The Tiger Prince
Page 17
He stared at her. “Christ.”
She bristled. “It’s none of your business. Sam’s not very smart, but he’s—”
“He’s an asinine hound.” He added grimly, “And a fitting animal for you. I couldn’t believe it when I saw you charging that cobra with a pitchfork. I wanted to strangle you.” His hands balled into fists. “God, I was scared.”
She hadn’t expected him to admit it. “So was I.”
“But snakes don’t make you freeze and break into a sweat.” He smiled lopsidedly. “I didn’t cut such a brave figure, did I? Hell, I was a sniveling coward. All I wanted to do was to turn tail and run away.”
“But you didn’t run away,” she said quietly. “You told me to go. You were going to help Sam.”
“Because there wasn’t any other way to get you out of that damn place. I saw you there and I—” He broke off and drew a shaky breath. “Jesus, I hated every second of it.”
She had never seen Ruel at a disadvantage, and this evidence of weakness filled her with curiosity. “Why are you so afraid of snakes?”
“We’re all afraid of something.” He picked up his slicker from the ground and pulled it over his head. Then as he saw her still watching him he shrugged. “I suppose I owe you an explanation for being such a damn coward.” He was silent a moment and then admitted, “I was bitten once.”
Her eyes widened. “By a cobra?”
“No, this was years ago at Glenclaren. An adder. I used to sleep in the hills sometimes.” He spoke quickly, jerkily, as if he wanted to get through it. “I told you about my pet fox. I used to take him with me. It got lonely sometimes. I woke up one night with a stinging in my left leg and found the adder snuggled under my blanket. I killed him with a rock.” His lips tightened. “But I found my fox dead a few yards away. The damn snake had killed him before he decided to crawl in bed with me.”
“Oh no,” she whispered.
“I took off my shirt and tore a strip off to bind my leg and went to find help.” He lifted his shoulders. “I was never a lucky lad. My mother had decided to go to the village for the night. Ian found me unconscious the next morning and got help for me.”
“Not before?” she asked, horrified. “Why didn’t someone else—”
He ignored the question. “End of tale. I was on my feet in short order and none the worse.”
Except he had lost a pet he loved and incurred a horror of snakes that would last him a lifetime.
His expression altered, closed. He said lightly, “You can see why I approved Kartauk rendering Abdar as a serpent on his golden door. I can’t imagine a greater insult.” He turned toward the ricksha waiting on the road beside the bungalow. “I believe it’s time I made my way back to the hotel. Don’t worry, I won’t bore you with any more of my reminiscences.”
“I wasn’t bored,” she said slowly. “It made me sad.”
“Really? I can’t understand why.” He snapped his fingers. “Oh, yes, it must be the fox. Your heart is bleeding for my furry friend?”
“No.” But she had an idea his heart had bled that night. Not that he would admit to such weakness.
“Then it must be for me,” he said mockingly. “Tell me, do you want to take me under your wing as you have Kartauk?”
She stiffened as she realized how much of her resistance toward him had melted during the past moments. How stupid of her. Ruel was no more defenseless than that cobra she had dealt with in the stable. She hurriedly changed the subject. “Why did you come here? Is there something wrong?”
An indefinable expression crossed his face. “I just decided to drop by.”
His answer surprised her. Ruel and she were hardly on terms that would invite such a casual visit. “How was your interview with the maharajah?”
“Good.” All mockery completely disappeared as a sudden brilliant smile lit his face. “No, very good.”
“You think you’ll get your Cinnidar?”
He nodded. “I’m damn close.” He glanced at Sam. “Keep that dog in the bungalow no matter what your precious Patrick says. You don’t want another snake to pay him a visit. There are too many cracks in that stable floor.”
“I’d already decided to do that.”
“That’s right. You don’t need any advice from me, do you?” He took off his hat and bowed.
He was walking toward the ricksha when a sudden thought occurred to her.
“Ruel, how old were you when you were bitten by the snake?”
