by Vicky Savage
“You look lovely, sweetheart,” he says, taking in my rosy cheeks and painted lips.
“Thank you, Father. We have something to tell you.” I can’t control my ecstatic grin as I reach out for Ryder. “Drew, do you mind if we close the door?”
“Not at all.” He nods to the butler who pulls the door shut as he exits.
“Please sit down, everyone,” I say. “I apologize for being late. We had some business in Unicoi, and while we were there … well, we were married by a minister in Ryder’s church.”
“Huh?” Drew says, scratching his head.
Father gets to his feet and takes my hands in his. “Married? That is wonderful news, Jaden. But aren’t we all invited to a grand royal wedding next Saturday? Has that been cancelled?”
“No. The wedding is still on schedule, but we have our reasons.” I glance nervously at Ryder.
“Well, whatever the reason, this calls for champagne,” Drew says heading for the door.
“Hold off on that for now,” I tell him. “We have more news, and it’s not so pleasant, I’m afraid. The reason we eloped today is because we’ve become aware of a plot to attack Warrington Palace on our wedding day.”
“A plot?” General LeGare springs from his chair. “What kind of plot? Who is behind it?”
Questions fly at us from Drew and Father also.
“Please, just sit. We’ll explain everything,” I say.
I lay it all out for them—everything we know of the plot to massacre the royal family, Prince Gilbert’s plan to bring more firearms into the country, the isolated location of the Noirs’ army, and the difficulties of trying to attack them in their caves.
The responses from those present range from shock to outrage.
“Ralston has put together a plan,” I say. “We believe it is our best chance of not only defeating our attackers once and for all, but also placing Domerica in the most favorable position possible to avoid an all out war with Dome Noir.”
“Ralston?” General LeGare says. “He’s a professor not a military man. Theory is one thing, but—”
“Just hear him out,” Ryder says quietly. “He’s a learned man and is well acquainted with military strategy.”
Ralston rises confidently from his chair ignoring the slight from LeGare. “Thank you. As General LeGare has pointed out I am not a military man, but I am rather well versed in the art of war. The backbone of my plan is borrowed from a maneuver employed by Hannibal at the Battle of Cannae. It’s called the double-envelopment, or pincher movement.”
I catch Drew rolling his eyes, but I’m pretty sure he’ll come around once he hears the whole thing.
“Quite simply, we lure the Noirs onto the palace grounds by allowing them to believe we are completely unaware of their plan. Their goal is to attack at the heart of the Royal Guard. Our plan is to have soldiers from the Enclave hidden on the right flank of the palace grounds and Unicoi warriors hidden on the left. With your permission, of course,” he says looking from Father to Ryder.
“The entire contingent of Noirs will be allowed to enter the grounds,” he continues, “and the gates will be secured behind them, thus blocking the only avenue of retreat. Our hidden forces will then surround them and strike. Due to our superior numbers, the Noirs will have no choice but to surrender or die.”
“Why don’t we just pick them off as they enter through the gates?” Drew asks. “Seems safer than allowing them all inside the palace grounds.”
I answer for Ralston. “Because most of them will scatter and regroup at their hideout once they’re aware of the trap. We can’t risk a big chunk of their army escaping.”
“Why not? It’s classic divide and conquer,” Drew says. “Eventually, we’ll get them all.”
I shake my head. “You don’t understand. I’m going to have Prince Gilbert and Prince Jean Louis arrested prior to the attack and secretly transported to Wall’s Edge Prison. I don’t want anyone staging a prison break for them. Remember, the Noirs have explosives. Also, this whole incident could trigger a major war with Dome Noir. If that happens, we can’t chance having people on the inside helping the Noir army gain access to the dome.”
Father rubs his whiskered chin. “You’re going to arrest the princes?”
“Yes. I don’t want them killed in the battle. They’re our biggest bargaining chip with King Philippe. Plus, we’ve been informed that he’s frail and barely makes a move these days without Gilbert. We’re counting on the fact that he’s not strong enough to lead an attack on Domerica without his sons. His monarchy’s on the verge of collapse as it is. His only hope of saving it is to make a deal with us. If he’s not smart enough to see that, I believe Gilbert is. We can use him to persuade his father.”
“I will prepare the Royal Guard immediately, Your Majesty,” LeGare says. “We will train from now until your wedding day. We’ll strengthen the palace with extra fortifications. They will not penetrate our defenses.”
“That poses a bit of a problem, Charles,” I say. “The key to this entire plan is secrecy. Our sources have informed us that spies have infiltrated the palace over the last few weeks posing as household staff and new Royal Guard recruits. With all the new people hired in preparation for the wedding, it’ll be impossible to know who the spies are. The Noir’s have a standing order to attack without delay if their plot is uncovered.”
“But how am I to defend the palace?” LeGare asks.
“You need to identify those men who have been with the Guard for more than a couple of years. Those are the only ones we can trust. On the morning of the wedding, you’ll inform them of the impending attack and provide them with assignments. By that time, it will be too late for anyone to alert the Noirs.”
