by Day Leclaire
The man whod been sent away earlier appeared in the doorway. Sir, the helicopters arrived. We can depart at any time.
Tolken jerked his head in Merricks direction. Take him, he instructed. See if theres a root cellar and secure him there. The rest of you wait for me by the car.
Without another word, they escorted Merrick from the room, the men filing out one by one until only Tolken remained. Yanking open the closet door, he removed the slacks and blouse and tossed them to Alyssa. Ill be waiting outside the door to escort you to the helicopter as soon as youre dressed. He paused in front of her. And I believe these belong to you. A wedding gift from His Highness, werent they?
He opened his hand and held out the amethyst and diamond earrings Prince Brandt had given her the day before. Had it only been yesterday? Good grief. She vaguely recalled leaving the earrings in the bathroom when shed showered. Color tinted her cheeks at the hint of reprimand in Tolkens voice. But what did he expect? For her to wear them to bedwith Merrick? The ludicrousness of the whole sorry mess struck her and hysterical laughter vied with embarrassment.
Lifting her chin, she regarded him with as much composure as she could manage. Thanks. She accepted the earrings and, since he continued to stand there and wait, put them on.
He gave a nod of approval and stepped into the hallway. The instant the door closed, she crossed to the small dresser shoved against one of the walls and checked the drawers. Sure enough, she found underclothes with the tags still on them. Had Merrick chosen them, or had his sister, Miri? Not that it mattered.
The plain cotton underpants and matching bra fit reasonably well, though the bra felt a trifle snug. To her relief, theyd gotten the size of the blouse right, the soft taupe a color she often chose to wear. The plain slacks, several shades darker than the blouse, also fit well, if a little loose at the waist. She suspected the clothes had been chosen for their simplicity and in the hopes that the wearer wouldnt attract any undue attention. Understandable, if regrettable. Had the circumstances been different, shed have wanted to attract as much attention as possible. Next, she found a pair of sandals in the closet. They were a tad large, but the various straps and buckles could be tightened to compensate.
Glancing in the mirror, she groaned. No wonder Tolken had treated her with so little respect. She looked like a woman whod made a rambunctious night of it. Checking the rest of the drawers, she lucked onto a comb and used the remaining few minutes taming the curls billowing around her face. Thats what came from going to bed with wet hair.
Finished, she opened the door, surprised to discover that Tolken wasnt waiting for her after all, but another man stood in his place. Wheres your boss? she asked.
Im to escort you to the helicopter, he replied.
What about Merrick?
He didnt answer, but jerked his head toward the steps. She preceded him down and crossed to the front door. She managed a swift glance toward both the kitchen and the great room before she exited the house, but didnt see anyone. Perhaps theyd found that root cellar Tolken had referred to and were busy tying up Merrick. It was a depressing thought.
Outside, more men stood around the vehicle waiting to transport her to the helicopter. As soon as she settled inside they drove a short distance to a narrow valley tucked between the mountains. A large black chopper squatted in the middle. Off to one side a half dozen men were lounging on the ground in a small group while another half dozen stood guard, their weapons at the ready. She didnt have time to do more than glance at the contingent before being helped into the helicopter. Tolken had brought far more men than shed realized. Clearly, Prince Brandt wasnt taking any chances. He wanted her back and would use every resource available to ensure it.
She glanced up to thank the man whod assisted her onboard and stared at Merrick in utter disbelief. What? How?
He smiled, taking far too much enjoyment in her astonishment. I had men surrounding the house. They liberated me.
She fought to make sense of it all. But, that means. You knew Tolken would find me?
I had a pretty good idea. I had my men stationed, ready for that possibility.
It was all a setup? she demanded. You knew in advance that Tolken and his men would raid the house? You knew wed wake up with guns pointed at our heads? At his nod of confirmation, the full impact of his admission struck and unbridled fury took over. How could you put yourself at risk like that? If one of those idiots had been a little more trigger-happy you could have died! How could you be so foolish?
He gave her an odd look. And you, he pointed out. I put you at risk, as well.
She waved that aside. They wouldnt have hurt me. Prince Brandt would have had their heads if Id been harmed. But youDamn it, Merrick. Im sure they considered you expendable. Those men were out for blood. Yours, if Im not mistaken. They Her voice broke. They beat you.
He dismissed that with a casual shrug. Fortunately for us Tolken had them well under control, a fact I was counting on since wed both been trained by the same mana man who abhorred unnecessary bloodshed. He held out his hand. Now, if you dont mind, hand over your earrings.
The change of subject baffled her. Why?
Tolken found you thanks to them. He hesitated. Youll be pleased to know theyve also helped prove your innocence.
Too much had happened in too short a time. She didnt understand anything anymore. When he made a move toward her, she held up her hands. Stop. Just stop a minute and explain it to me in short, easy-to-digest monosyllabic words. Use sentences and paragraphs only if theres no other option.
He assisted her into one of the seats. Tucking her hair out of the way, he proceeded to strip her of the earrings. He held them up. Von Folke gave these to you?
