“Vertraumen is still one of our provinces,” Karl answered. “I don’t believe the king will turn his back on them.”
“And what of you?” Durin asked. “Has he turned his back on you?”
Karl sent the priest a dark look. “He hardly ever noticed me. Even when I was the prince.”
Serena sat within the library, feeling restless. She’d watched the ships arriving on the horizon, and despite her resolution to stay here and face the king, the waiting was pressing down upon her nerves.
Even when she retreated to the garden outside, the ladies were there, hovering around her. She took no comfort from them, for it only reminded her of her father’s impending arrival. There had to be some way to occupy her time, or she’d go mad.
She stood up from the lawn and asked one of the ladies, “Who has been distributing the supplies to the islanders?”
“Bernard and several of the guards,” the woman answered. “They’ve been delivering grain for most of the morning.”
The idea of bringing food and supplies to the needy struck her as a more enjoyable way to pass the afternoon. Though there might be some danger, she supposed Karl’s guards could keep her safe enough.
Her ladies helped her change into a gown more appropriate for paying calls within the village. When Bernard returned to load up the wagons, Serena informed him of her intent. “Your Highness, that would not be wise. Some of the places we’ve visited are…not fitting for a lady of your station.”
“I’ll escort you,” came a baritone voice.
She turned and saw Karl standing beside the gate. He rode a black horse, and he held out his hand. “I think I can protect my own wife.” He spoke the words with a hint of mockery. “Unless you’d rather burrow inside the house?”
She bristled at the implication of her cowardice. “I’m not afraid to go out. The guards will keep us safe.”
She gave an order for Bernard to prepare a horse, as she faced Karl.
“Afraid to ride with me?” he dared her. She only sent him a chilled look. “No. But there might not be enough room for mewith your arrogance in the way.” After straightening the ribbon beneath her chin, she awaited her own horse.
It was backbreaking work, hauling sacks of grain. Princess Serena had attempted to speak with the wives and children, offering words of comfort while Karl helped Bernard to unload the wagon.
is footman had protested, saying that it wasn’t right for him to join in on the labor. Karl had ignored the man, needing the physical relief from being around Serena. The scent of her hair and her delicate beauty only reminded him of her bare skin and the way she’d responded to him.
He wanted her in a way that went beyond the desire to join their bodies. If he could entice her, unravel her until she craved no other man but him…it still wouldn’t be enough.
They reached the last house, and it was growing dark. The sun grazed the edges of the sea, casting shades of purple and red across the sky.
Karl led his horse up to the pathway, but there were no lights inside the tiny hut. He suspected it was one of the abandoned cottages and when they entered, the dwelling was dusty and barren.
His first instinct was to leave, but when he spied a tiny cupboard against the wall, a sudden memory swept through him.
Darkness surrounded him, the air thick and heavy. His small hands had pressed against the door, while the suffocating fear consumed him. He’d sobbed for hours without any understanding of why he was there. Only the knowledge that ifhe dared to push the door open, a worse punishment awaited him.
It was a recurring dream he’d had. And now, Karl recognized it for what it was—a faded memory from his past.
“We should go,” Serena said, starting to leave. “No one has lived here for years.”
Karl ignored her and walked over to the cupboard, opening it slowly. It was just large enough for a small boy to fit inside. The stifling dusty air of the house evoked pieces of the past he’d forgotten—until three weeks ago when he’d seen the woman who was his real mother.
Serena’s footsteps came up behind him, and she stared at the cupboard, not understanding. “What is it?”
He was about to say “Nothing,” when another memory flooded through him.
He remembered a sharp pain, slicing through the back of his leg. Revulsion shuddered through him, and his scar held a phantom itch.
Serena returned to the front door, closing it. When they were alone, she took his hand. “Tell me.”
He shrugged, not knowing how to answer. The visions were blurred, and he hardly knew what was real and what was not.
“The cupboard reminded me of a dream I had once,” he said quietly. “I was locked inside, and though I cried for hours, I couldn’t get out.” Karl drew in another breath, and the musty odor of the abandoned house seemed to push back the years. “It was a nightmare I had often.”
