ChapterOne
London, England
May 19, 1807
“Stop that degenerate!”
The angry shout came from behind Astara as she took off running down a populated street in the heart of Mayfair on a pleasant, sunny Monday morning.She couldn’t stop a laugh from escaping as she attempted to put some much needed distance between herself and the three men of the watch who were quickly closing the expanse.
She wanted to accept the blame, that she might have gotten out of line this time, but nothing short of Mad King George himself would have stopped her from whisking that pocket watch from the unsuspecting gentleman.She was normally more adept at her craft, but she had become rattled by some recent news she’d discovered.She had to find out if it was true and to do that, drastic measures had to be taken.She had to make a scene, to draw attention to herself and her abilities when it came to evading capture.It was the only way she was going to gain a coveted invitation for selection to become a member of the Lion’s Watch.She was no one of note, a commoner without any sort of experience other than what she’d learned on the streets as soon as she had been old enough to rid herself of her cruel taskmasters at the orphanage.
To be noticed by the respected and highly confidential organization, she would never be approached to join those coveted ranks without some sort of merit to recommend her.She was determined not to let this opportunity pass her by.With such endless resources at her disposal, agents scattered all throughout England, she could finally have a chance to discover her true parentage.Stealing an actual watch was her way of recommending her skills in front of any agents that might be observing this very pursuit through such a popular thoroughfare.
Had it been a dangerous risk?Absolutely.But Miss Astara Smith did not back down from any challenge, no matter how dire it might appear at first.She had the determination to uncover answers that had been denied to her for the past twenty-three years.
As she ducked down an alley and ran until she felt a stitch in her side and thought her lungs might burst from her stays, she decided that it might be a good idea to put an end to the show.
Bursting onto the next street, she heard the sound of a lone whistle and spied a carriage pulling slowly away from the front of an impressive townhouse.She grinned and raced forward.Grabbing the handle, she jumped inside and shut the door behind her.She had the small derringer out of her pocket and pointed at the single occupant before he had a chance to do more than lift a dark brow at the intrusion.
“Good morning,” she offered brightly.“I hope you do not mind if I borrow your carriage for a short while?”
Gaining her first good look of the gentleman, Astara’s grip tightened slightly on the small pistol.Something predatory flashed in the stranger’s dark eyes, and she wondered if she hadn’t just transitioned from the frying pan to the fire.She wished she actually had a ball in the small weapon, but she had never actually never had to shoot anyone.The threat alone was generally enough to dissuade any foe.She’d found this particular pistol discarded at a local pub and pocketed it, thinking that it might come in handy.It had on more than one occasion.Now she had to wonder if pointing it at this specific individual was such a good idea.
The sound of the whistle from the watch grew louder and she knew she was stuck for the moment.
“I feel I can assume they are after you.”
It wasn’t a question but phrased as a statement that she was compelled to answer.“I might have borrowed something that did not belong to me, but I intend to return it after it has served my purpose.”
He gave a snort, and she couldn’t help but notice the strong jawline and the thick dark hair that seemed slightly unruly.She could imagine him running his hand through it in annoyance, but more than likely it was the slight breeze outside that had caused it to fall over his brow.“I am sure that is true.”He leaned forward slightly, and she caught a whiff of something enticing, a woodsy, pine scent.She had not spent much time in the country, but one of the few times she had ventured out of the city, that was one of the loveliest fragrances she had admired.“What sort of fool do you take me for to believe such lies?”
Astara frowned.She did not care for his condescending tone.She might look like any other thief right now, but her aspirations were much nobler.She lifted her chin slightly and narrowed her eyes.“You are a fool if you do not believe in me, but as I have given you no reason to do so, you will just have to take me at my word that my intentions are honorable.”
He laughed.She tried not to be drawn in to the rich, husky sound, but it drew her in.“Yes, I can see that you are a truly respectable street urchin.”
Everything she might have admired about this man went flying out the window like the chamber pots the brothels emptied.And just as stale and disgusting.“It is easy for someone like you to pass judgement on one with limited resources but believe me when I say you will soon learn differently about my nature.I merely stole a watch to make a point.”
He clasped his hands over his stomach, his lips still twitching with amusement.“And that is?”
This time, she was the one who leaned forward.“To fulfill a personal quest.”
“Ah.I see.And what would that be, exactly?Finding a way to secure your next opium visit?”
She gasped in outrage.“I resent that conclusion!I have never touched that vile drug and do not intend to ever do so.My quest is something dear to my heart, something you could never possibly hope to understand.”
His expression sobered and he spread his arms wide.“Enlighten me.”He gestured to the window where the streets were slowly moving by.“I have the feeling we are going to be together for some time yet.Traffic at this time of day is dreadful.Next time, might I suggest a thievery later in the afternoon when I shall be at dinner?”
Astara rolled her eyes.“I shall keep that in mind, but if all works as it should today, there will not be a need for next time.”
“Again, I wonder what it is that is so compelling?”
She knew the best thing to do would be to keep her deepest desires to herself but something about his smug manner made her want to wipe that smile off of his face.“Let me just say that I intend to be called to action very soon.”
He abruptly stilled, and she wondered if he was going to laugh again.Instead, he asked softly, “Do not say all of that ridiculous performance was because you want to be part of the Lion’s Watch?”
She was surprised he guessed her intentions so quickly.However, since the truth was out, there was no reason for her to deny it.“That is precisely it.”
He tilted his head slightly, as if trying to puzzle out a sudden conundrum.“Why on earth would someone like you be willing to join such a dangerous society?”