She nodded. As a wedding gift.
They have a tracking device embedded in them. He allowed that to sink in before adding, It confirms the story youve been telling me about being forced to marry von Folke. He wouldnt have needed to plant a tracking device on you if youd chosen to marry him of your own free will. It only would have been necessary if hed been concerned that you might try and run.
Outrage left her breathless. Thats how Tolken found us? I wasI was bugged?
Yes.
And you knew theyd come for me?
He shrugged. Suspected. Hoped. Crossing to the open doorway of the helicopter, he tossed the earrings to one of his men. If Tolk came after you, I could secure him and his men long enough for us to disappear. It worked. Now you and I will head out and Tolken will return to von Folke empty-handed.
But, isnt this his helicopter?
Merrick grinned. Kind of him to lend it to us for our escape, isnt it?
But, isnt it bugged oror have some sort of tracking device on it, too?
It is and it does. Too bad its been disabled or hed know where we were going. Turning, he signaled the pilot. Now, if youll fasten your seat belt, Princess, well take off.
The blades began to whip around. Please dont do this. She had to shout to be heard over the growing roar of the engines and blades. Please. Just let me go with Tolken.
Sorry, Princess. I cant. Im afraid youre stuck with me for the duration.
The noise grew too loud to allow for further conversation. After a few minutes, the chopper lifted off and banked to the south. They climbed over the ridge of mountains separating Avernos from Celestia, a feature Alyssa remembered seeing on the map the previous evening. It didnt take long until they were on the other side and she caught her breath at the beauty of the rolling green hills spread before them. Rain clouds drifted off and the sun broke through, sending a rainbow spearing toward earth. Shed been born there, she marveled. Shed come from this place.
Eventually, the helicopter set down in another field, bordered by a dirt road. A car was parked off to one side along the grassy verge. As soon as she and Merrick had exited the craft, the chopper departed, winging northward once again.
You had this all carefully planned, didnt you? she asked as soon as the noise had faded enough to sp
eak.
Its my job to plan carefully.
Alyssa planted herself in front of the man whod abducted her for the second day in a row, facing him with a fierceness born of equal parts exhaustion and anger. Who are you? she demanded. I mean, really.
We were never formally introduced, were we?
She folded her arms across her chest. No. This might be a good time.
He surprised her by sketching an elegant little bow. Merrick Montgomery, at your service, Princess.
Not only a leopard, but a graceful one with old-world manners. She didnt want to notice such things. She wanted him to be rotten and evil so she could focus on escape, instead of being distracted by how he looked and moved, spoke and smelled. And kissed. Those kisses had been the ultimate distraction.
This is ridiculous, she muttered.
He nodded in agreement. Bordering on the bizarre.
You still havent told me what you do. How did you become caught up in all this?
Im commander of Verdonias Royal Security Force. At her blank look, he clarified, Its the security contingent for the country as a whole, rather than any one principality.
Like the army or something?
Or something. A specialized armed forces.
That explained Tolken and his mens demeanor toward Merrick, as though they were subordinates addressing a superior. It also explained their apprehension. What the hell had she become involved in? And how could she get herself and her mother out of it? Well, Commander, would you mind explaining to me how snatching an innocent woman is part of your job description?
Its my job to see to the safety and protection of my country and its citizens. That includes you and your mother, something Ill deal with before much longer. He started across the field toward the car. He didnt even check to see if she followed, though considering she had nowhere else to go, it was a bit of a no-brainer. Now lets start at the beginning, Alyssa. How and why did you come to Verdonia?
He spoke English with a near perfect accent. But it still held a gentle lilt most noticeable when he said her name. Was there nothing about the man she could despise? I was about to start a new job.
He nodded. Assistant Vice President of Human Relations for Bank International in New York City.
Do you remember my saying that, or did you have me investigated?
Both.
Did they have a dossier on her? She found the idea unnerving. Did he know about all her jobs? About how, since college, shed bounced across the country, from position to position, always looking for the perfect one? The perfect place to finally, finally put down roots? Did he know about her mothers background, as well? Oh God.
My motherAngela Barstowsent me an express envelope. It contained a brief note begging me to help her out of a jam shed gotten herself into. And she sent an airline ticket. Alyssa shrugged. What could I do? I flew out to help.
This jam, as you call itwhat was it?
Alyssa frowned. She didnt say. She and my current stepfather recently broke up and she often runs away after She broke off, aware shed said too much. She thought an extended trip to Europe might give her time to get over him. I dont know why she returned to Verdonia. Maybe she got it in her head to visit my half brother for some reason. Perhaps she wanted to visit my fathers grave.
Merrick swiveled to face her. Is it possible she set you up deliberately? Could she be working with von Folke?
Five
A lyssa glared at Merrick. My mother working with von Folke? Not a chance, she retorted without hesitation. Shes the least devious woman I know. Sheshelpless. Thats why I need to get to her as soon as possible.
