush—You do have running water, right?”

  Archer nodded and shot her an infuriating grin.

  She refused to back down. “And I want a book. Or two. And my nightgown.”

  Both men simply stared at her. Finally, her shoulders slumped. “It’s not like I’m asking to take my teddy bear. You got to bring Ringer with you.”

  Archer’s expression softened then and he kissed her quickly on the forehead. “Get what you think you need, but make it quick. And nothing you can’t carry on your back.”

  She stepped back and smoothed her hair, pretending a level of nonchalance she really didn’t feel. “Thank you.”

  She turned to find Baleweg staring at them both and had the grace to blush. She’d forgotten that he was unaware of how things had changed between her and Devin last night. Or, considering the light in his eyes, perhaps not. Had he checked up on her last night, only to find her bed—and Devin’s hammock—empty?

  Well, she refused to be embarrassed. She was a grown woman who could make her own choices. Her cheeks reddened anyway. Dammit.

  Baleweg merely smiled at them both, then looked directly at Talia. “I believe you’ve already found all you will need.”

  Chapter 15

  Archer smiled when Talia came back outside a few minutes later, a bulging backpack over her shoulder … and Beatrice’s godawful fishing bonnet on her head. He said nothing because he understood why she’d taken it. They might have eradicated tooth decay in his time, but people still clung to their teddy bears. The hat was her teddy … of sorts.

  She came down the steps, her expression all but daring him to comment. Instead he pulled something out of his back pocket and extended it toward her. “Here.”

  “What is it?”

  “The picture of your mother. I thought you might like to carry it with you. I should have thought to give it to you earlier.”

  She unfolded the silky paper and looked at the image on it. Her eyes were glassy when she looked back at him. “With everything that’s been going on … all the memories … I’d forgotten, too. Thank you.”

  He could only nod, feeling moisture gathering in his eyes, as well.

  “Shall we?” Baleweg said gently. With a hand to Talia’s shoulder he guided them to her truck.

  Talia stopped. “Wait. We’re … driving there?”

  Baleweg smiled. “No. But it would look rather odd if we all departed and took no visible means of transport. And we cannot wait for a taxi to take us away from here.”

  “Right. Of course.” Talia took a deep breath and Devin found himself taking her hand in his.

  He liked how it felt, how she so willingly wove her fingers through his. She was terrified and yet she held her head up. Oddly, though he’d intended to support her, she was the one teaching him about strength. “We’re going to drive into the city and park in a hotel lot,” he explained. “It won’t be questioned that way.”

  “Just really expensive. Do you have any idea what they charge for parking?” Talia laughed suddenly. “Listen to me. I have the fate of a future kingdom resting on my shoulders and I’m worried about valet parking.”

  Archer leaned down and kissed her temple. “My shoulders are pretty broad, too, you know.” He was surprised at how eager he was to share her burden. Devin Archer, the guy who worked alone, lived alone, and liked it that way. Then she glanced up at him when he opened the door for her and—wham. It was just there. No explaining it.

  Her lips twitched in that smile of hers he liked best, the slightly crooked, self-mocking one. “You might be carrying me on those shoulders soon, so be careful what you offer, big guy.”

  Archer leaned in and kissed her. Hard. He couldn’t help it. Only Baleweg’s noisy throat-clearing stopped it.

  “Maybe I shouldn’t drive,” she said.

  Archer smiled. “If you want us to get there in one piece, you will. Neither of us knows how to operate this kind of vehicle.”

  “Oh. Right. Of course. Okay.” She turned away and clutched the steering wheel. “I’ll drive. I’ll be just fine.”

  Archer closed the door and crossed around to the oth
er side. She’d be okay, he told himself for the thousandth time. She damn well had to be.

  Over the next hour, she drove while they did their best to explain the inner workings of court, at least as well as they knew them. Neither he nor Baleweg was a royal insider, both being more an outcast … each in their own, individual way. But while Archer might not know all the nuances of court procedures, he did know most of the players, having worked for many on private matters.

  “Parliament has a separate building alongside the palace proper. All the politicos have their offices there, but they are in and out of the castle often. None of them reside within the castle however—only the queen and her royal staff and guard. And there are seemingly hundreds of them. I’ve only met with her once and you go through what seem like endless channels to get to her. Her security is good, but not perfect. I imagine she’ll want to spend time alone with you, but otherwise I’ll be with you as much as possible.”

  “Okay.”

  Talia had spent most of the hour nodding wordlessly. Archer was worried, unsure how much she was retaining. She seemed to be paying attention, but heaven only knew what her thoughts were.

  He did know she was terrified and wished like hell he could have some time alone with her, to do something, anything, to lessen that fear. But he knew the best thing was to just get there and let her start dealing with it. She’d handle the transition better than she thought she would. It wasn’t all that different in the future. Not in the most basic ways. His concerns centered more about her handling the surreal pressures of life in a royal court. She lived out in the countryside, holed up with a bunch of misfit animals and wonky old people, for God’s sake. Then he smiled. Actually, the comparison was closer than he’d thought.

  Talia wound her way deeper into the city and parked in the largest hotel lot she could find, tucking the ticket in the visor flap before steering them into a distant spot on the roof level of the lot, as Baleweg instructed, far away from the other cars.