The man shrugged.“An hour, perhaps.”
There was a chance he would fire his gun at her, but more likely he needed her alive, in order to lure Michael.Her best chance of escape was now.
Hannah pretended to settle back against the seat, but she inched the back hem of her gown to rest above her hips, so that she was no longer seated upon it.The front of the gown covered the numerous petticoats, but now she could reach the ties that bound the skirts.With her fingers working quickly, she untied them.The man didn’t seem to notice her efforts, since it was so dark.
When the last petticoat was unfastened, Hannah stared at the coach door.She would have to open it in one swift motion, stepping free from the petticoats and leaping from the moving coach.
Her common sense told her that this was not a good idea.She would probably tangle up in her skirts and fall on her face.
In her mind, she could almost imagine what her mother would say.“A proper young lady would never dream of trying to escape.She would simply fold her hands in her lap and wait calmly to be killed.”
Hannah grimaced, and began easing the petticoats past her hips, keeping her lap covered with the dress.
Her pulse was pounding so hard, it was a wonder the man hadn’t heard it.Her courage was waning with every second, while her brain screamed out all the things that could go wrong.
Before she could change her mind, Hannah reached for the door handle and threw herself outside the moving carriage.Her body struck the ground hard, and a vicious pain rolled over her as she tumbled off the road.Every inch of her would have bruises, she was certain.
But she was alive.
The sound of male voices shouting made her aware that she couldn’t stay for long.They would search for her, and she mustn’t be found.
Without the petticoats, her gown hung down low, and she gathered up the hem with both hands.Thank heavens her dress was violet; it would keep them from seeing her clearly in the darkness.Ignoring the pain, she held fast to her skirts and ran toward the forest.She didn’t know where she was or how far she was from the palace.
Her chest ached from running so hard, but she forced herself to keep going.For this time, her life depended on it.
Chapter Twenty-One
Michaelreachedoutandseized Lady Brentford’s arm.He twisted it behind her back and forced her into the corridor.“Where is she?By God, you’re going to tell me or—”
The woman laughed at him, and when he looked into her eyes, he saw the true face of madness.“If you kill me, you’ll never find her.”Half-choking on her laughter, she didn’t seem to care that she was caught.“Never, never,” she sang.
At the end of the corridor, he saw Queen Astri approaching with her guards.The men came forward to surround them, and the queen’s face hardened at the sight of Lady Brentford.“I forbade you to show your face here again.”
Lady Brentford’s laughter ceased.With a sly smile, she attempted a curtsy, though Michael kept his grip firm.
“Queen Astri,” she sneered.
“She is the woman responsible for kidnapping me years ago,” Michael told the queen.Though he didn’t want to offend his mother, she needed to understand the viscountess’s actions.“Karl is Lady Brentford’s son.She had hoped he would take the throne.”
The queen’s expression didn’t change.“I’ve always known that Karl was the result of one of my husband’s liaisons.It’s the only reason others believed he was the king’s son.They thought me mad when I claimed Karl was not my child.”She shivered as though from a sudden chill.“But I always knew.The scar was wrong.”
Queen Astri turned to her men and commanded them, “Chain the king’s whore in the southwest tower.Let her know what it is to be a prisoner.”
Immediately, the royal guardsmen came and took Lady Brentford into custody.The viscountess didn’t look at all concerned by her fate; instead, she continued to laugh.
“Find her if you can, Lieutenant.Remember—your life, for hers.”
“Her men have taken Lady Hannah captive,” Michael explained to the queen, after the guards took Lady Brentford away.“With your permission, Your Majesty, I need men to help me find her.”
The queen laid her hand on his.“I will grant you my assistance.”Her hazel eyes hardened.“But you must promise that afterwards, you will assume your place as the Crown Prince.”
Though he understood the queen’s desire, it was far too soon for such promises.“Not until Hannah is safe.”
The queen’s face tensed.“This woman means a great deal to you, doesn’t she?”
He met her gaze, leaving no room for disagreement.“She is going to become my princess.”
A soft smile touched her lips.“Then you’d better find her.”