With a noncommittal nod, he continued on to a white sedan and opened the passenger door. Thats not going to happen, Princess. Youre going to have to trust me when I say that von Folke wont do anything to harm her.
Instead of climbing in the car, she slammed the door shut. Im supposed to trust you? she demanded. How can you even suggest such a thing? What have you done to inspire my trust?
Not a damn thing. Merrick dropped his hands to Alyssas shoulders. Since you havent known me long enough to trust me, consider this. Tolken and his men know Ive taken you against your will. I made that clear to them. They also know that you were willing to return to von Folke. Hell, you were eager to. The fact that you werent able to isnt your fault and everyone will recognize that fact. Theres no advantage to hurting your mother. It wont help his cause.
It made sense, but she didnt dare risk her mothers life based on Merricks brand of logic. You cant be certain. Not a hundred percent certain, she argued.
I can, and I am. Right now von Folke has a certain level of sympathy. Someone has stolen his bride and that has the potential for swinging votes his wayassuming he makes that information public knowledge. Im betting hell keep it quiet for the time being. There are too many variables beyond his control to risk any sort of general announcement.
What variables?
Merrick ticked off on his fingers. If it comes out that you were forced to the altar, his credibility is called into question. If we make it public that von Folkes holding your mother in order to ensure your compliance. If the point is made that by forcing you to marry him, he would win the throne. All of these variables are out of his control and of substantial risk to him. No, hell remain silent. Instead, hell send men after us in the hopes of recapturing you without creating an uproar.
Arent you concerned about that?
We have a few advantages of our own. Tolken is He frowned, seeming to struggle for the right words. You have state law enforcement in your country, do you not?
Yes. Local police. State troopers.
Tolken is like that. As von Folkes right-hand man, he enforces the peace within the principality of Avernos. You also have law enforcement that supercedes the state level?
Of course. Federal agencies.
I am the equivalent of that. It would be frowned upon for Tolken to come into Celestia and attempt to enforce the law. When he comesand he willitll be on tiptoe, whereas I only have to tiptoe if its to my advantage.
Okay, I get it. Commander tops the principality police. She returned to the issue that worried her the most. I still dont see how that guarantees my mothers safety.
The only way von Folke succeeds is if youre willing to marry him. If you return and discover your mothers been harmed, I cant see you agreeing to cooperate with his plans. Its in his best interest to keep your mother healthy.
And if he decides his plan is a bust? she protested. Dont you think hell want to get rid of everyone who knows what he attempted?
Including you and me? He gave it a moments consideration. All the more reason to stay well away from him until after the election.
At which point he can take his anger out on my mother.
He fought to hang onto his patience. Ill find a way to free your mother.
How? she demanded.
Again, youll have to trust me.
She wanted to. She wanted to more than she cared to admit. Every instinct she possessed urged her to allow him to take control of the situation, to yield to his superior strength and conviction. But she didnt dare. I cant, she said at last.
Why?
She hesitated, not certain she wanted to reveal such personal information. But something in his eyes held her, demanding the truth. And she found herself telling him, opening herself in a way she hadnt with any other man. I spent a lifetime watching my mother run from one bad situationand manstraight into the arms of another. Each time she trusted the new man in her life and gave up all her power and control, allowing her new husband to dictate how and what and when and why. And each one betrayed that trust, leaving her worse off than shed been before.
Hell, Princess. He was seriously taken aback. How many stepfathers have you had?
She waved his question aside. Thats not important.
I disagree. I think it may be very important.
She shook her head, refusing to betray her mother. The bottom line is that long
ago I promised myself Id never repeat the same mistakes she made. Id stand on my own two feet. Control my own life. Make my own decisions. And the main decision would be to never allow any man to tell me what to do or how to live my life.
And now you have a man doing just that. He blew out a harsh breath. Tough break.
It has been. Until now. She paced away from the car, gazing toward the mountains that bordered Prince Brandts principality. So far Ive lived my life my way. I havent let any man control me. Im tired of playing the victim. One way or another, Im going to take control again, to determine my own fate.
Good for you. In four months, you can get right back to doing that.
She spun to face him. Not in four months. Right now. Im going to find a way to rescue my mother. You can either help or get out of the way. But Im not going into hiding for the next four months and leave my mother to Prince Brandts mercy. You cant guard me every second. Sooner or later Ill find an opportunity to escape and I intend to seize it with both hands.
Thanks for the warning. Ill make sure I dont give you that opportunity. He opened the car door again. Please. Get in.
And if I refuse?
Id rather you didnt.
But if I do?
His expression remained adamant. She could no more move him than the mountains at her back. I plan to succeed, he stated.
No matter who gets sacrificed?
He didnt answer. He didnt have to. Please. Get in the car. He waited until shed reluctantly complied before leaning in to fasten her seatbelt. In case it hasnt occurred to you, if youd married von Folke youd have given up even more control than you have with me. Hed have seen to that. This solution may not be much better. But it is better.
She had no response to that.
And, Princess?
What? she whispered.