Deck of Cards (23 page)

                 
                      ***

Philip’s ability to infiltrate the inner layers of nobility served him well.  He had spent the last several days as Leo’s guest, pretending to be relaxing while he mentally stewed over the events of the past few days. He was anxious to reform his army and strike back against Caleb, reclaiming his castle and his throne.

He had been virtually stagnate, however, listening to Leo’s caution of taking one’s time and acting rationally. Matthew still had not been located, the Gradenian Cavalry had done nothing to engage Arteria and his princess was still missing, although, he had learned, Caleb did have Katherine and was keeping her at Castle Caine. 

Today, however, seemed more promising.  This morning, he had received word that Katherine was on her way back to Placidia.  And if Leopold
was willing to use his forces to intercept her, well, then he would just have to find a way to do it himself.

         
                            ***

The short-dark haired officer who came to inform Rose that she should prepare for her return to Placidia had no idea what he was up against.  At first, she had attempted to woo him with pleasantries, complimenting his smile, even resting her hand on his arm as he spoke.  She assured him that it was not in the best interest of Arteria for her to return to Placida.  She inquired as to whether or not Caleb was aware of this ridiculous plan and, when he had informed her that Caleb had sent him, the frivolities were over.  She demanded an audience with the king at once.

Gordon had hurried over to inform Caleb that the unhappy princess was demanding to see him.  As much as Caleb was in no mood to deal with Katherine and her coquettish ways, he knew that the sooner he spoke with her, the more quickly he could send her on her way.

This time, Caleb insisted on meeting her in a more public area, the library. He arrived first and though he had been prepared for memories of his meeting with Rose here, just a few days before, to resurface, he wasn’t prepared for just how forceful those memories were.  She had been so sweet, trying her best to be of assistance and he had reacted like a wicked fool.  If only he had the opportunity to start that day over, how different things would be. But then, there were lots of days he would
have liked to have back. He would just have to do a better job of preventing such occurrences in the future.

Rose
entered by herself, her light-pink gown bringing out the color in her cheeks and complimenting her fiery hair.  As she crossed to where he sat waiting for her on the settee, she smiled shyly, and he was curious to see what tactics she might employee in an attempt to get her way.

“Your Highness,” she said curtseying. He stood politely and gestured for her to have a seat, which she did.

“How are you?” he asked courteously.  “I hope all is well.”

Rose opened her mouth as if she were going to answer but then, just as the first words began to roll off of her tongue
, she burst in to tears. Pulling a handkerchief from her bodice, she dabbed at her eyes, fanning herself with her other hand. “I’m so sorry,” she said between sobs. “It’s just, oh, Your Majesty, I’ve tried to be brave, to put on a strong face.” With her loss of self-control came a loss of meaning and she stopped talking, continuing her forced cry and hoping he would allow her to regain her composure before she was asked to continue.

Caleb wasn’t exactly sure what to do. This was certainly a side of Katherine he had yet to see. He had seen the strong confident side, he had seen the seductress. He had not seen the bawling, pleading side so he was interested to see what might happen next. He noted the tears looked rather forced and fake, though he never liked to see a woman cry for any reason.  He gave her a moment to collect her self before asking, “Are you alright?”

Rose was not sure what impact her tears were having so she reined them in a bit, ready to turn them back on if she felt it was useful. “I’m so sorry,” she said after a moment.  “It’s just, when I received word that I would be returning to Placidia, I knew I must talk to you at once. You see, I can’t go back there.”

She had his attention, as she saw his inquisitive expression begin to turn to one of concern.  “If you only knew the way that I suffer at the hands of my sister Nichole and my brother James, you would never consider forcing me to return to that dreadful place!”

This was all new information to Caleb. He had only heard kind things about Nichole and James. In fact, his understanding was that the family was very close, particularly since the death of both of their parents in the Great Heathen invasion several years ago. “What ever do you mean?” he asked.

Rose began to let the tears stream down her cheeks again but she did not turn to full-blown sobbing, not yet. “
They beat me.  They keep me in a prison tower for weeks at a time. They sent me off to marry that ingrate Philip and didn’t even plan to attend the wedding. Don’t you see, King Caleb, I am not wanted or loved by anyone in Placidia.”  She carefully placed both of her hands on his knee; “I beg of you, please don’t return me to that dreadful place.” She bowed her head in a show of reference and held that position, giving him the opportunity to contemplate her plea.

