Prologue
The year was 1709, the monarchy was under threat, and the queen’s advisers worried. Danger came from many different quarters and something had to be done. A council was formed by Anne, Queen of Great Britain, and she gathered ten of her most powerful nobles. Men she trusted to pledge their allegiance to her and none other. Each was given a ring, the gold band forged from goblets said to be used by William the Conqueror in 1066 when he won the Battle of Hastings and took the throne. The men would protect the ruling monarch, and the council would be known as Alexius.The Defenders.
Over the years their numbers would grow as members would be enlisted for courageous acts undertaken or loyalty to the throne. Others inherited the position. Brothers, cousins, all united in their quest.
Veritas scutumtibi erit would be their pledge.The truth will be your shield.
Chapter One
“What’s wrong?”
“I beg your pardon?” Mr. Nathanial Deville said to his brother as their feet sank into the thick oriental carpet of Lord Russell’s hallway.
“You’re tense,” Zachariel said out the side of his mouth. “Your teeth will shatter if you keep that jaw clenched for much longer.”
Nathan focused on the family members who walked before him. Zach was right; he was tense. He had no idea why. Life was following its usual pattern. Nothing overly taxing had occurred of late. Even Geraint had been silent, which suggested the monarchy was safe—for now.
“I am fine.”
His eldest brother, Gabriel, Earl of Raine, walked with his fiancée, Miss Dimity Charlotte Elise Saint Bonnard, once Dimity Brown, their sister Abby’s piano teacher. Behind them came Abby with her husband, Daniel Dillinger. Next was the newest member of their family, Forrest, his cousin. Then came Michael, the Deville brother after him, and lastly Nathan and Zach.
“No, you’re not fine.”
“Shut up.”
“Make me,” Zach taunted as only a younger brother could. A brother who knew that Nathan was an easy mark to taunt, or once had been. The last few years had seen a change in him. Possibly a much needed one, but he wasn’t ready to concede that or the reasons for the turnaround.
“I will when we get home, and you’ll be weeping into your bedsheets.”
Zach snorted.
“It might pay you to go through the door first, Zach, as you are the plainest-looking Deville, after all. There will be little hope with the ladies if they see you in our company,” Nathan heckled him.
“Miss Lucrecia Smythe said she fell asleep each night thinking of my face.” Zach smirked.
“Poor woman; her nightmares must have been horrific.”
They stepped through and looked at the guests milling below, taking in the explosion of colors and scents. Moving his eyes slowly through the people as he always did, he searched for her, knowing, of course, she would not be present. She’d gone, and it was likely he’d never see her again.
Which is a good thing, you idiot.
The Duchess of Yardly wore a hideous shade of peach, more putrid orange actually, that hurt his eyes. She was leaning on England’s most dangerous weapon, her cane. Beside her stood two women. Suddenly the air sucked from his lungs, and he stumbled. Zach grabbed him as he pitched forward.
“What?” All humor was gone from his brother’s face.
“Nathan?” Gabe arrived at his side.
“I-I am well. Sorry, I just missed the step.”
Why is she here?
“Miss Carlow is here,” Michael said softly, moving to stand on the step before him.
Anyone looking would see nothing unusual. Just the Devilles making an entrance, but Nathan knew it for what it was. His brothers were protecting him.
“What? Where?” Zach still had a hand on Nathan’s arm as he looked below. “That witch,” he hissed.
“Enough, brothers,” Nathan said. “I am well, and she was bound to return. Stand down.”
