The priest turned to give him a disdainful look. “They should have killed you as a child. You’re a monster!”
“Then prepare for a monstrous death.” Leo leaned over and put his bare hand into the water. Dead fish popped to the surface close to the shore, then farther and farther into the river.
Tatiana floated along the riverbank. “Oh, a fish fry!”
With a terrified look, the priest desperately scrambled for the other shore, but soon the wave of energy caught him. He flailed about, screaming, then sank into the water. His body floated back to the surface, facedown, then slowly moved downstream with the current.
With a sigh, Leo put his glove back on, then trudged back to his horse.
As Luciana watched him, tears stung her eyes. “You’re not a monster.”
He hefted himself into the saddle behind her and held her tight. “Have I told you recently that I love you?”
“I knew it!” Tatiana grinned at Luciana. “He’s sizzling hot!”
* * *
Back at the barn, Leo discovered that Stanley had managed to escape, since the elderly farm couple had untied him after he’d convinced them he was one of the good guys. The burning barn had caused them to rush from their home, but fortunately the rain that afternoon had drenched the land enough that the fire had fizzled out. Their distress immediately disappeared when Leo gave them a gold coin.
“I am the Duke of Vindalyn,” Leo introduced himself, not mentioning he was the Lord Protector, since most country folk feared the Beast of Benwick. “And this is my wife.”
After that, the farmer and his wife insisted they spend the rest of the night in their home. Leo was glad Luciana had a warm pallet next to the fire to sleep on, but he regretted he couldn’t make love to her in the small one-room house.
The next morning, they set out for Benwick Castle, where Leo’s cousin Tedric had lived since being banished from court five years earlier. Luciana was riding her horse again, for Brody was back in dog form.
“Remember the South Fork from last night?” Leo asked his wife. “Benwick Castle is close to where the South Fork joins the Ebe River. From there, we’ll follow the Ebe River west to Ebton.”
“Will we be safe with your cousin?” she asked.
Leo nodded. “Tedric and I have always gotten along. He’s nothing like his father, the king.”
“How so?”
Leo sighed, recalling the last time he’d seen his cousin. Tedric had spent the entire time encamped in his library, barely taking time to eat. “He doesn’t have a mean bone in his body. He has a kind heart and an unswerving sense of justice.”
“I heard that as a child, he was bullied and beaten by his father,” Edmund said as he rode behind them.
“True,” Leo agreed. “That’s why Tedric took refuge in books. He can seem a bit distant at times, but that’s because his mind is always thinking about whatever books he’s currently reading. He has an enormous library.”
Luciana smiled. “I like him already.”
Leo nodded. “He’s the most educated man I know. Someday he’ll be a wise king.”
“But not a strong one,” Edmund muttered. “I heard he can barely lift a sword.”
Leo gave his squire a pointed look. “He’ll have us to guard the borders and go to battle for him.”
Edmund snorted. “We do all the work.”
“We have fun, too.” Leo winked at Luciana.
She grinned back. “Is your cousin married?”
Leo winced. “He was, but you probably shouldn’t mention it.”
Her smile faded. “Why? What happened?”
“She ran off with a servant!” Edmund piped in. “And then they both drowned in the Ebe River!”
Luciana gasped. “How awful.”
“Yes.” Leo shot his squire a wry look. “Some people don’t know when to shut their mouths.”
* * *
Shortly before sunset, they arrived at Benwick Castle. It had been three years since Leo had last visited, and he noticed how the oldest tower appeared to be crumbling. A quick glance around assured him that the rest of the castle was in good shape. The moat looked recently dredged and clean enough that a few ducks were swimming happily about. A few guards along the curtain wall were watching him closely.
He drew his party to a halt in front of the drawbridge, and a guard yelled through the portcullis for them to identify themselves.
“Leofric of Benwick, Lord Protector of the Realm,” Leo called back. “I wish to see my cousin.”
The guard scurried off, and soon the portcullis was heaved up.
