Princess of Silence, page 19
part #1 of When Kings Collide Series
Caleb shot up out of his chair, startling her. He began to pace back and forth in front of her, near the door. The king’s disposition seemed to be shifting quickly, and Katherine wasn’t sure what to think of it. Katherine glanced up at Gordon who was still smiling at her, but he also looked worried.
Turning his attention to the king, Gordon suggested, “Perhaps we should show her the map?”
Caleb looked at each of them briefly as if he was trying to determine whether or not it was a good move before he nodded, and Gordon pulled a piece of parchment out of his pocket.
Katherine recognized it immediately and gasped. “We found this… in Princess Katherine’s room.” he began. They must think there was some connection between the princess and Rose because of the information the harlot had given them earlier, but they were be confused by the situation. “Have you ever seen it before?”
Still shocked, she took the map she had drawn for Matthew from his hands and inspected it. She was surprised they’d found it with all of the wedding materials strewn about the room. Caleb had stopped pacing and stood with both hands resting on the back of his chair, his eyes searing into her. Katherine acknowledged she had seen the map before.
“You drew the map?” Caleb asked her. Without lifting her eyes from the paper, she confirmed that she had. Seeing it now reminded her of Matthew, especially looking at the back where she had written, “I am scared.” She felt the sting of tears against the back of her eyes, overwhelmed with the pressure of this interrogation and her desperation to see Matthew again.
Caleb must’ve noticed her staring at the writing. “He wanted you to come with him, but you were too scared? What were you scared of? Philip? Your family? My soldiers?”
Katherine couldn’t keep up with the rapid-fire questioning, so she just stared down at the paper, trying to hold back her tears. Caleb sighed in frustration, but she needed a moment to compose herself.
Gordon’s hand rested gently on her shoulder. Through tear-filled eyes, Katherine looked up at him. “We just want to find him,” he said quietly.
That’s all she wanted to do as well. She took a deep breath and considered how she could let them know what the situation had been between herself and Matthew, but it wasn’t something she would’ve been able to put into words even if she had them.
Caleb leaned forward, his elbows on the back of the chair now and his head in his hands. “I’m not sure what else to do,” he muttered as Katherine dabbed at the tears in her eyes. Gordon produced a handkerchief and handed it to her. She thanked him and pressed back the tears as Caleb inquired, “Do you know where that tunnel lets out?”
She honestly had no idea. She had heard that most of the tunnels running under Blackthorn were about a quarter of a mile long, but she also knew that some of them were longer. She hadn’t gone very far down the expanse, just far enough to make sure Matthew could clear the height. The tears threatened again as she shrugged, and thinking she might wet the map and ruin it, she set it on the table in front of her.
When Caleb spoke again, the frustration in his voice was even stronger, and it rattled her. “Aren’t you from Clovington? Shouldn’t you have some sort of an idea where this tunnel leads?” Katherine sank back into the couch slightly, even though he hadn’t moved toward her.
“Your Majesty,” Russell said quietly, a lilt of a reminder in his tone.
Caleb closed his eyes for a moment and took a deep breath, rising to his full height. Katherine’s tears sprang free again, and she focused on the teacup, wishing Caroline was still here to make her laugh.
Before she realized what he was doing, Caleb was directly in front of her. He pushed the map and teacup aside and perched on the coffee table, his knees on either side of hers, his hands taking hold of her arms. He didn’t squeeze, but he did move her so that she had little choice but to turn and face him. His eyes seemed to penetrate right through as he plead with her. “Listen, Rose. I’m desperate. I need your help. I have to find my brother.”
That’s what she wanted, too, but she had no way of telling him that. He already knew everything of significance she could reveal. If she could look at a map of Clovington and point to where she thought Matthew might be, she’d do it, but there wasn’t anything more she could do to help him.
Caleb’s tone changed slightly. “What do you want?” Her eyes widened, and she tipped her head to the side, not sure what he was implying. “I’ll give you anything. The finest gowns. The most luxurious jewels. Anything you ask for. Anything you want.”
