Fifty-two
James
It took a few days of interrogations, procedures, and the like, but I made sure every single person who had been involved with Edwin’s abduction was in jail. Being in league with Chuffey sealed their fate since they’d messed with Helena as well. Their parents did their best to minimize the damage, but all three were quickly put on trial and sentenced to ten years in prison. Frankly, I felt they’d gotten off too lightly.
With their actions, and Beatrice’s, I had nowhere to turn for peace. It seemed to be one damned thing after the next. I just wanted a peaceful week where I could work and indulge in Edwin, but that seemed deucedly hard to manage.
I stole an hour to go and fetch the rings, as the Founder’s Ball was tomorrow, and I was intent on proposing very soon. Either tomorrow or the day after, depending on how tomorrow went. I would not let any more time waste away before having this man engaged to me.
The rings burned a hole in my pocket, but I was determined to propose right, which Edwin deserved.
I was admittedly on edge. The nightmares were back, too, more ferocious than ever. Edwin did all he could to reassure me, but it was the fear of losing him that haunted my dreams. I couldn’t lose him again. I just couldn’t. My heart wouldn’t survive.
Needing some kind of reassurance, I chose to go to the one place that brought me solace: Vuheia’s temple. I brought Edwin with me, for a few reasons, but I couldn’t deny the underlying one: I wanted to show him off. Edwin was not one of Vuheia’s worshippers, so I wasn’t sure how well she really knew him. I wanted to introduce them and then brag.
I was a simple man. I couldn’t claim otherwise.
We left for the temple late in the evening after dinner; it was the quietest time. Less chance of me being recognized, which was slowly becoming an issue. There were drawbacks to being a popular prince.
I hadn’t brought any knights with me because it was too obvious and a giveaway that I must be someone important. After the recent attempt on Edwin, that may have been a poor decision, but the whole court was aware of what had happened and probably afraid of what I might do if anything happened to Edwin. Right now, it was safe enough. I’d protect him if we were attacked. I dressed simply and trusted that darkness and a standard coach would be enough camouflage for a quick trip out of the palace.
I was armed just in case, though.
The ride proceeded without any fuss, and the second we arrived, I ushered Edwin straight in through the temple door. I noticed several signs of improvement on our way in, however. Someone had planted a few fruit trees and box gardens out front, and I was thrilled to see it. Most temples planted community gardens for the poor—a silent way of feeding people without pressuring them to ask for alms. This temple had not had sucha garden when I’d first visited. I hoped some of the money I’d donated had been put to this use.
Upon my entry, a priestess glided up to us with a small bow and smile. “Welcome. Do you need assistance?”
“We’ve just come to pray,” I said with an answering smile. “One question, if you would? The garden looks recently planted…?”
“Yes, Your Highness, we were able to plant one thanks to your donation.”
Well, I thought I’d done a good job going incognito. Clearly, I was mistaken. “I am glad to see the garden.”
“We had a great deal of help from the community at large putting it in. They were also very excited to see it. There’s very little usable land in this area, as you know, so ours is the best spot to plant a large garden.”
She spoke only truth. The city was crowded, with houses on top of houses, and while everyone planted things, they were restricted to window or balcony boxes. There just wasn’t enough land to go around. The temple grounds would indeed be rich soil most would covet to use.
“Thank you for answering me.”
“Enjoy your time with Vuheia.” She bowed again before backing away.
“Am I really so bad at dressing plainly?” I asked Edwin.
He gave me an exasperated look mixed with affection. “Dearest, you could wear a potato sack with no visible change. That’s what happens when you’re handsome.”
“Oh.” I preened a little. Such a nice backhanded compliment. “Thank you?”
“I can tell my words went straight to your head.” Edwin rolled his eyes and put a hand to my back, urging me forward. “Let’s actually do the thing we came here for.”
“Sure.” I went where he directed, still grinning. Aww, my Edwin thought me handsome.
I knelt in the same spot I’d used last time, resting my elbows comfortably on the padded banister, and got comfortable before starting the prayer.
Vuheia?
I felt her warmth immediately, her hand on my shoulder as before. “I’m listening.”
There’s nothing wrong, I assured her.I just wanted to introduce you to my Edwin. I know you know of him, but do you know him well?