Leo and his party crossed the drawbridge, passed through the gatehouse, and came to a stop in the courtyard. He glanced around as he dismounted and helped Luciana from her horse. There was the usual bustle of activity. Servants rushed about, making chickens squawk when they got in the way. Some stonemasons were halfway finished sealing up the entrance to the old tower.
“Leofric!” Tedric called from the top of the steps leading to the Great Hall. “Good to see you again.”
“And you.” Leo was a bit surprised when his cousin used his full name, but then Tedric tended to be overly formal at times. He looked much the same as before, with the red hair and green eyes that all men of the Benwick line possessed.
Leo took Luciana’s hand and led her forward. “I’d like to introduce my wife, Ana, the Duchess of Vindalyn.”
“Welcome, Your Grace.” Tedric gave her a quick look, then his gaze focused on their clasped hands.
Luciana curtsied. “Your Highness.”
“Can we beg a room for the night, cousin?” Leo asked. “We’re on our way to Ebton. The king has requested our presence at court.”
Tedric’s mouth thinned. “Has His Royal Majesty tried to kill you yet?”
Leo blinked. Tedric had never been this blunt before. “The latest attempt was yesterday. I’m sure my wife would appreciate a hot bath and warm bed—”
“Of course.” Tedric motioned for a servant to approach. “Please take Her Grace to the blue room and prepare a bath for her.”
Leo gave her a peck on the cheek. “I’ll see you soon.”
She smiled at him, then gave Tedric a nod as she followed the servant up the stairs. “Thank you, Your Highness.”
Tedric joined Leo at the foot of the stairs and whispered, “So she’s the heiress of Vindalyn?”
“Yes.”
“And you’re able to touch her?” When Leo nodded, his cousin muttered, “Lucky bastard.”
With a smile, Leo motioned toward the old tower. “Why are you not repairing it? If it crumbles any more, it could affect the integrity of your curtain wall.”
Tedric snorted. “Spoken like a warrior. We’re in the middle of Eberon. Who’s going to attack us? Besides, I don’t have the money…” His face grew harsh. “Yet.”
Leo gave his cousin a closer look. Had five years of banishment soured his disposition?
Tedric suddenly smiled like he used to. “Come, cousin, let’s have a drink and catch up on news.”
Leo followed him into the Great Hall, then through a door on the left to his library.
“Whiskey?” Tedric asked as he filled two goblets.
Leo paused before saying, “Sure.” The last time he’d visited his cousin, Tedric had imbibed only watered-down wine, claiming that anything stronger interfered with his studies.
Leo accepted a goblet and strolled along a wall lined with bookshelves. “I’ve always admired your library.”
“Thank you.” Tedric settled into the chair behind his desk. “Come, have a seat.”
As Leo turned back toward the desk, he suspected that his cousin didn’t want him wandering about. But it was already too late. Leo had spotted the layer of dust coating the books. What would have caused his cousin to eschew his favorite pastime?
“I didn’t realize you had married,” Tedric began.
Leo sat across from him. “King’s orders, though I’m delighted with the result.”
“No doubt. She’s a beauty.” Tedric frowned. “So my father has even more reason to kill you now. He can finally snatch up the Duchy of Vindalyn.”
“I’m sure that’s his plan.”
Tedric took a sip of whiskey. “I’m surprised you’re traveling with such a small party.”
“I thought it best not to draw any attention to ourselves.”
Tedric snorted. “Once my father decides to kill you, nothing deters him. You should have brought your army with you.”
Leo shrugged. “They’re busy. There was a battle with an elfin army last week, and now they’re fighting the Norveshki.”
Tedric took another sip. “And who is leading the army in your absence?”
“General Harden.”
“A friend of yours?”
“Yes. He’s like a father to me.” Leo wondered where this was going. Tedric had never shown any interest in the military before.
“So you have the loyalty of the army, but the king wants you dead.” Tedric set his goblet down with a clunk. “The solution seems rather obvious, don’t you think?”
Leo arched a brow. “That … solution seems rather drastic. Not to mention traitorous.”