A knock at the door halts the conversation. Adelais goes to speak with a maid and returns to the group.
“I apologize for interrupting, Your Majesty, but dinner has been ready for nearly an hour now,” she says. “Do you wish to continue this discussion in the dining room?”
I glance at Ralston and he shakes his head. “It is not wise to discuss this where we may be overheard. Even a servant innocently passing along the information may pose a threat.”
“Dinner will have to wait,” Drew says.
Adelais wrings her hands. “Perhaps I should have the servants lay out a buffet before the meal is ruined. We can fill our plates and bring them back here. Does that suit you, Your Majesty?”
My stomach feels a little hollow, and I’m sure I’m not the only one. “Yes, that’s fine. We should eat. Thank you, Adelais.”
After we’re all seated again with plates of food in our laps, General LeGare asks, “Have you given any thought to moving members of the royal family to a safe haven prior to this battle?”
“Yes. In fact we thought the best idea would be to move everyone the night before the wedding to Old Unicoi. It’s in the opposite direction from where the Noirs are holed up.” I turn to my new husband. “Ryder, I’d be willing to offer Alexander amnesty in exchange for his help. He could be with his wife and child again.”
“That’s a wonderful plan,” Ryder says. “Alexander will be overjoyed. I’m certain he would have helped us without your generous offer. But this will ensure his complete cooperation. He may be in a position to supply us with a cache of firearms also.”
“Old Unicoi is a good choice,” Father says. “What about your Uncle Harold and Osrielle? Are they in danger also?” he asks.
“Yes. The Noirs believe Osrielle is still the next in line to the throne. The family’s probably safe if they stay in Hempstead, but we should inform them of the plot and give them the opportunity to go to Old Unicoi. Father could you take care of that? Harold and I haven’t spoken since our last contentious meeting.”
“Of course,” Father says. “I’ll pay them a visit tomorrow.”
“Isn’t the air poisonous in Old Unicoi?” the pregnant Adelais asks. Her hand goes protectively to her midsection.
“Alexander and the
others live in a safe zone,” Ryder says. “No uranium has been found to be present, and the air is constantly monitored for radon gas.”
“We’ll make certain it’s completely safe, for everyone,” I say. “Ryder and I will need to stay put at Warrington Palace to continue the charade that we know nothing of their plan.”
“Jade!” Father and Ryder say in unison.
I hold up a hand. “Don’t even try to talk me out of it. I’ve made up my mind. When the fighting begins, I’ll be safely inside the palace under heavy guard. So, there’s nothing to worry about.”
“Well, I’m not going either,” Drew says. “I’ll not turn tail and run while a band of thugs attempt to murder me and my family. I welcome the fight.”
“Drew, you are a grown man, and I respect whatever final decision you make,” Father says gently. “There is nothing cowardly in choosing to go to Old Unicoi to care for and protect your pregnant wife. But, Jaden,” he says more forcefully, “I’m afraid I must strongly object to your decision to remain at Warrington. You are the queen. For the sake of your people you must take all necessary precautions to ensure your own safety.”
“I hear what you’re saying, Father, but in my opinion, my people will be better served if I continue the pretense that the wedding is taking place as planned. Also, nothing in this world could keep me from seeing those two royal vipers from Dome Noir shackled and carted off to Wall’s Edge.”
Father turns pleadingly to Ryder. “She is your wife now, man. Will you not order her to Old Unicoi?”
Without hesitation Ryder says, “Surely you have mistaken me for someone else. My wife makes up her own mind about what is best for her. Besides, I would never ask my wife to do something I am unwilling to do myself.”
SEVEN
It’s nearly ten o’clock when Ryder and I finally break away from the meeting and walk hand-in-hand across the expanse of lawn to the guest house.
Drew and Adelais have furnished it lavishly and made certain it was adequately prepared for the queen. Enormous arrangements of freshly cut flowers are positioned in every available corner, a bowl of fresh pommeras—my favorite—and a golden tray of chocolate truffles are laid out on the coffee table, the faux fire-place has been turned on, and the crystalline logs dance merrily with red and gold light. The setting couldn’t be more romantic, and I twine my arms around Ryder’s waist.
“Are you tired, love?” he asks.
“No. You?”
He shakes his head and draws me closer, bending low to brush my lips with his own.
“I’m ready to see the rest of the house,” I say. “Let’s put out the lights to discourage any visitors.”
Ryder turns off the silk-shaded lamps and follows me down a small hallway. We pass beautiful bedrooms on both our left and right, but I head straight for the French doors at the end of the hall. They open onto an enormous master suite with thick, colorfully patterned rugs, sumptuous artwork, and a gigantic four-poster bed. Our bags have been strategically arranged on luggage stands on either side of the bed.
“This is amazing,” I say, goggling the luxurious furnishings.
“You act as if you’ve never seen it before.”