“Your Majesty...” Russell said again, a bit more forceful this time.
“Please, Rose, tell me what you know. Where is he?” The last question was a demand, and he shook her slightly before he let her go and shot up off of the coffee table, pulling at his caramel hair in frustration as he moved back around to where he’d been pacing.
Tears splashed against her cheeks as Katherine thought about the time she’d spent with Matthew, how meaningful each moment had been and how his brother just couldn’t understand. Watching his reaction to her inability to communicate was unsettling, but she understood his frustration as she felt it herself.
“Dammit,” Caleb said quietly, pacing behind the chair. The anger got the best of him then and he kicked the leg of the chair he’d been sitting in, sending it spilling over. “Dammit!” he yelled again, kicking the table.
The other two men who’d been seated hopped up, moving toward him. “All right, all right then,” Gordon was saying, his hands on Katherine’s shoulders, pulling her back toward the couch so she’d know she was safe. She wasn’t frightened of Caleb, but his outburst was alarming. She stared at him as Dale and Russell attempted to calm him down.
“Let’s go discuss what we do know, and see where that leaves us,” Dale was saying. Caleb nodded, but his face was still red.
“Perhaps Katherine will have more information than she let on,” Russell suggested. The idea that they still thought Rose was the princess made the real Katherine’s stomach churn, but she would be glad to let the other woman be interrogated for a moment. She understood Caroline’s warning now.
“Thank you for your assistance,” Russell said over his shoulder as he began to move the king toward the door, with Dale’s help.
Katherine didn’t even acknowledge the statement, only stared after them. She’d gotten her audience with the king and managed to convey next to nothing.
Gordon came around to the front of the settee and sat down next to her. “I apologize,” he said, his voice soft. Katherine pulled her eyes away from the door where Caleb and the others had disappeared and looked at him. “He is a wonderful man. A genius. Brave, generous. But... sometimes he loses his temper.”
She could see that. Katherine acknowledged the statement, thankful that her tears had dried up.
Gordon continued. “Caroline mentioned she’d like for you to come to the kitchen when you’re ready. Take your time in here, and then, when you’re ready, head down the hall to your left. It’s down a bit and on the right. You’ll smell it before you arrive.” He laughed, and she found herself smiling, despite the situation. “We are grateful for your help, Rose. It takes a brave woman to step forward, particularly under the circumstances. I hope you will find your stay at Castle Caine a pleasant one.”
Katherine smiled at him, realizing for the first time the officer had an amorous look in his eyes. He patted her arm and stood, leaving her wondering whether or not it was Rose’s statement about her that had him wishing her well or if he simply found her appealing.
He’d taken a few steps when she realized she had his handkerchief. She lifted it in his direction. “Keep it,” he said. “I hope that you don’t need it again, but should you, at least you’ll have it.”
She smiled in thanks and watched him leave, glad to be alone for a few moments to gather her thoughts. Eventually, she thought Caleb would discover her true identity. When he did, she hoped his reaction wasn’t as violent as the display she’d seen a moment ago. Someone had righted the chair, though she hadn’t seen who. She wondered if sometimes it was people he knocked about or if only furniture suffered from his outbursts. She hoped she’d never find out.
Chapter 20
Rose sat on a finely crafted stool in front of a mirror that must’ve been worth more gold shillings than her poor baker father made in his whole lifetime. Though Caleb’s servants had provided her with several silk gowns in her perfect size, she’d chosen to wear only a thin chemise beneath a satin robe. It wasn’t the same one she’d taken from the princess earlier, though. This one fit her in all the right ways. Philip’s robe had been tossed in the fireplace. It was too bad she couldn’t do the same to him.
