The King scrutinized Katrina as she fought to keep her emotions under control. She jumped from her chair but paused in an attempt to maintain her composure.
The young lady bit her lip in vexation and he expected the willfulness to burst free. But, to his amazement, it did not. Only her eyes refused to cooperate and they clearly showed her anger, betraying how she felt as clearly as words could have.
“May it please Your Majesty, I mean no disrespect, but I must speak what is in my heart. This tremendous profit you speak of, so brilliantly brought about by Langsford, has surely proven most valuable to my uncle and the Crown’s treasury, but those funds were bled from the poor. My uncle is a greedy, evil man who knows no compassion. I have nothing but contempt and disdain for him.”
“Your tongue is indeed sharp,” mused the King, understanding now what Lord Roberts had warned him of. “But your accusations are serious and it puts me in a difficult position, young lady. Now I must decide on a solution. In the meantime, since you have no other relative, you will become a ward of my court.”
Astonished, Katrina bowed her head in acceptance. “I am honored, Your Majesty.”
“If you wish to stay in the care of Ryon and Rebecca Roberts, I have no objections. You will, of course, attend all functions given at court; it will be an excellent opportunity to introduce you to society. There is a ball tomorrow night, and I’m certain Lord Roberts would not protest escorting a beautiful lady at my command.”
“If it is what you wish, Your Majesty,” Katrina conceded.
“I find you refreshing, Katrina. You have courage to speak your mind, few rarely do. But I cannot allow personal feelings to influence my decision. I will do what I feel is the best for everyone, including your uncle. Do not mistake my leniency in allowing you to express your opinion as a weakness — I’ll brook no disobedience from you. I want it to be clear your future has been placed in my hands. Do you wish it to be this way?”
Katrina’s mind whirled and she considered all he said. There was no other way and she must trust her King. Her father would have wanted it so. So far, fate had led her here. She must continue, or give up forever. “Yes, Your Majesty. I will abide by your decision.”
Now she could do naught but wait.
KATRINA STARED IN AWE at her own reflection in the long mirror, finding it hard to believe what she saw. The burgundy gown she wore was of the finest silk, clinging softly to her as the design followed her womanly curves, the fabric reflecting the candlelight in its shimmering folds.
Golden embroidery decorated the hem and low bodice. Her delicate shoulders were bared with sleeves of sheer gold silk, fully gathered at her wrists. The same silk spilled out from under the top skirt as it split up both sides. At Katrina’s insistence, Mary had done her hair in a strikingly simple style. The heavy blonde mane had been combed and secured on the top of her head with a decorative clasp. A long single braid fell down her back, with strands of shimmering thread entwined through it. Several wisps escaped and curled about her face, nerves at attending her first grand ball bringing a natural blush to her cheeks. She wore small gold loops in her ears, and on her right index finger she wore her father’s ring.
“Oh, Miss Katrina, you’re truly lovely,” exclaimed Mary, admiring her lady.
“Thank you, Mary, you are always so sweet, but how could I not be so in this gown?”
“Oh, miss, you’d best be goin’, Lord Roberts don’t like t’ be kept waitin’,” reminded the girl as she handed Katrina a cloak of the same rich silk.
She was about to leave when a knock sounded on the door and Blake entered. His eyes sparkled appreciatively at Katrina’s beauty. Quietly, Mary slipped from the room, leaving them alone.
“I’m not sure I wish to take you to the ball,” teased Blake.
Katrina’s eyes widened with worry. “I don’t understand,” she cried. “Don’t you like the gown?”
Blake pulled her close and looked deep into her eyes. “I love the dress. But you are so beautiful, little one, I’m afraid my jealousy cannot abide all the attention you shall get tonight. You will have every man, married or not, falling in love with you. You are mine and I’ll not share you.”
“Tonight I am yours and I do not wish to be shared. Promise me you won’t leave me alone to fend for myself among strangers. I want only to be with you, Blake, no other. Promise me?”