Tedric scoffed. “Are you seriously trying to remain loyal to a king who has tried numerous times to kill you?” He leaned back in his chair. “I’m beginning to think your visit here is quite fortuitous. After all, I’m the heir, and you have the army.”
Leo sipped from his goblet. “You never seemed this ambitious before.”
Tedric suddenly leaned forward, his green eyes blazing with anger. “I’ve been stuck here for five years. I’m sick of waiting for the old man to die. All you have to do is take the army to Ebton, and he’ll crater…”
“The minute I do that, he’ll have every woman and child in Ebton slaughtered.”
Tedric waved a hand impatiently. “You have to expect a little bloodshed at a time like this.”
Leo inhaled sharply.
“Are you with me?” Tedric’s eyes narrowed. “Or not?”
Leo had a bad feeling that if he declined, he and his party would be part of the bloodshed. For now, he would try to buy some time. “I’ll think it over. Come up with some plans. We’ll have to be very careful.”
“Excellent.” Tedric’s smile didn’t reach his eyes.
Leo stood. “If you don’t mind, I’d like to wash up before dinner. And spend some time with my wife.”
Tedric snorted. “Lucky bastard.”
Not lucky at all, Leo thought as he left the room. They’d escaped one dilemma only to land in another one far more dangerous.
Chapter Thirty-three
Luciana leaned back and closed her eyes, enjoying the tub of hot water and peaceful solitude. A week on horseback had been tough on her legs and backside. And it seemed like ages since she’d had a moment completely alone.
“Luciana!”
Not alone, after all. She opened her eyes and discovered her sister hovering nearby.
Tatiana huffed. “You’re naked again. At least this time you’re not performing acrobatic stunts in bed.”
Luciana gave her a wry look. “Jealous, are you?”
With a shrug, Tatiana turned away. “I need you to get dressed. There’s someone you have to meet.”
“You mean a … ghost?”
“An important one.” Tatiana waved a hand impatiently. “Come on, hurry! I’m your best spy. You should trust me.”
“I do trust you.” Luciana climbed out of the tub and quickly dried off. “And you’re much more than a spy to me. You’re my sister. And my friend.”
Tatiana turned toward her with tears in her eyes. “Thank you. I’m sorry I’ve been such a grouch lately. I just felt a little … neglected.” She sighed. “And jealous, too, I guess.”
“Tatiana—”
“I know, I know. You’re newly wed and madly in love. I’m happy for you, really. Now get dressed.”
Luciana slipped into a robe that the maid had left for her. “Who is this important ghost?” She wrapped the towel around her wet hair to squeeze it dry.
“You’ll see.” Tatiana called out, “You can come in now.”
As a spirit sifted through the closed door, Luciana gasped and dropped the towel to the floor. How could this be? She’d seen this man earlier, and he’d been alive. She curtsied. “Your Highness?”
Tedric of Benwick’s eyes lit up. “Then it’s true! You can see and hear me?”
“Yes.” Luciana gave her sister an inquisitive look.
Tatiana nodded. “It’s really him. The prince. I found him moping about the Great Hall.”
Tedric stepped toward them. “I’ve been desperately trying to contact the living so I can right this terrible injustice. And now, thanks to the two of you, I have hope that we can succeed.” He smiled at both of them. “You truly do look exactly alike.”
Tatiana sighed. “Not exactly, since I’m dead.”
Tedric tilted his head, studying her. “You still look beautiful to me.”
With a small gasp, Tatiana glided over to Luciana. “Did you hear that? The prince thinks I’m beautiful.”
“You are,” Luciana whispered, then cleared her throat. “Excuse me, Your Highness, but how can you be dead, when I just saw you downstairs?”
“The man you saw is an imposter,” Tedric explained. “And the one who murdered me. As far as I can tell, he can take on any human form. He masqueraded as one of my personal guard for several days, but when I discovered the guard’s dead body, I confronted him, and he killed me.”
“Then he took on your form?” Luciana asked.
