“Someone has tried to kill me twice,” he argued.He wasn’t going to put her into harm’s way, no matter how she tried to convince him.“It could happen again.”
“Not if we disguise ourselves.”She reached out and touched his coat.“With the right attire, we could blend in with the others.No one would know we’re any different, especially without the Graf to draw notice.”She pulled her hand away once more.“And we’ll find the answers you’re looking for.”
He kept silent, pondering her idea.It wasn’t sensible at all.To travel alone with Hannah, into a country he barely knew, was risking far too much.
Most of all, she risked her innocence.For if he had to remain at her side every hour of every day, he doubted if he could resist touching her again.
“It’s not a good idea, Hannah.It’s dangerous.”
She started to protest again, something about all the reasons why he should uncover the past.He silenced her by kissing her.
With his mouth, he ravaged her lips, trying to show her how much he desired her.Her arms wound around his neck, whether for balance or in response to his kiss he didn’t know.She smelled so good, the jasmine fragrance exotic and tempting.He softened the kiss, sliding his tongue inside her mouth.Coaxing and urging her to give him more, he used his good arm to draw her close.
“Do you feel how much I want you?”he whispered, bringing her hips to his.“The danger you face is from me, not the assassins of Lohenberg.”
He lowered his mouth to the curve of her neck, whispering upon her skin, “If you travel with me, pretending to be my wife, I can’t promise not to touch you.”
She pulled away, composing herself.“I’ll take the risk.”
“The Graf von Reischor isn’t dead, is he?”
“No,” the servant apologized.“He survived the assassins we hired.And as for the prince—”
“Do not call him that.He is only a man with an unfortunate resemblance to the king.A bastard son.”
The servant cleared his throat.“You are right, of course.But if he is only the king’s by-blow, is there a need to kill him?”
“There can be no usurper.No reason to question the rightful heir to the throne.He bears too strong a resemblance to the king.”
“You are right, of course,” the servant confirmed.“And it will be noticed, once he enters Lohenberg.”
“You cannot allow it.If you have to kill him yourself, ensure that this man poses no threat to the throne.”
The servant bowed.“It will be as you wish.”Straightening, he inquired, “Do you wish for me to remain in the Graf’s employ?I can continue to watch and inform you of his doings.”
“Yes.And return to me, as soon as it is done.”
“What about the queen?”
A brief nod.“See to it that she’s kept quiet.Use your connections in the palace and tell no one of the Graf’s doings.I don’t want any more stories about the Changeling Prince.”
A bag of coins exchanged hands.The servant gave thanks, but hesitated before departing.“What of the woman who is traveling with them?She was supposed to be sent to some cousins in Germany, but after the Graf was injured, they were delayed.If she witnesses anything—”
“Dispose of her, if you must.”
Hannah’s backside felt as though it had been beaten with wooden paddles.She clung to her horse, knowing that the Graf’s servants would pursue them.Von Reischor would be livid when he learned of her impulsive plan.Not only because they had ‘borrowed’ horses from his coach, but also because he would suspect that they had discovered something about Michael’s past.
Yet Michael faced more danger by traveling with the Graf than with her.It might not be the best of circumstances, but he could hide his identity easier if he didn’t arrive in a grand coach with servants.
The cool morning air held a mist that clung to the forest tree trunks, an enchanted cloud hiding the green moss.Michael seemed not to notice their surroundings, keeping his gaze fixed ahead.He rode beside her, dressed in grey trousers, a white shirt, black waistcoat and matching jacket.The subdued colors were less conspicuous, and Hannah had chosen a faded blue long-sleeved gown that she’d borrowed from Estelle.
She worried that, by taking horses, they still might attract notice.Perhaps they should have walked or hired a wagon.There was no time for it now.Though it was barely past dawn, Hannah feared they hadn’t left soon enough.
There was only one road leading into Lohenberg, and as they crossed the border, Hannah saw that Michael kept glancing behind them.Like her, he appeared unsettled about what they had done.
“Is anyone following us?”Hannah asked.
“Not yet.”