Touching her cheek tenderly, Blake whispered, “I promise.” He brushed his lips over hers. “I have something for you, Katrina.”
Blake pulled something from his pocket and handed it to her. Katrina looked down at a black velvet box lying in her hands and raised questioning eyes to him. “It was my mother’s. I would be pleased if you would wear it tonight — for me.”
A shiver ran through Katrina and she opened the box. Inside, nestled among the velvet lining, lay a magnificent gold necklace studded with dark rubies. Katrina was at a loss for words, but Blake knew her answer.
“We must go, so let me put it on.” Blake clasped the necklace firmly about Katrina’s slender neck.
It felt cold and heavy, but when she looked into the mirror, she saw how well it complemented her gown. “Oh, Blake, I’ve never seen anything so beautiful,” Katrina sighed in awe.
“Neither have I, little one.”
When Katrina met his eyes, she knew he did not mean the necklace, and she blushed with pleasure.
“Shall we go?” asked Blake, holding out his arm. Together they left the room to join Ryon and Rebecca, who waited downstairs.
KATRINA DID NOT HEAR the announcement of their arrival, nor did she notice the room become silent when she and Blake descended the grand staircase into the ballroom. She observed none of the stares, heard none of the hushed whispers. All Katrina’s attention was drawn to the magnificent gilded cage they walked into. Everywhere she looked, gold glittered and white marble shone as thousands of candles lit the enormous room, bathing everything in their warm glow. Fresh flowers of every imaginable kind filled the room with their fragrant perfume, and delighted her eyes with their vibrant color.
Only moments after their arrival, trumpets blared and the King and his Queen were announced. As the royal couple passed by, Katrina and Blake bowed in obeisance.
After several minutes of introductions the dancing started, and much to Katrina’s relief, Blake whirled her onto the dance floor. It felt wonderful to be held in his strong arms as he led her effortlessly about the floor. Blake held her close, too close for propriety, but neither cared about the raised eyebrows and speculation it caused. This was their night and nothing and no one could do or say anything to ruin it.
They continued right on to the next dance and no man dared to break in. The few who tried were blatantly ignored. It was obvious to all Lord Roberts had no intention of sharing the beautiful newcomer.
Later, as they stood sipping champagne, Katrina thought it like a magical dream. Blake was elegantly handsome. Dressed in dark gray, he looked somber compared to the colorful peacocks strutting around the room, with their powdered wigs and gold snuff boxes. His strong presence emitted a sense of power and control. He made no effort to disguise his feelings for her and Katrina did not care. No, it did not matter to her if these strangers gossiped about them. It did not matter at all.
Turning to his brother, Ryon smiled devilishly, looking much like his older sibling. “Well, Blake, do you trust my honor enough to allow me the privilege of a dance with your lady? I assure you, your black scowl will not send me away as it has all the others.”
Blake and Katrina burst out laughing and exchanged tender glances. “I’ll make an exception only for you, little brother.”
Katrina took Ryon’s extended arm and allowed him to lead her onto the dance floor. For the first time Katrina noticed the eyes watching them and remarked, “It seems we are being watched, Ryon.”
“There is nothing you can do tonight that will not be noticed. I fear your reputation is being ripped apart by all the wicked women here, green wi
th envy and jealousy. Blake’s apparent possessiveness has not helped either.”
Katrina’s laughter mixed with the music.
“You don’t care?” asked Ryon, seeing her lightheartedness in the way her eyes sparkled.
She shook her head and smiled. “Not in the least.”
“They will assume you and Blake are having an affair.”
Katrina met Ryon’s brown eyes and smiled. “But we are having an affair. I do not know these people, they are not my friends. So why should I care what they think or say? The people I do care about know me and love me for the person I am, not what I do.”
Ryon remained silent for a moment, his next question as blunt as her statement. “Do you love Blake?”
“It does not matter if I do or not. At this moment, he needs me and I need him. It is enough.”