Caleb was losing patience quickly. Perhaps this is the redhead he should have carried off to the dungeon he thought.  He dismissed that idea, as it would only enrage Nichole, and besides, she would probably find a way to talk her way out of the shackles anyway.  “Princess,” he said, taking her hands in his and removing them from his leg. He looked at her hands awkwardly as if he couldn’t decide what to do with them. Finally, he placed them gently on the settee between them. “I’m very sorry for any hardships you may feel you have suffered at the hands of your relations.” Tears welled up in her eyes again as she could see that he was not falling for her scheme. “However, Nichole and I have entered into an agreement, a binding agreement, and I am to return you safely to your homeland.  Surely, as a member of the nobility, you can understand that there’s nothing further I can do to be of assistance to you.”

Rose knew her chances of winning Caleb over were waning rapidly.  She decided to switch tactics one last time. He was a man after all, surely, some as skilled in the art of seduction as herself could find a way to win him over. She turned the tears off completely and, flashing him a coy smile, slid over next to him, leaning in closely so that he could see her exposed cleavage. “Listen, Caleb,” she said softly, “Let’s not pretend that we don’t know what’s going on here.”

Caleb raised both eyebrows. He
, for one, did not know what was going on here and she was beginning to make him extremely uncomfortable again.

“
You’re an exceptionally attractive man.” Her fingers began to glide up and down the outer seam of his pants.  “And I am a beautiful woman.” His expression did not change. Desperately, she pushed on. “Keep me here, in the castle, as your prisoner,” she emphasized the word prisoner and slid her hand to the inside of his thigh, hoping to arouse images of just what one could do with a woman held captive if one wanted to, “and I will provide you with whatever services you may need fulfilled.”

             
Now, Caleb believed she had crossed a line. He grew weary of her advancements. Removing her hand from where it lay incredibly high on his inner thigh, he said, “Katherine, this conversation is over. I’m sorry to offend you, but I am not interested in your . . . proposition.” Standing, he added, “Please feel free to take whatever gowns and jewels you have been given with you.  I will have my servants prepare your belongings. Please be prepared to leave in one hour.”

             
As he turned to walk out the door, he heard her calling his name behind him. He didn’t turn to acknowledge her. He was done playing games with a woman whose personality changed as easily as her gown.

             
She watched him exit, her last chance at ever becoming queen dissolving as quickly as his footsteps down the hallway.  This time the tears that rolled down Rose’s face were real.

                     
                   ***

James prepared for his journey with precision and absolute detail. It was imperative that this expedition to retrieve his sister was safe and without complica
tions. It had been nearly a month since he had seen Katey and he was so looking forward to embracing her.  He dearly loved his little sister and had been against proceeding with her nuptials to King Philip all along. He attempted to convince Nichole that their father would now see the folly in going forward with the marriage but Nichole was one to follow through on her word, even if it was not what was best for all of those involved.

And there really wasn’t much one could do convince Nichole she was mistaken.

The journey from Castle Meadington to Landres Hill would take about twelve hours.  He planned to get there early, however, to make sure that he was there when Katey arrived.  He couldn’t wait to see her smiling face.  Regardless of what Nichole’s next strategy for building an alliance was, at least he would have the opportunity to see Katey again at last. 

As the retrieval party embarked on their journey, he began to reminisce about his sister, looking forward to having the oppo
rtunity to see her again. By this time tomorrow, she would be safely home.

     
                                    ***

Even to the last minute, Princess Katherine insisted that she could not leave Arteria, that Caleb must not return her to Nichole’s evil clutches. She requested an audience with the king and was denied.  She tried again. He was still too busy to meet with her. The third time, she requested an audience with the First Officer of the Court.  He, too, was too busy to find time for the wayward princess.  At last, her hour had run out.

As Rose watched her final trunk take it’s place on top of the carriage, she began to tremble.  “I’m too ill to travel today,” she said to the same little dark-haired soldier who had brought he the news that she was to be leaving that day.  Though it was due to nerves and anxiety, not an actual illness, her stomach truly was churning and she felt that she just might vomit all over his disgusting, smug little face. He didn’t seem to care about her health at all and, opening the door with one hand, he offered her his other so that she may step into the carriage. 

