Shades of Truth (The Summerlynn Secrets)

by C. L. Stockton

  “Aren’t you forgetting something?” To remind him, I hit his thigh with my hands.

  “I am tempted to leave you like this. You would be much easier to handle.”

  “Or more difficult.” I sighed. “Please untie me.”

  “Since you said please.” His hands first released the knot of the blindfold, then while I blinked in the afternoon sunshine, he untied the rope around my wrists, fingers lingering on the red marks revealed.

  I shook his fingers away in an effort to halt the sensations rapidly spreading upward from my hands. Though I blamed it on increased circulation, I had a sneaking suspicion my hands tingled from his touch.

  We were in the middle of a road dividing two sides of the forest. I certainly had no idea where we were. Of the men recently holding us, I saw no sign. Could the entire thing have been a dream?

  No, I decided, looking at my wrists.

  “What next?”

  Colton reined Brutus’s head around, and we set off along the path. “We ride until we get our bearings.”

  “And then?”

  “We head for Crutten.” He named Goran’s capital.

  “Bolien is the opposite direction,” I helpfully pointed out.

  “I am astounded at your grasp of geography.” He shifted behind me, nearly upsetting my own balance as our bodies once again pressed together.

  “I want to go home.” My voice was plaintive in the silence.

  “As do I.” Weariness leaked through his words. “No arguments.”

  “You must have mistaken me for someone else.” I snorted. “I always argue.”

  His sigh brushed the back of my neck. “Which is why I’m asking you to make an exception.”

  “I thought you could not wait to be rid of me.” I referred to his earlier coldness.

  “No matter how I feel, I have promised to protect you. In Crutten, I can do that.”

  I considered. What’s the harm in traveling with him to Crutten? It wasn’t as though I had anyone waiting for me in Chester. It would also prolong our time together and if he lived there, I could discover more about him. Surprisingly, I craved knowledge about him the same way I craved my next breath.

  Which is exactly why I needed to go back to Bolien.

  But, his house probably had maps I could compare my father’s map to. An idea had taken shape, but I wasn’t quite ready to put a name to it. I really shouldn’t leave the country until I identified the location on the map.

  “Fine. But I am not happy about this,” I lied.

  “Are you happy about anything?”

  “Not when I am with you.”

  “I should have left you blindfolded,” he muttered.

  I jabbed him in the ribs with my elbow. He grunted.

  We continued along the path until we reached a town. A sign proclaimed Loveton. From what I knew of Goran, we were actually farther south than I thought. Crutten was north of us, which, conveniently, also led toward Bolien.

  On the verge of pointing that out, from the determined silence behind me, I thought better of it. This past hour was the longest he’d remained silent in my company, well, when he wasn’t sleeping or sulking. Should I be concerned?

  As if sensing my curiosity, Colton said, “Tell me about the pendant.”

  We were back to that again? “My father gave it to me four years ago. I didn’t like it then and I don’t like it now.”

  “What do you know about it?” He continued, “Be honest.”

  Had he spoken with Sabean? I sighed. “I know it is connected with the Tallons and that my father is most likely a member.”

  “Are you familiar with the Tallons?”

  “I know they protect the Norths.”

  “Anything else you would like to add?”

  “Currently I find you very irritating.”

  “Thank you for your honesty.” A few moments passed as he mulled over what I’d said. “Are you a Tallon?”

  “Of course not! I have better things to do than guard a spoiled royal family.” Like identifying the spot on the map where all the secrets were hidden.

  “I don’t believe you.”

  “Why not?” It was time to find the reason behind Colton’s distrust.

  “Even you must realize how bad it looks. First, you initiate contact with your father’s colleague, and then confess that oh, right, your father had sent you to a specific address in Lisbon. I spend the next couple days saving your life more than once, and you still act as though you know nothing about your father. Then, after days of protesting your innocence, you produce a pendant from an ancient order devoted to protect the royal family.” He shook his head. “My father is not going to believe you are innocent.”

