My hand shakes as I brush an errant strand of hair out of my eyes. Okay, let's say the court is even more dangerous than I imagined, and Selwyn wants to keep me away from it, and Jamie’s mother is worried about him.
How does this Ninian person fit into any of that? And what part does being a rhocyn play?
Heavens. I really do not have the brains for this. I’m not smart enough to figure any of this out. Not that I want to.
“And you will have him, once this is all over.”
Selwyn’s voice all but rings in my ear as my memory replays it in full clarity. Why is he promising Jamie’s mother that she is going to get her son back? And what does,once this is all over,mean?
My stomach rolls all the way over, and my heart gives up entirely as sudden realisation hits me like a thunderclap.
Oh fuck. I think my husband is plotting treason.
Chapter twenty-four
The universe hates me. It is the only explanation I can think of. Otherwise, why would Jamie send an invitation to join him for tea, mere hours after I learnt my husband is plotting treason with the Prince Consort’s mother?
I haven’t even had time to untangle my thoughts and feelings to work out how I feel about this revelation, and now I have to face people with it weighing on my mind. People who are intrinsically involved.
This is going to be awful. I’ve never had much of a poker face. I’m an open book, far too easy to read. And I can’t lie to save my life.
What the hell am I going to do?
At my feet, Loki whines and tilts her head.
“It’s okay,” I tell her.
There is no point in upsetting her. She’s only a puppy. She should get to stay innocent and carefree. Plots and politics have no place in her world. Lucky thing.
I pat her head. Maybe I can use her as an excuse? I could send a note to Jamie saying I’d be delighted to come to tea, but I’m worried about leaving my new puppy alone.
I huff out a breath. That would never work. Declining tea with a prince consort is a terrible insult. And it is arubbish excuse. There are a multitude of servants who can look after Loki and play with her while I am gone.
“Sorry, girl. You have to stay here for a bit.”
Reluctantly, I head towards the door. Being late would make everything even worse.
“Stay,” I say firmly.
I’ll find Peaony on my way out and ask her to keep Loki company.
Loki gives me a stricken look as I shut the door on her. Then she whines and scratches at the wood.
My heart sinks. This is awful. Poor baby.
Suddenly, inspiration strikes. What if I brought her with me? An adorable puppy is one hell of a distraction. They will all be far too busy playing with her to notice that I’m being weird.
It is a flawless plan. As long as they like puppies. Which every one does, surely? Well, there is only one way to find out.
I open the door. Loki wags her tail hopefully at me. The look in her eyes melts my heart. How could I have ever considered leaving her behind?
“Come on, then!”
She bounds forward eagerly, making me laugh. She truly is so full of life.
We walk to the doors that lead out of Selwyn’s rooms. “Best behaviour, please.”
Together we stride out. I’m fairly confident I know my way to the Crown Prince’s quarters. I have been there before, after all.