He glanced at her over his shoulder.
“I don’t remember. About nine, I suppose.”
She watched the ricksha roll away in a jingle of melodious bells.
It got lonely sometimes.
Nine years old. She had thought he had been speaking of a time when he was much older. What had a child that young been doing alone in the hills at night? And why had he not been found until the next day, after he had made his way back to the castle? She would probably never know the answers to those questions. Ruel had clearly slammed the door on any further confidences.
Not that she wanted to breach those barriers, she assured herself quickly. Just when she thought her own defenses impregnable, he had found a way to squeeze through them. The most exasperating aspect was that he had not even been trying. He had shown her weakness instead of strength, honesty instead of deception.
And in that vulnerability he was more dangerous to her than ever before.
“You’ve brought it?” the maharajah asked eagerly as soon as Ruel walked into the audience chamber the next afternoon.
“No, but I think I’m close to finding it.” Ruel paused. “Unfortunately, I’ve been so distressed by this business of the purchase that my memory has completely flown away.”
The maharajah scowled. “Why do you play this silly game? I know you could give it to me if you wished.”
Ruel merely smiled and remained silent.
“Oh, very well, you may have the island, but not for forty thousand pounds. The High Adviser says it’s worth at least ten thousand more.”
Ruel tried not to let the tension show in his expression. “I’m not a rich man. I could perhaps afford another five.”
“Done.” The maharajah smiled craftily. “We’ll sign the papers after you give me the—”
Ruel cut in quickly, “My brother and Colonel Pickering are outside in the anteroom with the proper agreements. Perhaps we could sign the papers now and then I could devote my entire attention to finding the other piece.” He paused. “You might have it within the hour.”
“Then let’s have it over with,” the maharajah said impatiently. “Call them in.”
Forty-five minutes later Ruel tucked one copy of the legal agreements in his pocket and handed another to Colonel Pickering, who in turn gave a bank draft to the High Adviser.
“There, it’s done,” the maharajah said. “Now keep your promise.”
“I have every intention of doing so.” Ruel snapped his fingers. “The carriage. I’ve just remembered I left the other package in the carriage after I left the toy store.” He turned to Ian. “Would you go out and fetch it for His Majesty?”
“Delighted.” Ian moved toward the door with Colonel Pickering. “I’ll give it to a footman and meet you at the front entrance.”
The maharajah watched them leave the chamber before turning and smiling slyly at Ruel. “You think you’ve bested me, don’t you?”
“Why would I think that?”
“But I’m the one who has cheated you. Cinnidar is worthless. My adviser said it’s just a barbarian wilderness of jungle, mountains, and wild animals. Even the summer palace my great-grandfather built there has probably rotted away with disuse. The island’s not worth a quarter of what I charged you for it.”
“Then you’ve obviously made a fool of me.”
He pouted. “You don’t appear upset. I wanted you to be upset.”
Ruel allowed himself a small smile when he felt like jumping in the air and shouting. By God, he had
it! “No doubt when I’ve had time to think about my foolishness I’ll be appropriately dismayed.”
The maharajah brightened. “No doubt. I’ve been very clever, haven’t I?”
“Very clever.” Ruel turned and left the audience chamber.
• • •
“You had to give more than you planned for it,” Ian said as soon as Ruel joined him.
“I still have three thousand pounds left. It will get me started.”
“I wish I could help you,” Ian said, frowning. “But you know there’s never been any money at Glenclaren.”
“I don’t want your money, Ian,” Ruel interrupted.
“It’s your money too. I’ve always planned on sharing what little there is with you.” He added gently, “Don’t let bitterness stop you from accepting what’s yours.”
“I’m not bitter.” Ruel realized to his astonishment that he spoke the truth. For the first time since he could remember, he felt entirely free of bitterness. It was as if the acquisition of Cinnidar had miraculously banished the weight of those painful memories and made him suddenly lighter … younger. “Keep your money, Ian. Glenclaren needs it worse than I do. I’ll find a way to get what I need. I’ll be fine.”