  “Then don’t introduce me.” I wondered how we’d gone from my father to his.

  “Impossible. He knows everything.” A pause. “Well, almost everything.”

  “That’s unfortunate. As a child, you must have had no fun.” I paused. “Which explains a lot.”

  “I prefer to reserve fun for when my life is not being threatened.”

  “No one is threatening your life; it is mine they want.” Which didn’t seem fair. “Why isn’t anyone threatening you? Is it your father?”

  “Yes.”

  “Who are you?”

  “All will be revealed this evening.”

  “Why not now?”

  “Because I am not certain what your reaction will be and I’d rather have space between us when I tell you.”

  My mind raced with all the possibilities. “You’re not a mercenary, are you?”

  “No.”

  “A member of the mob?”

  This time he chuckled. “No.”

  What other positions in society were influenced by fathers? “A titled aristocrat?” He hesitated. That was all the answer I needed. I buried my head in my hands. No wonder Father sent me off with Colton. He had been matchmaking.

  As with other unpleasant realizations on this trip, I decided to ignore it. Besides, I was hot on the trail of discovering who Colton really was. “Do you truly have a brother or did you make that up to throw me off?”

  “How about we don’t talk about my family anymore?”

  “Fine. Then tell me what you learned in your daily meetings.”

  Colton sighed, his chest expanding into my back. “My brother’s name is Robert. You’ll meet him this evening as well.”

  Finally, my brain clicked. “You’re taking me home with you?”

  “I cannot leave you out in the street now can I?”

  “Absolutely not! Put me in a hotel, lock me in jail, but please, please do not introduce me to your family!” The entire scenario was too cozy, too romantic. It wouldn’t take much more for my brain to begin constructing elaborate daydreams about our future together.

  “They are not that bad.” His tone was dry.

  “Your father sent men after us and your mother wants you to marry. The last thing you need is to bring me home with you!” My voice rose on each word, scattering birds and animals in the area.

  He sighed. “We are nearly there and it is too late to make for any other destination while there is still daylight. Unless you would like to spend the night in the forest.” He sounded entirely too satisfied for my taste.

  Grumbling under my breath about arrogant men, I subsided into silence.

  Being in someone’s home was strangely intimate. I would begin to see pieces of his character he’d kept hidden, to learn the nuances of his mood. I’d notice the colors he chose, the items he surrounded himself with and yes, the interactions with his family would be snapshots from when he was younger.

  I couldn’t handle that. It was enough trouble keeping him at arm’s length when I barely knew him. If he allowed himself to be known, I would be lost. My heart would leave and never come back.

  Thankfully there wasn’t much time for me to fret as we reached a town that rapidly escalated into a large city. Traffic picked up, until we became simply one of many traveling
the streets of Crutten. Try as I might, I couldn’t summon any excitement at being here. This evening might determine the rest of my life.

  Chapter Ten

  I can only defend my own denseness by saying how exhausted and worn I was by the time Colton stopped the horse in the front of the biggest house I’d ever seen. My eyes barely flickered over the amazing fountain parallel to us, or the huge pillars extending high above my head of a three-story building extending as far as the eye could see in either direction.

  Though I’d never been to Crutten, I recognized a palace when I saw one. Colton carefully swung to the ground, extending his hand to help me down. Once on the ground, I blinked, still confused why, if this was a palace, we were here.

  My befuddled mind refused to work quickly, and it wasn’t until a footman hurried up, bowed, said “Welcome home, Your Royal Highness,” that I realized what, or more accurately, who, was behind me.

  “Thank you, Alan.” Cautiously, Colton reached for my elbow. Luckily for him, I still hadn’t decided what my reaction should be.

  Of course. This is why he was so valuable. Colton was a prince, though whether he was Sorin, the heir, or Robert, the spare, remained to be seen (Though if I remembered correctly, he’d mentioned his brother Robert). That meant his father was King Richard of Goran, a man people thought twice about crossing.