One last plea, one last attempt. “Please, please don’t make me go,” she begged. 

Without acknowledging her request, Gordon took Princess Katherine by the arm, guided her into the carriage and promptly shut the door. As she embarked on her journey, Gordon stood waving, a relieved grin on his face.  He hoped he never had to see Princess Katherine again.

Rose had a fifteen-hour carriage ride ahead of her. There was no one else inside
the coach, no one else to talk to. She would be riding through some thick forests, swampy areas, bad roads and hilly terrain.  She thought this might be even worse than the prison wagon ride only a few days before.  She was also anxious about the military presence and the fact that Matthew still had not been found.  What if her coach came under fire by the Gradenian forces?  She might be killed! The thought was enough to make her feel even more nauseated. 

It wasn’t until about two hours into her journey that she realized, at the end of this trek; she
would have to face Prince James of Placidia. How would he react when he discovered that she was not his sister? Suddenly, her stomach began to churn even more violently. “Guards!” she yelled. “Pull over! I’m going to be sick!”

Chapter 9

Caleb had decided to do as much work from his room as possible so that, if Rose should need anything, he would be right there to assist her. He had watched from the balcony above the courtyard as Katherine’s carriage left the palace gates. He was relieved to see her go.  He honestly hoped that she would find happiness, either in Placidia or somewhere else, but it certainly wasn’t going to be with him.

He had been working at his desk for a few hours when he heard a stirring in the adjoining room.  At first, he thought perhaps he should get Cook, in case she needed assistance with something he didn’t feel comfortable handling. But, he was afraid fetching her might take too long and that Rose might fall or otherwise become injured.  He knocked lightly on the door and said, “Rose? Are you alright?” Of course he knew she couldn’t answer so he waited a moment more before stating, “I’m going to open the door. Unless you don’t want me to. In which case, throw a pillow at me or something.”

Katey had managed to use the chamber pot and put it back in it’s secret location before Caleb heard her and came to her rescue. When he slowly opened the door, she was just climbing back under the bed sheets. He caught a glimpse
of one leg as she pulled it back under the covers and paused for a moment, making sure she was comfortable and that he wasn’t blushing before he continued into the room. 

She looked much better.  The color had returned to her cheeks. She looked more rested than he remembered seeing her before.  The bed was large, considering the compact space of the room. He was able to sit on the edge while still giving her plenty of space.  He looked at her face to see if she was alright with his proximity and she didn’t seem to mind.  “Are you feeling better?” he asked.

She was surprised but happy to see him, especially considering he seemed to be in a much better mood than during the last conversation they’d had. She nodded her head, yes, she was feeling much better.

“Good,” he replied smiling.  “I wanted to talk to you about what happened, but if now is not a good time, please let me know and I’ll come back later, when you’r
e better rested. “

She looked away from him then. It was still difficult for her to look him in the eye, though it was getting easier. Still, she knew this would be a difficult conversation for both of them and she wished she could tell him it was alright, that he didn’t need to explain himself. Somehow, she understood why he had acted the way that he did and, remarkably, she was not angry
with him.  In fact, somehow, the incident seemed to make her grow even fonder of him, perhaps because she could see that he was human after all. He could show everyone else the warrior side, the infallible side.  But she had seen him at his most vulnerable.  Regardless of what the future may hold, she knew this experience had brought them together in a way no one else would ever understand.

After a moment, she looked back in his direction.  He was having trouble looking her in the face now. He felt horribly guilty for what he had done. The more he thought about it the more remorseful he became. He was eager to apologize and make things right between them but it was going to be difficult because, like most rulers, he was not used to having to
say he was sorry.

But there was a time and place f
or everything, and this was his

“Rose, I just want you to know that I am whole-heartedly apologetic for what transpired in the kitchen yesterday.”  He was not looking at her. He had found a lose thread in the bedcover and was intently studying it as he twirled it between his fingers.  “I completely lost control of my temper and I hurt you. I hope you can forgive me and believe me when I say I promise I will never, ever hurt you again
.” He looked up now and he had her full attention.