Oops. I forgot Princess Jaden used to own the place. “Well, Drew and Adelais have done a great job redecorating.”
“It is very beautiful,” he says, resting his hands on my shoulders. “Do you wish to shower before we retire?”
My stomach does a little flip-flop. I’m ready to get the honeymoon started, but a shower is probably a good idea after the day I’ve had. “Yes. Do you mind? I’ll be quick.”
“Take your time, love. I’ll shower in the other room.” He scoops up his bag and disappears down the hall.
I drag my bag into the ballroom-sized bathroom and peel off my dusty clothes, tossing them into the corner. I climb under the warm shower spray, allowing it to ease the tension collected between my shoulders. After lathering up with vanilla-scented bath gel, I rinse off and towel myself dry. Poking through my bag, I come across an uber-sexy nightgown I took from the princess’s hope chest.
I slide it on and straighten the lace on my shoulders. Staring at myself in the mirror, I can’t decide if the filmy gown makes me look seductive or ridiculous. I’d die if Ryder laughed when he saw me. That settles it … I yank off the gown and stuff it back in my bag, choosing instead to wear the silky white underdress I brought along.
Back in the bedroom, I switch off the brilliant chandelier in favor of the soft lighting of the bedside lamps. I tug down one side of the gloriously plush gold comforter and am pleasantly surprised to find ivory silk sheets beneath. Nice touch.
Ryder saunters shirtless through the French doors wearing only a pair of low slung cotton drawstring pants. Holy Mother of Mercy, he’s so freaking beautiful fireworks explode inside my chest.
“Is this all right?” he says gesturing to his extraordinary bare torso.
I nod, tongue-tied, and continue to gape at him like a starving man at a banquet. For the briefest of seconds Erica’s stunning face flashes through my mind, but I quickly shove it out. I’m the one he married today, not her. And I know beyond a doubt that whatever happens after I’m gone, I’ll always be the one for him.
He tosses his towel on a chair. “Would you care for a glass of champagne?”
I shake my head mutely.
He moves in close, lifting his hand to tenderly cradle my cheek. I quiver at his touch. “Are you frightened?” he asks.
“No.” It comes out a hoarse whisper.
“I will be gentle. I promise.” His eyes hold concern.
“I know.”
“We do not have to do this tonight, love. I can just hold you …”
“Shh,” I whisper. My fingers find the straps of my underdress, and I slip them from my shoulders. The flimsy hank of fabric wafts to the floor like a feather. Ryder’s breath hitches in his throat. His look of concern quickly vanishes, replaced by something deeply primal.
We glide together as naturally as puzzle pieces sliding in place. His sturdy arms surround me, and my bare skin tingles at his touch. He kisses the tender spot just below my ear, and I grip his muscled back with both hands. His lips trace along the length of my jaw line, and then his hungry mouth smothers my own. A low moan of longing comes from somewhere—whether him or me I don’t know because all thought has ceased, and the only thing that matters is Ryder’s electric touch and the remarkable way our bodies move together.
I shift my hand to the drawstring on his pants and he obliges by slipping out of them. Lifting me to the bed, he stretches full length next to me and takes me in his arms once more. We hold each other close, heartbeat to heartbeat. He covers my skin with hot kisses, causing me to writhe with pleasurable excitement. My body sinks and swells beneath his touch, and I ache for more of him. I won’t stop until I have every last bit of him.
Love everlasting may be only a fleeting dream for us, but this is real. This man of flesh and bone, honor and passion, is worth whatever price I must pay. Tomorrow be damned, Ryder Blackthorn is mine tonight.
We cling to each other throughout the night, lost in the wonder of being together completely, knowing each other in ways we’d only dreamed of up until now, reaching for each other over and over again. I float in a twilight of alternate longing and fulfillment, shunning sleep, unwilling to miss even a single moment of this precious night.
When silvery-pink streaks of morning light stream into our room, I lie completely still, fearing to stir in case Ryder should say it’s time to rise and face the day. But he only tightens his arms around me and kisses my hair.
“Morning, love,” he whispers.
I nestle deeply into his warmth. “Shh. Just hold me,” I say.
He nuzzles my ear and softly kisses my neck. My whole body shivers with delight, and I wrap myself around him.
A soft but insistent tapping from the front of the house causes Ryder to raise his head. “Is that someone at our door?”
&nbs
p; “I don’t know. Ignore it. Maybe they’ll go away.” I take his face in my hands, pressing soft caressing kisses to the corners of his mouth.
“Chief Blackthorn,” a man’s voice calls as the tapping continues.
“I’d better see what it is,” Ryder says, moving out of my arms. He slips into his pants, ties them low around his hips, and pads to the door.
I heave a defeated sigh knowing that, for now at least, bliss must give way to the realities of our urgent situation.
Ryder returns to the bedroom, combing his long fingers through his tousled hair. “Liam and Adahy are here,” he says. “They’re having breakfast at the main house, but they have a report for us. We should dress and join them, love.”