  I probably should be angry. Colton had been lying from the first moment. To be fair, so had I. I blinked. If only being angry didn’t take so much effort.

  There. I felt the first stirrings of anger deep in my stomach. My very empty stomach. Unfortunately, we were nearly to the front door, where an impressive looking butler stood. He swept us a low bow. “It’s good to have you back, Your Royal Highness. Was your trip a pleasant one?”

  “It was, thank you, Cedric.” He smiled. “Are we entertaining this evening?”

  “No. Her Majesty is in the green drawing room.” The butler stepped back, allowing us into quite an enormous room. The ceilings were easily twenty-five feet high. White paint bore intricate gold patterns and an enormous gold rug covered the white slate floor. Each tile bore the Goran royal crest.

  I caught a glimpse of my reflection in the mirror to our right, and nearly cried out in surprise. Not only did I look like a pauper in my torn breeches and shirt, my hair was wildly disarrayed and both cheeks were marked with dirt, not to mention I must smell.

  I was not meeting the Queen looking like this.

  Cedric stayed behind as Colton began towing me toward the back of the entry hall, passing numerous paintings and sculptures that continued along the hallway receding from the great hall.

  My attempts to slow down met with resistance. Colton was a man on a mission and I was simply chattel to be towed along.

  Breathlessly, I demanded, “Stop!”

  “No.” His stride never faltered.

  “Stop right this second or I shall scream.” The threat was rather ruined as I was half jogging to keep up. This hallway was inordinately long.

  Abruptly, he stopped. Hauling me by the elbow to stand in front of him, he said, “What is wrong now?” His own fatigue had been pushed back by the excitement of his homecoming, his blue eyes burning at me.

  “You know exactly what is wrong.” My voice was deadly quiet as I stepped closer so we were practically nose-to-nose.

  “Cadrian, I am in no mood to play guessing games. Tell me what is wrong and be quick about it.”

  My anger flared. Seeing the beginnings of temper swirl in his eyes, I said, “Did you perhaps forget you are a prince?”

  “That is not a fact one forgets.” He pushed a hand through his hair, causing a lock toward the back to stick straight up. Of course he managed to look presentable even after nearly a week of hard travel and taxing meetings. “Any chance we can discuss this later?”

  “It’s always later with you.”

  “Ah, but I never disappoint.” He made to take my hand but I pulled out of reach. “Now what is wrong?”

  “I am not meeting your mother looking like this.”

  He looked down at me. “I suppose you could do with a wash.”

  “Excellent idea. I shall have a bath and meet your mother in the morning.” I had no intention of meeting his mother, period. If I could get him to let me go upstairs, I would slip out the back—wherever that was—and be on my way home.

  His eyes narrowed suspiciously. “If you want dinner, you will meet my mother.”

  I frowned. Remind me never to negotiate with Colton. He knew exactly what to say to get his way.

  Perhaps I could make him see reason? “Colton, I cannot possibly meet the Queen with dirt on my face and rips in my clothes. I need at least fifteen minutes to make myself presentable.”

  “You have five.” Indicating a mirror with his head, he leaned against the opposite wall.

  My eyes widened. “You cannot be serious.”

  “Dinner,” he reminded me.

  “You do not play fair,” I grumbled, turning to the mirror.

  It was worse than I thought. Though short, my hair was tangled around my face. I didn’t know whether to begin there or with the dirt on my face. Using my right hand, I scrubbed at the streak of dirt on my cheek, while using my left hand to finger comb my hair into some semblance of order.

  My task was made much harder by the steady scrutiny from Colton, causing my hands to tremble and my heart to speed. His expression was bland, but his eyes a brilliant sapphire as they tracked the movement of my hands. I wondered what he was thinking. Probably something about how annoying I was.

  When I turned to look at him, his smile was a soft note in the silent hallway. “Feel better?”

  “Only a bath will make me feel completely better.” I frowned. “And do not smile at me. I am still angry at you.”