Caleb had sent word that he’d like to see her in the library, but Rose had explained to his lackeys that her head was pounding, and she wouldn’t be leaving her chambers. If he wanted to speak to her, he’d have to do so here, in the bedroom. Now, with her hair piled on top of her head, with only a few loose curls framing her face, her lips rouged slightly to entice him, and a plunging neckline, she would make the most of his visit.
A knock on her door alerted her that the time was upon them. “You ladies may retreat to your chambers,” she said waving off the three noblewomen that had been assigned to her. She’d never had servants before, especially noble ones, and commanding them sent a rush of power coursing through her body. All three of them raised their eyebrows, but they did as they were told. Rose approached the door, praying the king would be alone.
A smile lit her face as she saw that her wish had been granted. Caleb stood in the hall, alone, fidgeting with his folded hands. “Your Majesty,” she purred, stepping aside so that he could enter. “I’ve been awaiting your arrival.” Dusk was setting around the castle, and the room was illuminated by only a few candles and the fading sun. Rose hoped it would set the right mood for a seduction.
Caleb was hesitant, looking around the room and noting they were alone. Knowing he was desperate for answers of any sort, Rose reassured him, “My ladies are in the adjoining room.”
The king nodded and followed her into the room. Rose offered him a seat on the settee and then poured two goblets of wine. He gestured a decline, so she set his on the serving tray in front of him and then took a seat right next to him so that her knees were practically touching his leg.
Caleb cleared his throat and scooted away slightly. She could see he was uncomfortable but she had only just begun to turn on the charm. “Princess Katherine,” he began, and she smiled, loving the way it sounded when he called her by her stolen name, “thank you for taking a few moments to meet with me. I understand that you’re not feeling well, and I don’t want to take up too much of your time. I know it’s been a very long few days for you.”
Rose sipped the wine slowly, looking over the rim of the goblet, staring him straight in the eyes until he looked away. As she set the vessel back on the table she said, “No need to apologize, Your Highness. It was simply a case of mistaken identity.”
Adjusting his arm on the armrest, he said, “I know you indicated earlier that you hadn’t seen Matthew or heard Philip mention him. I was wondering, now that you’ve had the opportunity to consider your stay at Blackthorn, is that still the case? Does anything come to mind at all?”
Rose leaned back on the couch, shifting slightly so that her knee brushed against his thigh. She pretended to think for a moment, coiling and uncoiling a bright red ringlet. He could see down her robe from here, and she hoped he would think she wasn’t paying attention and steal a peek, but so far he didn’t seem to be taking the bait. She adjusted again, turning her head quickly in hopes that the perfume she’d dabbed on earlier would waft in his direction. After a long moment, she finally said, “No, no, I’m terribly sorry. I do wish there was something, anything, I could say to help you. But Philip never mentioned Matthew to me.” She gently placed her hand on his knee. “It must be so very difficult for you, not knowing where your brother is after he’s been away from you for so long. However are you managing?”
His eyes shifted to her hand as he cleared his throat. “It hasn’t been easy,” he replied, leaning away from her. She watched his Adam’s apple bob up and down.
He wasn’t responding to her subtleties, but Rose was undeterred. “I can’t help you find Matthew, but I do believe there are other ways that I can be of, uh, service, to you.” Trailing her fingers up his thigh, she watched his eyes widen and grinned. Her hand stopped just short of the area where he was likely to protest her unsolicited touch, and she leaned in closer to him as he continued to stare at her. “Listen, Philip is a fool. He didn’t understand what an asset I can be. You, on the other hand, you’re a brilliant military leader, the most powerful man in the world. Surely you can see what aligning with Nadoria can do for you? My sister can invade from her border while we come at them from the other direction.” Rose moved her other hand to his arm and began to trace circles on his firm bicep, her breath warming his cheek. “The enemy would have nowhere to hide.” Even though he hadn’t made a move toward her, he wasn’t running away either. Rose pressed on. “There’s a very simple way to ensure the ties between Nadoria and Arteria never falter.”