He paused for a moment to study her face.  Remembering back to when she first
stepped out in front of the prison wagon, he had thought then that she was the most beautiful woman he had ever laid eyes on. Now, sitting here, so close to him, he could see just how perfect she really was.

Katey began to blush under the weight of Caleb’s eyes.  When he had so much as glanced in her direction before, she had vowed never to look at him straight on again.  Now, it was
becoming more difficult for her to allow herself to look away.

Finally, he was able to continue, “Regardless of who you were before or what you’ve done, you’re here now. And I promise, I will always protect you.”

She smiled, wishing so desperately that she could let him know who she really was. But without her ring, it would be so difficult and now, with her fingers burnt, she wouldn’t even be able to write. She had no hope for setting the record straight unless Rose decided to confess. In the meantime, Caleb would continue to think that she was a whore and feel as if she was beneath him, simply one of his subjects.

She sighed, something he was not expecting. “Is something wrong?” he asked, afraid his apology had somehow offended her.

Though she shook her head no, he could tell that there were tears welling up behind her blue eyes.  “I’m sorry. Did I drudge up old memories?” She simply looked down at her hands folded in her lap, unable to communicate with him exactly why she was about to cry. “It’s alright,” he said and as the tears slowly began to fall down her cheeks, he caught each one and wiped them away.

He wasn’t sure how she would react to his touch, knowing he had not always been so tender with her. But, as he wiped the tears from her eyes, she leaned into his hand, the soft skin of her cheek caressing
his palm.  He moved his hand up the side of her face to that shock of auburn hair and gently brushed it back. Her eyes were closed as she concentrated on feeling each sensation.  She placed her right hand against the back of his hand as he slowly caressed her cheek, her neck, her lips. She felt him move forward on the bed, felt his hip pressing against the out side of hers, felt his breath as he leaned in, his lips hovering just beyond hers. She waited longingly for him to kiss her but when he didn’t do so immediately, she opened her eyes.

He was staring at her intently.  She drew in a slow breath, lost somewhere in those eyes. “I want to kiss you,” he said quietly, just above a whisper. “But I don’t want to hurt you again.
If. . . if you don’t want me to, then I won’t”

Katey closed her eyes again and he instinctively knew what she
wanted. His first kiss was slow and soft. He wanted to feel the fullness of her lips as they pressed against his. He pulled back, opening his eyes and watching for her reaction.  She looked at him longingly and then slowly closed her eyes again.  This time, he was more deliberate.  As his lips pressed against hers, he slid his hand down her jaw line, running his fingers lightly across her chin and down her neck.  He opened his mouth and she responded, allowing his tongue to slowly glide across the top of hers. His hand encircled her neck, his thumb slowly massaging the area just under her chin.

With her uninjured hand, she took hold of his arm, encouraging him to continue to explore her body. Even though she still had bandages on her left hand, she placed it on the back of his head, pulling him in closer as he continued to kiss her even more passionately.

Her chest was heaving. She longed to feel his hands on her breasts. She could feel his erection against her outer thigh and she wanted to reach for him, to let him know how badly she wanted him.

Caleb, however, suddenly felt a wave of restraint, as he remembered what had happened just yesterday. He pulled back from her, leaving her breathless and biting her swollen bottom lip. “I’m sorry, “ he said. “I shouldn’t have done that.” He absently ran his hand through his hair. “You’re injured, you need your rest. I don’t want to take advantage of you.” He
shifted on the bed as if he were going to stand and exit the room.

Katey knew he was not taking advantage of her. She reached out to him, grabbing his arm as he faced away from her.  He felt her slender fingers wrap around his wrist.  He glanced at her over his shoulder.  The blankets had slipped down and he could see the outline of her breasts against the thin white chemise.

She held his wrist in her left hand with her uninjured fingers and her right hand was inside the sleeve of his tunic. There was something extremely sensual about the way she caressed the inside of his arm. He irrevocably thought that leaving was the right thing to do but he found himself lingering and with each second that passed, the more difficult it became to walk away.

Katey shifted her position, coming to her knees, gathering her chemise as she did so.  She stared into his eyes, and wrapped her arms around his shoulders.  As he turned to face her, he slid his hands beneath her gown. Her mouth came down to meet his and he responded hungrily. Any thoughts he had of walking away were out of the question now.