Ian studied his face and then slowly nodded. “Yes, I believe you will. I guess it’s time I went home.” He cleared his throat and said, “Suppose we kill two birds with one stone? I’ll arrange passage on a ship out of Narinth for myself and a servant and go with you on the trial run. Scotland should be as safe for Kartauk as anywhere else.”
“But will Glenclaren be safe from him,” Ruel murmured. “He might decide to tear down the battlements to make a furnace.”
“What?”
“Never mind. I’m sure Maggie will be able to put a stop to any blatant desecration.”
“Margaret,” Ian corrected him automatically, then in a softer tone. “Margaret.”
Ruel felt an overwhelming surge of affection as he looked at Ian’s wistful face. Now that Ian was leaving, it was safe to lower the barriers he had raised against him so long ago. Even if it hadn’t been safe, he didn’t know if he could have stifled the emotion. In this moment the world seemed a bright and kind place, where no walls were necessary. “I’ll try to remember,” he said gently. “Margaret.”
“Cinnidar,” Abdar murmured. “You’re sure it was Cinnidar?”
Pachtal nodded. “So the emir said. He was boasting about what a fool the Scot was to buy a worthless island.”
“MacClaren is no fool. Cinnidar must have value of some sort. After we have Kartauk we may have to look into that purchase.” Abdar shrugged. “And, now that MacClaren has what he wants, we’ve lost a weapon. Pity. I believe the Scot provided us with an excellent chance to get Kartauk back.”
“And what now?”
“Now we must find Kartauk on our own … which means Jane Barnaby. Go to Zabrie’s and find out if the Chinese boy has returned.”
“I could approach the girl again and attempt to bring her here. Time has passed and she will probably not expect a move on our part.”
“Not yet. She has already demonstrated she is both loyal and stubborn, and it would take considerable time and effort to get the information out of her.” He reached out a finger and stroked the dagger in the goddess’s hand. “The railroad is nearly completed and she and Reilly will leave Kasanpore soon.”
Pachtal smiled. “Which means she will wish to leave Kartauk safe.”
“It seems a reasonable surmise. So we stay very close and when the opportunity presents itself—”
“We scoop Kartauk up and bring him back to the palace.”
“At last.” His finger touched a golden drop of blood. “I cannot tolerate that fool of a Benares for much longer. Compared to Kartauk his skills are laughable.” He smiled. “And since my father has no further use for the girl now that the railroad is completed, I believe we may also take her. Do you not think it fitting we let his little savior be Kartauk’s first subject?”
“Scotland?” Kartauk frowned. “My mother told me it was a stark, cold country. An artist needs warmth and color to feed his soul. I like the sunlight.”
“But I wager you like your hands better,” Ruel said.
“True.” He shrugged philosophically. “Perhaps I’ll get used to the cold. Your brother will be my patron?”
“Ian can’t afford to give you more than a roof over your head.”
“No matter. I will find a patron for myself. Perhaps your Queen Victoria. I hear she has much gold.”
“I’m sure she’ll be delighted to know you have plans for it.”
“Once she has seen my work, I’m sure she will also. Maybe I will even consent to do her head.” He frowned. “Though I doubt it. Her face does not please me and I abhor double chins. I’ll make her a salt cellar instead.” He turned to Jane. “Where do you and Patrick go after you finish here?”
“Patrick doesn’t have any offers of employment yet. He said we’ll make a decision as soon as we get the money from the maharajah.” She braced herself and turned to Li Sung. “I want your promise you won’t leave the temple until the night we go to Narinth.”
He gazed at her without expression. “No.”
“Why not?”
“Why do you ask when you know the answer?”
“Li Sung, I told you what happened at Zabrie’s.”
“And I have not gone to her since that time.”
“It’s even more dangerous for you to go to her now.”