Rose couldn’t remember ever seeing a man move as quickly as Caleb did then. He pulled himself out of her grasp and moved toward the door before she could even comprehend what was happening. “What’s the matter? Did I say something to offend you?” Things seemed to be going downhill rather quickly, and she needed to find a way to regroup and start again. She didn’t know how many of these chances she might have.
“Katherine, thank you so much for your time,” Caleb said, backing toward the door. “It’s getting rather late, and I am expected in the dining hall. It’s too bad you won’t be joining us, what with your headache and all,” he added as what seemed like an after-thought.
Rose was afraid to let him leave, afraid she wouldn’t get another opportunity. Yet, he clearly didn’t appreciate her aggressive behavior. If she had another chance to get him alone, she’d have to be softer. “Yes, me, too,” she said. “Forgive me if I’m not quite myself.” She rubbed her temples as if she actually had a headache. If he only knew exactly how far from herself she truly was, he’d toss her out on the street.
“I understand,” he said politely, his hand on the doorknob. As if he were afraid to turn his back on her, afraid she’d pounce, he fumbled for the latch behind him, opened the door, and stepped out into the hall, all without turning around.
Unable to help herself, she shouted one last plea before he closed the door. “Please consider my offer!”
The door was still open just a crack, but the king said nothing, only stood there a moment before quickly shutting the door behind him, the sound of his hurried footsteps echoing down the hallway.
“Shite,” Rose mumbled, picking up her goblet and downing it. Never, in all of her years, had a man refused her advances. Perhaps Caleb of Arteria was so distracted by the loss of his brother, he was unable to think clearly. Or perhaps he didn’t like women, though she didn’t think that was the case. Picking up the wine she’d poured for him, she leaned back on the settee, calculating her next move. If she were lucky enough to get a second chance, she couldn’t waste it. Otherwise, she’d end up back on the street--or worse--her chance at royalty gone forever.
Katherine stared up at an unfamiliar ceiling and contemplated her situation. After the interrogation, she’d found Caroline in a small room next to the kitchen. The cook had hugged her tightly and mentioned she’d seen smoke coming out of Caleb’s ears when he’d left the room by the library. She apologized for his behavior, but Katherine couldn’t blame her. After a few tears were shed, the kind woman had shown her to this room, a space near the kitchen where many of the servant girls slept. There were several small beds, and Caroline showed her which one would be hers. Katherine’s tears had subsided as the gentle woman stroked her hair and reassured her that everything would be just fine. Just before she dozed off, Caroline had said, “When you feel better, come over to the kitchen, and I’ll give you something to do. Nothin’ makes a girl feel better than a job well done!”
Now, Katherine intended to do just that, once she was certain her tears were dried up. Caroline had left her a gown, a beige one with an apron that the other kitchen girls wore. She rose from the bed and changed, glad to have Rose’s dress off. Obviously, Katherine had never worked in a kitchen before; she had honestly never truly worked anywhere before, but she thought she may as well do something useful, and as long as she was going to be playing the role of Rose, she would much rather be doing kitchen work than the sort of work the real Rose performed.
Setting the other dress aside, she made her way out the door, trying to remember which way led to the kitchen. Remembering Gordon’s words, she took a deep breath and inhaled what smelled like roasted beef of some sort. Her stomach was rumbling by the time she stepped into the kitchen.
Katherine stood by the door undetected for a moment, surveying the room. Caroline was chopping vegetables near a large stew pot. Another girl was slicing meat, and two others were busy bustling around preparing dishes. After a moment, Katherine approached Caroline, gaining her attention as she came across the room.
“Rose!” Caroline exclaimed with a wide smile. “Girls!” she called, the others momentarily pausing. “This is the new darling I was telling you about. This is Rose. Isn’t she lovely?” The other girls all gestured in her direction. One of them genuinely smiled at her, but the other two either were too busy to acknowledge her or were simply unfriendly. Nevertheless, if these were the girls Katherine was to be working and living with, she wanted to be friends. She smiled and waved shyly at each of them.