  “Of course you are.” He again started down the hall. Reaching a door, he called, “My mother’s name is Cassandra,” before boldly opening it and entering the room.

  I followed much more hesitantly. When I finally brought myself to stand in the doorway, it was to see Colton hugging his mother so tightly her feet came off the ground. She was completely enveloped in his arms, and I heard her say, “Oh, I’ve missed you.”

  Feeling wrong to interrupt such an intensely private moment, I turned my attention to the room. It was a beautiful green color. A huge fireplace hogged the center of the far wall, while huge glass windows glittered opposite the door. Green patterned couches artfully splayed across the beautiful wood floor dotted with what could only be expensive Brazilian rugs. Paintings hung everywhere, including a family portrait above the fireplace.

  She was still laughing when he carefully set her down. She took a minute to pat her hair into place after Colton’s hug. As though unable to keep her eyes off her son, she said, “You look quite rakish in that beard, Sorin.”

  “There was little time for shaving, Mother.” He turned his head, spotting me near the doorway. “Stop looking as if you are about to bolt and sit.”

  “But I am about to bolt,” I muttered. I stayed where I was.

  Catching sight of me, the queen turned with a question in her eyes.

  Queen Cassandra of Goran possessed the kind of beauty that made men search for the ability to speak. Her hair the gold of newly minted coins, her eyes the dazzling blue of Colton’s, and her complexion a warmer hue of porcelain. Cheekbones sprayed high across her face, lending her features certain elegance. Her nose was straight and patrician. The color of her gorgeous gown deepened the blue of her eyes. Though she wasn’t tall, her figure was lush and if she hadn’t been happily married to King Richard for the last twenty years, I’d have thought her barely forty.

  Her eyes brightened. “Please tell me you came with Sorin.”

  “I did.”

  Hope flared in her eyes. She looked quickly back at her son. Before she could say a word, Colton intervened, “I brought her, Mother, but that is all there is to it.”

  “Oh.” Her disappointment was palpab
le. She recovered quickly. “Forgive my manners. Please, come in.” Queen Cassandra beckoned me, indicating a plush, velvet covered green lounge. “I am Queen Cassandra.”

  “A pleasure meeting you, Your Majesty.” My curtsey was low, even though the lack of skirts left me feeling slightly foolish. “I am Cadrian Summerlynn.”

  Queen Cassandra’s glance swung back to Colton. She raised an eyebrow. He shrugged. Ignoring her obvious question, he crossed to the bell pull. “I will answer questions only after Miss Summerlynn and I have eaten.”

  Barely ten seconds later, a maid appeared in the doorway. She curtseyed. “Meg, please arrange for dinner to be brought. I understand my son and his guest are quite hungry.”

  Queen Cassandra watched closely as I abandoned my post inside the doorway and sat across from her on the lounge. Her interest intensified when Colton, instead of selecting any of the numerous other seats, chose to sit beside me. I knew it was to keep me from bolting from the room but no doubt she thought something entirely different about his choice of seat. “How did you two meet?”

  I paused, unsure how much she knew about Colton’s investigation and how it led him to me. So I simplified, “My family and I separated during the attack on Sal de Mar. Your son helped me escape, and offered a place to stay until arrangements can be made to send me home to Bolien. It is my wish to return there without delay.”

  “We are in the process of discovering her family's whereabouts before she can return home.”

  “When was this decided?” My eyes narrowed at the man sitting lazily beside me. Every line of his lean body was relaxed. I thought briefly of poking him but resisted the urge.

  As for my own posture, I sat primly on the edge of the couch, my ankles crossed. Next to Queen Cassandra’s glorious blue gown, I felt a hobo in my ragged trousers and shirt. My muscles protested the stiffness of my posture but I was determined to sit upright. One didn’t slouch in the presence of one’s queen.

  “When you agreed to come here.” A corner of Colton’s mouth turned upwards as he watched me struggle to control my temper. He knew I wouldn’t dare cause a scene in front of his mother.