“You do not know she betrayed you. She has given me gifts. It would not be proper for me to leave without saying good-bye.” He didn’t wait for a reply but walked out of the temple.
Jane’s hands clenched into fists with frustration. She wanted to strike out at something.
“Li Sung is no fool. He won’t betray us to the woman, Jane,” Kartauk said quietly.
“Do you think I don’t know that? I’m afraid for him. I wish I’d never given that woman one rupee.”
“And why did you give her money, Jane?” Ruel asked softly.
“Because I was stupid. Because I never thought—”
“Because she has too much heart,” Kartauk said. “She saw that Li Sung was hurting and tried to ease his hurt. Because of his race and his crippled leg, he was shunned by women, even the whores in houses like Zabrie’s.”
“So you went to Zabrie and paid her to make sure he was made to feel like a man, not a cripple,” Ruel said.
“You’re not to tell him,” she said fiercely.
“I respect Li Sung. I wouldn’t hurt him, Jane.”
“Wouldn’t you?” She strode across the room toward the temple entrance. “We’ll leave the station for Narinth at seven two nights from now, Kartauk. Ruel thinks the safest place for you to wait for the train is on the other side of Lanpur Gorge. I’ll come for you in the early afternoon of that day and take you to the gorge.”
Ruel followed her out of the temple. “I’d better be the one to come for Kartauk. If Abdar’s found out I’ve managed to buy Cinnidar from the maharajah, he’ll know you’re his only route to Kartauk and will be keeping a closer watch on you.”
“You can’t come here alone. You don’t know the way.”
“Yes, I do.” He smiled as he saw her startled expression. “I could have led you here the last three times. I have a very good sense of direction and the maze you ran me was nothing compared to the sewers of London. Did I mention I was once a rat catcher?”
Her lips tightened. “So you made a fool of me again.”
His smile vanished. “I could never make a fool of you, Jane. You have too much dignity and strength.”
For the first time since he had arrived at the bungalow today, she really looked at him. The hardness that was so much a part of his expression was gone, she realized. No, perhaps not entirely gone, but the gentleness with which he was looking at her reminded her of Ian. Impossible, it had to be a trick. He was nothing like his brother. “Sweet words.”
“What?” she said blankly.
“You heard me. Don’t ask me to repeat it.” He strode on down the path, still not looking at her. “And I won’t lie and tell you I wouldn’t do the same thing again. I wanted you and I wanted Cinnidar and there’s every chance I’d fall from grace.”
“Then why apologize? Why this change?”
“You too? Why does everyone insist I’ve changed? I merely wanted to—”
“Why?” she repeated.
He was silent a moment and then finally said simply, “I think I’m happy. I don’t ever remember being happy. I’ve been content, satisfied, but not happy. It’s a very odd feeling.”
“And now you’re happy because you’ve got your Cinnidar?”
“It’s more than Cinnidar. It’s like …”
“What?”
“A new life, a chance to start over …” He grinned. “Like getting off the train at the last stop and knowing it’s where you want to be. Does that make it clearer?”
“Yes.” He was describing how she had felt when she left Frenchie’s those many years ago, and she felt a sudden sense of kinship with him. “That makes it much clearer.”
“Anyway, I wanted to tell you.” He paused and then changed the subject. “You really think Li Sung will go to Zabrie?”
She nodded miserably. “He won’t listen to me. I wanted him to be happy but—” She had to steady her voice. “He’s always helped me and I wanted to help him too. Blast it, I should never have interfered.”
“How did he help you?”
“So many ways.”
“Tell me one.”
“Books. He taught me to read and write and cipher. His father believed knowledge would save Li Sung from staying a common laborer and made him study every book he could get his hands on from the time he was a small child. What Li Sung didn’t know, we learned together.”
“Kartauk said you’ve been together a long time.”
“He came to Frenchie’s, the place I grew up, when he was twelve. His father had been killed and Li Sung’s leg crushed in an accident a few months before. He was seventeen when we left with Patrick.”