Ryon saw Katrina did love Blake, and for some reason, he felt sad. “Tell me, Katrina. Will it always be enough?”
“I don’t know,” she answered. “I try not to think of things to come. It does no good to dwell on the future, for it will be the same, no matter what.”
The dance ended and they started back to where Blake waited. Katrina saw the bored look on his face, and when they drew closer she understood the cause of it. Catherine Ramsey leaned close to whisper something in his ear to purposefully allow him a clear view of her bosom. Katrina felt the old fury stir within her.
When Ryon saw Catherine as well, he knew it didn’t bode well. Darting a glance at Katrina, the cold, grim set of her mouth told him everything. He smiled. He wouldn’t miss this encounter for the world. He and Katrina approached the other couple.
Katrina heard Catherine’s shrill laughter and the sound grated on her nerves. She came up just in time to overhear the woman’s last remark to Blake.
“I’m certain you are not expected to dance with your little charge all night long, darling. I’m sure she would understand if you were to dance with others; after all, she is.”
Blake saw Katrina then and she smiled at him. His eyebrow lifted in amusement. Catherine noticed his attention had wandered and then found herself face to face with Katrina.
“Lady Ramsey, I assure you, Blake is free to dance with whomever he likes.” Katrina spoke politely. None of the feeling so apparent in her eyes was heard in her smooth voice.
“That’s very generous of you, Rina — I mean, Lady Easton.” Catherine’s voice dripped with sarcasm as her green eyes flashed. “After all, it was only out of courtesy to the King Blake escorted you. That is what I heard — you know how quickly gossip spreads at court.”
Katrina moved to Blake’s side and wrapped her hand around his arm, knowing Catherine seethed with jealousy. She parried with the older woman, her voice sweet and innocent. “Yes, Lady Ramsey, I am most fortunate to have this most handsome man as my escort. And to think I also have the privilege of his company during the day …” she paused a second for effect, “and night. I’m overwhelmed with gratitude.”
Catherine gasped in surprise. Her eyes narrowed dangerously and it looked as if she might actually attack her rival.
“Oh, by the way,” Katrina said with a smile, “Don’t bother saving a dance for Blake — he has promised them all to me. So sorry, dear, but tonight he is all mine.”
In a quick, insistent manner, Blake pulled Katrina away before Lady Ramsey exploded, but most of all, before he busted out laughing. Ryon trailed behind them. Blake chuckled softly and whispered into her ear, “You are vicious, little one.”
Once the threesome reached a private alcove, Katrina turned to Blake. “She deserved it, Blake. I’ll not allow anyone to walk all over me.”
“You would have disappointed me if you had.”
“And I would have been dreadfully disillusioned had she bested you.”
Everyone turned in surprise to see Lieutenant Greerson standing nearby. Katrina’s face lit up as she greeted him. “David, I’m so glad to see you.”
“And I you. The last time I looked upon your beautiful face was after you tumbled down an embankment and injured yourself. I trust you are well?”
Blake remained silent and observed the lieutenant; he could not miss the obvious tenderness in the young man’ eyes. David’s eyes sparkled with genuine concern as he took in every detail of Katrina’s appearance.
Katrina’s welcome reception and use of the lieutenant’s Christian name did nothing to ease his sudden burst of jealousy, and the fact this man knew her secret kept him ill at ease.
Katrina replied to his inquiry, “I’m very well, David. Thanks to you.”
“Yes.” Blake tried to cover his initial hostility and offered his hand to the man, managing to keep his voice neutral. “Good to see you, David. It was fortunate you and Ryon were nearby to help Katrina. I am grateful to you both.”
A servant approached Katrina; the King wished to have the next dance with his ward and she rushed off to oblige. Ryon excused himself to find Rebecca, leaving the two men standing alone. The next few minutes were awkward as they stood and watched Katrina dance with the King of England.
“She is quite a woman, Blake. You are a lucky man,” David said wistfully. “Very lucky indeed.”