He pulled her chemise off and Katey began to grope at the fasteners on his uniform.  As he stood to undress, he pulled her along with him, continuing to kiss her as he slipped out of his clothing. Then, he gently tossed her back onto the bed, collapsing on top of her.  The feel of his strong hands on her breasts, then cupping her bottom, made her long to feel him inside of her. She felt his fingers between her legs and pressed against his arm, yearning for him to slip them inside, which he did. 

He continued to kiss her mouth, her neck, her breasts as his fingers probed more deeply inside her. She arched her back, squeezing his arm in pleasure.  He could see that she was ready, more than ready, so he slipped his hips between her waiting thighs. Her eyes were closed as he slowly slid inside of her.  He wasn’t expecting
her initial reaction. It seemed much tighter than he had expected and she bit her bottom lip as if she were in pain. She felt him hesitate and lowered her hands down his back, pressing him further inside of her. He obliged, taking it very slowly, giving her time to adjust. Eventually, she began to rhythmically move her hips along with his.  He couldn’t believe how incredible her body felt.  She ran her fingers down his chest, sending him reeling. He paused for a second, trying desperately to stay focused. He looked down at her and she slowly opened her eyes, meeting his gaze and smiling. He leaned down and kissed her lips gently before continuing.

Never in her wildest dreams had Katey ever imagined her body could feel this way. As she began to climax, she thought, for a moment, she might actually cry out in pleasure.  But she
couldn’t and when they were done and Caleb lay on the bed next to her, she continued to feel her body spasm for several minutes.

It took him a few moments to catch his breath.  He was an experienced lover but he had never felt this sort of bond before. Rose had taken him to places he had never been.  Perhaps, he thought, this is the difference between having sex and making love.

He could feel her shivering next to him.  Though he would have liked to continue to gaze at her body, he reached down and pulled the blanket up over them, hoping she would be more comfortable.  Her eyes were closed but he could tell she was not sleeping. He propped his head up on his hand and gazed down at her.  After several seconds, she looked up at him, her blue eyes twinkling. He smiled down at her and rested his hand tenderly on the sheets on top of her stomach.  “Are you alright?” he asked.

She nodded. He had tiny beads of sweat in his hair and the sweet smell of his body made her want to lean up and kiss him.  As if reading her mind, he
bent down and kissed her softly on the lips.  “Come here,” he said, rolling onto his back and pulling her on to his chest.  He was content to lie there holding her for the rest of the night, even though he knew he would surely be missed. Nevertheless, he was the king and for now the only business he wished to attend to was sleeping with this beautiful woman.

As Katey fell asleep in Caleb’s arms, she thought, perhaps tonight she would not dream of bone-white hands and pools of blood. Perhaps, tonight, she would dream of riding horses off in to the sunset.

                                         ***

The long ride through the night was over and James was perched atop the
Landres Hill, waiting for Katey’s carriage to come in to view.  His men had scoped the area and they felt very confident that everything was secure.  At half past eight, he saw dust rising on the horizon and knew that must be her.  As they came in to view, he could clearly see her carriage, surrounded by several mounted guards.

Only half a mile or so from their destination, the troops escorting Katey were tired and ready to hand the princess over at last.  They could see the liaisons from Placidia perched a top Landres Hill.  As they approached the last bend in the road, they passed through a steep ravine. Just then, there was a volley of arrows from a top the hillside.  One of the arrows struck the carriage driver directly in the throat. As he fell to the ground, he pulled the reins, causing the horses to whiney and buck.  Other guards had been hit as w
ell and utter chaos broke lose.

From his vantage point on top of the hill, James could see the entire incident unfolding before his very eyes. Just after the volley of arrows, a large body of cavalry came storming in from behind the hill. There must have been at least sixty of them.  Like a swarm of bees, they descended on Katey’s carriage, swallowing it up and carrying her off with them.  “No!” James screamed. “Go! Stop them!” he ordered to his troops.  They took off in pursuit but they were too far away and there was too much ground to cover.  By the time they reached the bottom of the hill, Leopold’s men were gone. And so was Katey. Left in their wake
were the bodies of all twenty of Caleb’s soldiers.