“Yes, sir. I apologize for keeping you waiting.”
“No trouble at all, Mr. Baker. His Highness warned us that you might be feeling poorly because of your injury.”
“Injury? Hugo, darling, you were hurt?” his mother cried. Her bottom lip wobbled, and her eyes instantly filled with tears.
“No, Mother, it was just a minor cut. Nothing at all. His Highness is too thoughtful to worry about such a tiny thing,” Hugo said to his mother while tossing a warning look at Augustine, who was grinning like a Cheshire cat in the corner of the room. Augustine didn’t say a word, but Hugo didn’t feel good when he noticed Dorian edging closer to their younger brother. The little snot was going to spill everything.
But right now, Augustine was not his biggest concern. That went to Prince Everand and his very busy mouth.
“Mr. Baker, His Royal Majesty was greatly relieved to have his only son safely returned to the palace early this morning, thanks to your efforts. He has issued a royal edict that he has asked me to read,” the official resumed.
Hugo bit his tongue to hold back more words to downplay his efforts to save Everand. He really hadn’t done all that much, but there seemed no point in arguing that.
The official opened an elegant red-and-gold folio, which contained a single piece of parchment with beautiful script.
“His Royal Majesty, King Hubert Cornelius Thaddeus Rosewood the Third wishes to bestow his deepest appreciation for the gallant and quick-witted assistance Mr. Hugo Baker provided to his only son, Crown Prince Everand Rupert Desmond Rosewood the First. It was through his bravery and selfless actions that the crown prince was able to return home safely. Mr. Baker’s noble actions helped to preserve the peace and prosperity of Branem.”
As he started speaking, their front door opened and a servant in royal livery trooped in, carrying a medium-sized chest. He stopped next to the official and opened the lid, revealing a mountain of gold and silver coins, precious gems, and strings of gleaming pearls, each as big as Hugo’s thumb. Hugo and his family gasped at the wealth. It was more than enough to fund Hugo’s season and a comfortable life for all of them for at least several years.
“This chest of coins and jewels is a token of His Majesty’s appreciation,” the official stated. “A stallion by the name of Midnight will be delivered this afternoon. He comes from a long line of horses who were ridden exclusively by the royal family. A full accounting of his illustrious pedigree will be provided upon delivery.”
A second servant walked in carrying an exquisite rifle, clearly made by a master craftsman. Hugo’s fingers itched to touch it. He wasn’t one for hunting, but he could appreciate a fine weapon.
“His Highness specifically requested that you be given a rifle from his private collection, hoping it will make up for the one you lost last evening,” the official explained as he closed the red and gold folio. He bowed deeply, handing it to Hugo.
“This is all too much. I am so honored by His Majesty’s gifts.” Hugo bowed in return and accepted the folio. He was breathing a sigh of relief that nothing horrible had happened when his mother spoke up.
“I don’t understand. If the king is so grateful for Hugo saving the prince’s life, why didn’t he honor him with a title? Even just a knighthood.”
“Mother!” Hugo and his brothers gasped at the same time.
Hugo jumped into action to smooth over the awkward moment. He tucked the folio under his left arm and grabbed the rifle with his left hand while wrapping his right arm around the official’s shoulders, ushering him to the door as he stood aghast.
“Please forgive my mother. I think she’s still in shock and doesn’t know what she’s saying,” Hugo confided in a low voice. “Upon my return last night, I didn’t tell her about my encounter in the woods with Prince Everand and the bandits. I was afraid of what the news would do to her fragile mind.”
“Ah,” the official said, giving what appeared to be an all-too-knowing nod. “I’m sorry for dropping this news on your mother so unexpectedly. I hope she can recover from the shock and regain her senses.”
“Thank you. I do too. His Majesty’s generosity will enable us to take a break from the hustle and bustle of life. Maybe I will take Mother to the seaside to rest.”
“Oh! I’ve almost forgotten!” The official pulled away from Hugo as they were reaching the door. “Before you leave town, Her Royal Majesty has invited you to the royal ball that is to take place in one week.” He reached inside his jacket and pulled out a pristine white envelope with Hugo’s name written across the front.
The mention of the queen made Hugo’s stomach twist. She’d featured in more than a few of his nightmares since that fateful day where he had to spin straw into gold. While he was more than happy to see Everand, he’d prefer never to set eyes on the queen again. She made him deeply uneasy. One misstep around her, and he could so easily lose his head.
The official lowered his voice to a whisper and added as he handed over the envelope. “As I was leaving, His Highness expressed his hopes that you would attend the ball. He seemed eager to see you.” Hugo’s heart soared. “Her Majesty included all the details of your visit within the invitation.”
Hugo’s heart crashed.
Would she require him to spin more straw into gold in order to see her son?
Fourteen
Hugo didn’t get a second to catch his breath. The moment the door closed behind the royal official, he raced to the living room to catch his family poking through the chest of coins and gems, gasping at all the pretty sparkles.
“Drop it! Out!” Hugo shouted, plucking coins and precious stones out of fingers and putting them back in the chest before slamming it shut.
“Hugo!” his mother gasped. “I raised you better than that! Will you truly not share a small portion of your good fortune with your family?”
“Of course, I’m going to share it. As the male head of the household, it’s my duty to see that you’re all provided for. That also means I need to protect you from yourselves.”