“Yes.” Blake’s jaw tightened as the now familiar jealousy quickly undermined his common sense. He saw the admiration plastered on the young man’s face as they both watched Katrina’s every movement. He heard the tone of his voice turn cold and harsh. “Tell me, David, what did Katrina do to convince you to let her go? She told me you knew she was the Angel, and yet you allowed her to go free. Why?”
Shock registered on David’s face and he glanced nervously about him.
“No need to worry,” assured Blake. “It seems we both share her secret. By allowing the Angel her freedom you not only risk your career, but your life as well. Now tell me, what changed your mind?”
David looked at Blake, remaining calm under his fiery scrutiny and dark suspicions. He countered with a challenge of his own. “How long have you known what she was up to?”
Blake considered holding back the truth, but decided against it. “Since the first night.”
“So —” David’s voice reflected disappointment. “How far were you prepared to go to protect her? All those nights we rode together … were you ready to kill me if needed?”
“I truly don’t know,” Blake admitted. “I have killed to protect her before, and I suppose I must admit I would have killed you if it had become necessary.”
The lieutenant sighed. “You are honest about it, and I appreciate your candor.”
“And you have my apology for having deceived you.”
Blake’s regret was sincere and David chuckled. “I actually understand your reasons, as you said before I put much at risk by letting her go free.”
“But,” Blake pressed. “You have yet to tell me why.”
“It surprises me, Blake, that you trust Katrina so little.”
“You try my patience, David. Why would you risk so much for a woman you barely know? Are you in love with her?”
This made David smile again. “Katrina Easton is truly remarkable, and I don’t think I’ve ever admired a woman more.”
“Do you toy with me? I warn you,” Blake’s manner and tone reflected his words, “speak clearly your feelings for Katrina. Or do you just enjoy seeing me worry?”
“You are right; perhaps I do enjoy seeing you squirm. Now, I offer my apology for taking advantage of your passion for her. And to answer your question, no, I do not love Katrina, not as you do. But, it would have been easy to do so. She has her beliefs and convictions, and stands by them no matter the consequences. As to why I actually let her go, it’s hard to explain. How could I condemn a woman with so much love in her heart? And no matter what, I shall always stand by her … as her friend.”
Blake stopped a servant and relieved him of a couple of glasses of champagne and handed one to the lieutenant. “Sometimes I act the fool, especially when it concerns Katrina. It seems she cho
oses her friends well. Shall we start again, David?”
The other man smiled and lifted his glass in salute: “To Katrina.”
“To what do I owe your tribute?” interrupted Katrina, returning to join them.
Blake looked at Katrina tenderly, his voice a soft caress. “For the privilege of knowing you, little one.”
Katrina’s eyes glowed with love. “No, I am the fortunate one to have three special men in my life.” She lifted her own glass and drank to them, “To my gallant men.”
Blake frowned. “Three?” he questioned quietly.
Ignoring Blake’s question, Katrina turned to the lieutenant. “David, I have broken your laws and lied to you. I have drawn my sword against you, and yet, you have proven to be a good and loyal friend. How can I ever repay my debt to you?”
David took Katrina’s hand and kissed it, his eyes filled with tenderness. “I ask only for your friendship and I shall always be near.”
Smiling, Katrina looked at Blake. “Blake, my love, you’ve saved my life, you’ve killed to protect me. What have I given you, except worry and pain?”
Blake dared to look deep into her eyes. Could it be true? Was it love he saw, or something else? Did he deserve to be loved by this woman?
“Oh, little one,” whispered Blake, “you have given of yourself. You, Katrina, have given me everything.” Blake lifted her hand and kissed the inside of her palm and, as always, the world stopped for them.
David coughed to get their attention. “You spoke of another, Katrina,” he said.
“Yes, I did. The third man is not here, but in Tattershall.”
As Katrina spoke, her face softened; a tender look of devotion so clear in her eyes Blake thought he might explode from the searing pain inside him.
“Johnny, my dearest Johnny — I miss him terribly.”
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