Tedric nodded. “His kind is extremely rare among the Embraced. Most people don’t even believe they exist. I’ve read of only one other documented case. They are referred to as Chameleons.”
The door swung open and Leo strode inside, walking straight through his dead cousin. “There you are.” He pulled Luciana into his arms. “Why are you dressed?”
“Leo—”
He nuzzled her neck. “It’s been three days since we made—”
“Leo!” She pushed him back.
“All right. I’ll bathe first. Is the water still warm?” He pulled off his shirt.
“We’re not alone.”
He glanced around. “Your sister again?”
“Yes. And this time, she brought company.”
He winced. “Your mother?”
“No.” Luciana gave her giggling sister an annoyed look. Even the prince was smiling. “This is serious.”
Tedric instantly sobered. “Quite so. You must be certain that no one overhears the conversation you are about to have.”
“I understand.” Luciana ran to the door and peered out. No one in sight. Then she checked the privy and looked outside the window. The sun was nearing the horizon, and servants were lighting torches down below in the courtyard. No one was hovering close by to listen in.
“What’s going on?” Leo asked. “Who else is here?”
Luciana drew close and whispered, “There’s a problem with your cousin.”
Leo winced. “I know. He … he’s changed somehow.”
“He’s dead.”
“No, I just saw him—”
“His ghost is here.” Luciana gestured toward him. “The man downstairs is an imposter.”
Leo narrowed his eyes at what was an empty space for him. “I—no, how can that be?”
Tedric nodded. “I anticipated this reaction. Tell him, when we were young, he called me Drick and I called him Frick.”
Luciana repeated his words, and Leo’s eyes widened. When Tedric told her more, she said, “When he was seven, the king broke his arm, and you asked him if he wanted you to give the king a little shock, but he said no.”
“Not a mean bone in his body.” Leo glanced toward the empty space as a glint of pain shimmered in his eyes. “Tedric? By the Light, man. What happened?”
“The imposter killed him.” Luciana quickly explained
all that Tedric had told her.
A knock on the door startled them.
“Leo?” Brody called, and Leo quickly let him in.
Brody was barefoot and dressed in some of Edmund’s spare clothes. “I smelled something off, so I shifted so I could tell you about it.”
“Shifted?” Tedric asked.
“He turns into a dog,” Tatiana explained.
Tedric glided over to study him. “Fascinating.”
Brody stepped closer and lowered his voice. “There’s another shifter here. I’m not sure who yet—”
“He’s the man who murdered my cousin,” Leo whispered. “Tedric’s ghost is here, and he told Ana everything. The murderer is masquerading as Tedric. Have you ever heard of a shifter who can take on any human form?”
Brody stiffened with a wary look.
“They’re called Chameleons,” Luciana added.
Brody winced. “We need to stop him. Obviously, this is part of his plan to take over the throne.”
“Quite so,” Tedric agreed. “And he’ll get away with it since he looks exactly like me. In my opinion, the only way to foil his plan is for you to uncover my dead body.”
“Where is your body?” Luciana asked. After he answered, she turned to her husband. “He and the dead guard are on the top floor of the old tower.”
Leo snorted. “No wonder the Chameleon is having the tower sealed up. Brody, find Edmund and Jensen. I’ll meet you there shortly.” He turned to Luciana. “I want my cousin to join us there. And I need you dressed and by my side. As dangerous as this imposter is, I dare not leave you alone.”
* * *
Leo tamped down on his power. The energy had been surging inside him, threatening to break loose, ever since he’d learned that his cousin had been murdered.
Now, as he strode across the courtyard with Luciana by his side, his mind waffled between shock and anger. Part of him wanted to reject the notion that his cousin could be dead. Not Tedric. He was a scholar who would never harm a soul. But at the same time, Leo knew it had to be true. The imposter had said things that his innocent cousin would never have said. That damned murderer.
Anger spiked so fiercely, Leo could barely control the power that begged for release. His skin crackled with energy and his hair stood on end. People in the courtyard scurried away from him with whispers of the Beast.
How to Tame a Beast in Seven Days Page 32